Passport Photos in Houston: Prices, Locations & Digital Options
Compare Houston passport photo providers, prices, same-day service and local passport application options.
Quick Answer
In Houston, CVS and Walgreens (~$16.99 for two prints) are the most widely available walk-in options, while UPS Store locations run slightly cheaper at ~$11.99. What most "Houston passport photo" guides leave out: the Harris County District Clerk's Passport Office (5900 Canal St) processes full passport applications locally — meaning Houston residents don't need to drive to a post office or rely solely on retail chains if they want their application handled by a local civic office instead.
Where to Get Passport Photos in Houston
| Location Type | Examples | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacies | CVS, Walgreens (40+ locations citywide) | $16.99–$17.99 |
| Big-box retail | Walmart, Target | $7.64–$12.99 |
| Shipping stores | The UPS Store (20+ locations) | $11.99–$15.99 |
| FedEx Office | Multiple locations (Katy Fwy, Richmond Ave, San Felipe St) | $14.95–$15.95 |
| Post offices | Houston Main Post Office (1700 Smith St), West Houston Station | ~$15.00, application acceptance available |
| County services | Harris County District Clerk Passport Office (5900 Canal St) | Photo not included — bring your own |
| Photo studios | 59 Minute Photo, World Passport Photo, Ling Wang Photography | Varies, often $20+ |
The Harris County Passport Office Most Guides Skip
Houston is unusual in that Harris County runs its own dedicated District Clerk Passport Office at 5900 Canal St, separate from the post office network. This facility accepts full DS-11 applications locally, which is worth knowing if your nearest post office has limited passport hours or long waits. Keep in mind: like most application-acceptance offices, this location processes paperwork, not photos — bring a compliant photo with you rather than expecting one taken on-site.
Houston Main Post Office Option
The Houston Main Post Office at 1700 Smith St and other USPS locations across the city (including West Houston Station and the Fannin St branch) offer combined photo and application services at some locations, letting you handle both in a single visit — useful if you'd rather not coordinate a separate photo stop beforehand.
Fastest Options If You Need Photos Today
If you need a photo within an hour or two, CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx Office locations across Houston all offer same-day, walk-in service with no appointment required. UPS Store locations are typically the cheapest of the walk-in, same-day options at around $11.99.
What to Bring
- A government-issued photo ID
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or existing/expired passport) if applying same-day
- Payment for the photo and, separately, any application acceptance fee
- If visiting the Harris County Passport Office or a post office for application processing: your own compliant passport photo, since these facilities don't take photos on-site
Skip the Drive Across Houston
Given how spread out Houston is, driving to a specific CVS or Walgreens just for a photo — especially if you still need to get to the Harris County Passport Office or a post office afterward — adds up in time. PhotoOmni lets you generate a fully compliant passport photo from your phone before you leave the house, so you can head straight to whichever acceptance facility works best for your schedule with your photo already done.
👉 Create your Houston-ready passport photo with PhotoOmni
FAQ
Where can I get my passport photo and application handled in one Houston visit? Select USPS locations, including the Houston Main Post Office, offer combined photo and application acceptance services — call ahead to confirm your nearest branch offers both.
Does the Harris County Passport Office take photos? No — it processes applications only. Bring your own compliant passport photo when you go.
What's the cheapest same-day option in Houston? The UPS Store, at around $11.99 for two prints, is typically the cheapest walk-in, same-day option, though Walmart can be cheaper if your local store's photo center is operating.
Do I need an appointment at CVS or Walgreens in Houston? No, both are walk-in at most Houston locations.