✅ State Department Compliant • 10 Locations in South Lake Tahoe • Same-Day Service
📸 10 Verified Photo Locations

Passport Photos in South Lake Tahoe, CA — Locations, Hours & Photo Checker

South Lake Tahoe offers multiple convenient passport photo services across its compact downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Local pharmacies, shipping stores, and digital printing centers provide quick, professional passport photo solutions for residents and visitors alike.

10+ Locations
$10-15 Avg Cost
5–10 min Service Time
3.8★ Avg Rating
Where can I get passport photos in South Lake Tahoe, CA? South Lake Tahoe has 10 passport photo locations including Walgreens, CVS, UPS Store, and FedEx — typical cost is $10-15, ready in 5–10 minutes. The full list with hours and ratings is below, ranked by quality.

Passport Photo Locations in South Lake Tahoe

All 10 verified locations with hours, ratings, and one-tap directions

Photo Service
⭐ Top Rated🔥 Popular
★★★★☆ 4.2 (2,473 reviews)

Safeway

📍1020 Johnson Ln
🕐Open 24 hours
📞(530) 542-7740
Photo Service
⭐ Top Rated
★★★★☆ 4.2 (81 reviews)

Mtn Postal Pack & Ship

📍1034 Emerald Bay Rd
🕐10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📞(530) 504-3201
CVS
★★★☆☆ 3.3 (88 reviews)

CVS

📍3471 Lake Tahoe Blvd
🕐7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📞(530) 541-9481
UPS Store
★★★½☆ 3.5 (61 reviews)

UPS Customer Center

📍1746 D St
🕐Call for hours
📞(888) 742-5877
CVS
★★½☆☆ 2.9 (93 reviews)

CVS

📍1043 Emerald Bay Rd
🕐8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📞(530) 544-1500
Photo Service
⭐ Top Rated
★★★★☆ 4.0 (24 reviews)

United States Postal Service

📍950 Emerald Bay Rd
🕐9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📞(800) 275-8777
FedEx
★★★☆☆ 3.2 (49 reviews)

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

📍4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite 29
🕐9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📞(530) 542-2402
Photo Service
★★☆☆☆ 2.1 (138 reviews)

United States Postal Service

📍1046 Al Tahoe Blvd
🕐8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📞(800) 275-8777
Photo Service
★★★☆☆ 3.3 (4 reviews)

United States Postal Service

📍1285 Apache Ave
🕐9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 4:45 PM
📞(800) 275-8777
Photo Service
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 reviews)

United States Postal Service

📍400 Fallen Leaf Rd
🕐11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📞(800) 275-8777

💡 Tip: Call ahead to confirm passport photo service availability, especially at smaller locations.

Photo Providers in South Lake Tahoe

Quick comparison of providers based on this city’s actual locations and ratings

Provider Locations in South Lake Tahoe Avg. Rating Typical Hours Cost
CVS 2 locations 3.1★ 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM $10-15
UPS Store 1 location 3.5★ Call ahead $10-15
FedEx 1 location 3.2★ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM $10-15

📍 Local Tips for South Lake Tahoe

Insider knowledge from our Lake Tahoe Basin experts

Consider timing your passport photo during the less busy morning hours when lines are shorter. Many providers near the Nevada state line offer faster service and competitive pricing.

💡 Popular neighborhoods: Tahoe Keys and Ski Run

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 South Lake Tahoe

How much do passport photos cost in South Lake Tahoe?
Passport photos in South Lake Tahoe typically range from $12-$15 per set. Most locations offer digital and printed options at standard pricing.
Where can I get passport photos in South Lake Tahoe?
CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are primary passport photo providers in the area. The UPS Store on Lake Tahoe Boulevard also offers professional passport photo services.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
While DIY photos are technically allowed, professional shots have higher acceptance rates with government agencies. Local providers ensure proper lighting, background, and sizing requirements.
How quickly can I get passport photos in South Lake Tahoe?
Most passport photo sessions take between 5-10 minutes from start to finish. Digital files can be immediately emailed or printed on-site.
What are the US passport photo requirements?
Photos must be 2×2 inches with a plain white or off-white background. The subject must face directly toward the camera with a neutral expression.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Passport photos require a neutral facial expression with both eyes open. Slight, natural smiles are acceptable, but wide grins are not permitted.
Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
Many providers offer walk-in passport photo services without prior scheduling. During peak tourist seasons, calling ahead can help minimize wait times.
What should I wear for my passport photo?
Wear everyday clothing without bold patterns or white shirts that blend with the background. Avoid accessories that obstruct facial features like hats or large earrings.

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