Passport Photos in San Mateo, CA — Locations, Hours & Photo Checker
San Mateo offers multiple convenient passport photo services across its diverse downtown and retail areas. Local pharmacies, shipping centers, and professional photography studios provide quick and compliant passport photo solutions for residents and travelers.
Passport Photo Locations in San Mateo
All 16 verified locations with hours, ratings, and one-tap directions
A-1 Hour Photo & Studio
The UPS Store
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
Walgreens
UPS Access Point location
💡 Tip: Call ahead to confirm passport photo service availability, especially at smaller locations.
Photo Providers in San Mateo
Quick comparison of providers based on this city’s actual locations and ratings
| Provider | Locations in San Mateo | Avg. Rating | Typical Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Store | 5 locations | 3.7★ | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM | $10-15 |
| CVS | 5 locations | 3.1★ | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | $10-15 |
| Walgreens | 3 locations | 2.5★ | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM | $10-15 |
| FedEx | 2 locations | 3.3★ | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | $10-15 |
📍 Local Tips for San Mateo
Insider knowledge from our San Francisco Bay Area experts
Many residents find the CVS and Walgreens locations along El Camino Real particularly efficient for passport photos. The downtown area near Third Avenue typically has multiple quick-service options.
US Passport Photo Requirements
Official specifications from the U.S. Department of State
📐 Size & Dimensions
Photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- Head height: 1 to 1⅜ inches
- Eye level: 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from bottom
- Print on matte or glossy paper
📸 Photo Quality
High resolution, in focus, proper exposure
- Taken within last 6 months
- Color photo (no black & white)
- Natural skin tones
⚪ Background
Plain white or off-white only
- No patterns or textures
- No shadows on background
- Uniform color throughout
👤 Head Position
Face forward, directly at camera
- Head straight (not tilted)
- Full face view, ears visible
- Eyes open and clearly visible
😐 Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
- No smiling with teeth
- Both eyes open
- Natural expression
👓 Glasses & Accessories
Generally not allowed
- Remove eyeglasses (unless medical)
- No sunglasses or tinted lenses
- No headphones or devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about passport photos in San Mateo
How much do passport photos cost in San Mateo?
Where can I get passport photos in San Mateo?
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
How quickly can I get passport photos in San Mateo?
What are the US passport photo requirements?
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
What should I wear for my passport photo?
Need to Renew Your Passport After Getting Your Photo?
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