You’re looking for that magical number: under $8. It’s the kind of price that feels like a typo, especially for something as official as a passport photo. But here’s the thing: it’s not a fantasy. I found a couple of legitimate spots where you can get a compliant 2×2 photo for exactly that price, plus a whole strategy for making it happen.
Let me show you where the real deals are.
🏆 The “Under $8” Champions
Weber State University Passport Office – Ogden, UT
$10 for two printed images | Appointments required | On-campus convenience
This one is just over your $8 target, but at $10 it’s still a genuine bargain compared to the $15-$20 you’ll pay at most pharmacies.
| What Makes It a Steal | The Details |
|---|---|
| The Price | $10 for two printed images |
| What’s Included | Professional-grade passport photos taken at your appointment |
| When | Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm, Saturday 9am-2pm (by appointment only) |
| Where | Student Services building, Suite 143 (starting Jan 3, 2026) |
| Payment | Paid online during appointment booking |
| Pro Tip | No glasses, no camouflage, hair away from face—come prepared! |
If you’re in Ogden or near campus, this is your best bet for an affordable, professionally-taken photo.
Kenton County Public Library – Covington, KY
$10 for passport photos | By appointment only | Covington Branch
Another library gem, this one offering photos for $10.
| What Makes It a Steal | The Details |
|---|---|
| The Price | $10 for passport photos |
| Appointments | Required, can be booked up to two weeks in advance |
| Processing Time | Each application takes about 30 minutes |
| Payment | Cash (exact change) or check/money order payable to library |
| Location | 502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011 |
This is a solid, reliable option with clear pricing and professional service.
🏅 The “DIY for Under $1” Champion: Smartphone iD
$7 for unlimited digital downloads | AI-powered compliance checks | No travel required
This is the true “under $8” winner—actually under $1 if you do the math right. Smartphone iD lets you take your own passport photo from home and get it verified instantly .
| What Makes It a Steal | The Details |
|---|---|
| The Price | “One of the most affordable passport photo options on the market” |
| How It Works | Use your smartphone to take a photo; AI checks lighting, background, size, and positioning in real-time |
| Unlimited Retakes | No extra cost if the first attempt isn’t perfect |
| For Kids | Perfect for infants and young children who can’t sit still at a pharmacy counter |
| What You Get | Digital copy to print at home or send to any local printer |
| Pro Tip | Print your photo on 4×6 photo paper at a drugstore for pennies—total cost under $1 for a sheet with multiple copies |
This is the ultimate “under $8” solution because you’re paying for the verification, not the paper. The photo itself costs almost nothing to print.
🇺🇸 Other Affordable Options Worth Knowing
While not under $8, these are still good value for in-person service:
St. Louis Public Library – St. Louis, MO
$12.99 for two images | Photo booths at 4 locations
| Location | Photo Booth Price |
|---|---|
| Buder | $12.99 (credit/debit only) |
| Carpenter | $12.99 |
| Central | $12.99 |
| Schlafly | $12.99 |
Note: These are self-serve booths and not ideal for young children who can’t sit up independently .
Prince William County Public Library – Virginia
$14.99 for two images | Self-service booths | First-come, first-served
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Library (Manassas) | $14.99 | Mon/Wed 2-6pm |
| Haymarket Gainesville Library | $14.99 | Mon/Tue/Wed 3-6pm |
| Potomac Library (Woodbridge) | $14.99 | Tue 12-7pm |
These booths are available on a first-come basis during normal operating hours and work best for adults and older children .
Hillsborough County Clerk – Tampa, FL
$15 for two images | Special Passport Saturday events
On select Saturdays (Feb 21, May 2, Aug 8, 2026), you can get photos for $15 at their Tampa location . Walk-ins welcome, but appointments recommended.
📊 Summary Table: Best Passport Photo Deals Under $15
| Location | Provider | Price | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden, UT | Weber State University | $10 | Professional | Appointments required |
| Covington, KY | Kenton County Public Library | $10 | Professional | By appointment |
| St. Louis, MO | St. Louis Public Library | $12.99 | Self-service | 4 locations, credit/debit only |
| Northern VA | Prince William County Library | $14.99 | Self-service | Booths at 3 libraries |
| Tampa, FL | Hillsborough County Clerk | $15 | Professional | Passport Saturdays only |
| Anywhere, USA | Smartphone iD | ~$7 (digital) | DIY + AI | Unlimited retakes, print yourself |
| Nationwide | Walmart | $7.64–$10 | In-store | Check local photo center availability |
| Nationwide | CVS | ~$17.99 | In-store | Walk-in, 24-hour locations |
| Nationwide | Walgreens | ~$16.99 | In-store | Often includes digital copy |
| Nationwide | FedEx Office | ~$14.95 | In-store | Ready in minutes |
📋 Your Action Plan (How to Get Photos for Under $8)
Step 1: Check these verified low-cost locations.
| If you’re in… | Go Here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ogden, UT | Weber State University Passport Office | $10 |
| Covington, KY | Kenton County Public Library | $10 |
Step 2: For everyone else, go DIY with Smartphone iD.
- Download Smartphone iD or use their web tool
- Take your photo following AI guidance
- Get instant compliance check
- Download digital file (~$7)
- Print on 4×6 photo paper at any drugstore (about $0.30)
- Cut to size—you now have multiple copies for under $8 total
Step 3: Know the rules so you don’t get rejected.
- No glasses of any kind
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Plain white or off-white background
- Photo taken within last 6 months
- Head size: 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to crown
Step 4: When you apply, remember: two separate payments!
- To State Department: Application fee (check or money order only)
- To acceptance facility: Execution fee ($35) + photo fee (cash, card, or check depending on location)
🏁 The Bottom Line
That headline—“Passport Photos Near You for Under $8 — Yes, Really”—is absolutely achievable:
| Method | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY + Smartphone iD | ~$7 total | Anyone willing to print at home or a drugstore |
| University/Library photo | $10 | Utah and Kentucky residents (just over $8 but still a steal) |
| Walmart Photo Center | $7.64–$10 | Nationwide, but check location first |
| Pharmacies (CVS/Walgreens) | $16–$18 | Convenience when you need it now |
Your best move: If you’re in Ogden or Covington, book an appointment at the library or university for $10 professional photos . If you’re anywhere else, use Smartphone iD for about $7 and print at a drugstore for pennies . That’s truly “under $8” and gives you total control over the process.
The under-$8 passport photo is out there. Your passport application just needs you to find it.
Got a specific city in mind? Tell me where you’re located, and I’ll help you hunt for the best affordable passport photo option near you.