That headline is music to your ears, right? “Under $10” for passport photos—something you absolutely need, but usually pay $15-$20 for. And the best part? It’s completely true. I found multiple places across the country where you can get official, government-compliant passport photos for exactly $10. Some are even less.
Let me show you where to find them.
📸 First, Where to Get Passport Photos for Under $10
I found verified locations in multiple states offering passport photos at or under that magical $10 price point:
| Location | Provider | Price | What’s Included | Appointment Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Holly & Mount Laurel, NJ | Burlington County Clerk’s Office | $10 | Passport photos at both locations | No appointment needed |
| Cleveland, OH | Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts | $10 | Passport photo services on 1st floor of Justice Center | No appointment needed |
| Ogden, UT | Weber State University Passport Office | $10 | Two printed photos at your appointment | Appointment required |
| Ballston Spa, NY | Saratoga County Clerk’s Office | $10 | Full-service passport photos | Walk-in M-F 9am-4pm |
| Hof, Germany | City Citizens’ Centre | €6 (~$6.50 USD) | Biometric digital photos via self-service terminal | Walk-in |
| Nationwide US | Walmart | $7.44 | Two printed photos | Varies by location |
| Multiple US locations | AAA (Classic members) | $8.45 | One set (2 photos) for members | Branch-dependent |
The standout deals:
- Walmart at $7.44 is genuinely “under $10” and widely available
- County government offices consistently offer $10 photos with the convenience of one-stop passport processing
- AAA members can get photos for $8.45 (Classic) or even FREE for Plus/Premier members
🏛️ Government Offices: The $10 Sweet Spot
County clerk offices and government passport acceptance facilities are surprisingly great options. They’re official, they know the requirements, and they consistently price photos at $10.
| Office | Location | Photo Price | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington County Clerk | Mount Holly & Mount Laurel, NJ | $10 | Also processes applications, no appointment needed |
| Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts | Cleveland, OH | $10 | On-site at Justice Center, no appointment |
| Saratoga County Clerk | Ballston Spa, NY | $10 | Full-service passport agent, walk-in M-F |
| Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $10 | Appointment required, on-campus convenience |
What makes these great: You can get your photo AND submit your application in one trip. The people taking your photos process passport applications every day—they know exactly what the State Department requires.
🏬 Retailers: Walmart Takes the Crown
If you need something truly “under $10” and widely available, Walmart is your best bet at $7.44 . Here’s how other retailers compare:
| Retailer | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $7.44 | Best price among national chains |
| UPS Store | ~$11.99 | Varies by location |
| Staples | $14.99 | Participating stores only |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | 1-hour service, includes two photos |
| CVS | $16.99 | Includes two photos, availability varies |
Important note about Costco: They permanently closed all in-store photo centers in 2021. No passport photos there anymore .
🎯 AAA: The Membership Hack
If you’re a AAA member—or know someone who is—this is the way to go:
| Membership Level | One Set (2 photos) | Digital Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Non-member | $15.00 | $5.00 |
| Classic member | $8.45 | $5.00 |
| Plus member | FREE (one set/year) | $2.00 |
| Premier member | FREE (all photos) | Included |
The math: A Plus membership ($50-70/year) pays for itself if you need passport photos for a family. Plus members get one free set annually, and additional sets are just $8.45 .
🌍 International Options
For our readers outside the US:
Hof, Germany — The city’s Citizens’ Centre offers biometric passport photos at self-service terminals for €6 (~$6.50 USD). The image transfers automatically to the registration system—fast, secure, and compliant with new 2025 regulations .
Maui, Hawaii — The County Immigrant Services Division offers passport photos for $15 per set (slightly above our $10 target, but worth noting as a convenient one-stop option) .
🧠 What to Know Before You Go
Two Payments, Always
When applying for a passport, you’ll need two separate payments :
- To the U.S. Department of State: Application fees (check or money order only)
- To the acceptance facility: Execution fee ($35) and photo fee (cash, card, or check depending on location)
Photo Requirements (Or Your $10 Photo Gets Rejected)
The State Department is strict. Your photo must have :
- Size: Exactly 2×2 inches
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Glasses: Not allowed (unless medically necessary with doctor’s note)
- Head covering: Only for religious or medical reasons
- Recent: Taken within last 6 months
Pro tip: Professional places like these will ensure compliance. That’s worth the $10 right there.
💡 What You Should Do Right Now
Step 1: Choose your location.
| If you’re in… | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (Burlington County) | County Clerk’s Office | $10, no appointment, one-stop |
| Cleveland, OH | County Clerk of Courts | $10, no appointment |
| Upstate NY (Saratoga County) | County Clerk’s Office | $10, walk-in |
| Utah (Ogden area) | Weber State University | $10, appointment required |
| Anywhere, USA | Walmart | $7.44, widely available |
| Anywhere, USA (AAA member) | AAA branch | As low as FREE |
Step 2: Call ahead to confirm:
- Current photo price
- Appointment requirements (most county offices are walk-in, but confirm)
- Hours of operation
- Payment methods accepted
Step 3: Prepare for your visit:
- No glasses
- No white shirt (can blend with background)
- Hair away from face
- Neutral expression
Step 4: Get your application done at the same time if possible.
County clerk offices that do $10 photos are also passport acceptance facilities. You can knock out photo + application in one trip .
🏁 The Bottom Line
That headline—“Passport Photos Near You for Under $10 — No Joke”—is absolutely real. Here’s where to find them:
- Walmart: $7.44 (nationwide)
- County clerk offices: $10 in NJ, OH, NY, UT, and many other states
- AAA members: $8.45 or FREE depending on membership level
- Hof, Germany: €6 at city citizens’ centre
Your best move: If you have a AAA membership, use it—free is unbeatable. If not, check your local county clerk’s office first for that reliable $10 price. And if you just want the absolute cheapest with the most locations, Walmart at $7.44 is your answer .
The “under $10” 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 find the closest under-$10 option near you.