How to Book a Passport Appointment at Staples

Staples offers passport photo services, not passport appointments

Staples does not process passport applications or issue passports. What Staples does offer is passport photos — the 2x2-inch photo you need to include with your application. If you are looking to schedule an appointment to apply for or renew a passport, you need to contact a passport acceptance facility or passport agency directly, not Staples.

Staples locations across the country have photo departments that can take your passport photo on the spot, usually while you wait. The photo meets the State Department's specifications: plain white background, neutral expression, both ears visible, and no glasses or hats. This is a useful stop on your way to submit your application, but it is not the place where you schedule your passport appointment itself.

Key Takeaways

• Staples takes passport photos but does not schedule passport appointments or process applications.
• You can walk into most Staples photo departments without an appointment and get a passport photo printed the same day.
• To schedule a passport appointment, contact your local post office, courthouse, or library — all are passport acceptance facilities.
• The State Department's official passport website (travel.state.gov) has a tool to find passport acceptance locations near you.
• Passport photos at Staples typically cost between $15 and $20 per set.

Where Staples fits into your passport timeline

If you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing one that has expired, your first step is to schedule an appointment at an actual passport acceptance facility. Once you have that appointment scheduled, you can visit Staples before or after to get your photo taken. Many people do this in reverse order — they get the photo done at Staples, then bring it with them to their appointment, which saves time.

Staples photo services are available at most locations during regular store hours. You do not need to call ahead or book a time slot. Walk in, tell the photo department you need a passport photo, and they will take it. You will typically receive your printed photos within an hour, sometimes faster. If your local Staples does not have a photo department, the staff can direct you to the nearest location that does.

How to find a real passport appointment location

The State Department maintains an official search tool at travel.state.gov/passport. On that site, you can enter your zip code and see all passport acceptance facilities within a certain distance. These include post offices, courthouses, libraries, and dedicated passport agencies. Each location has different hours and different wait times for appointments.

Post offices are the most common option. Most full-service post offices accept passport applications and can schedule you for an appointment. You can call your local post office directly or book online through their website. Courthouses and public libraries also accept applications in many areas. If you are in a major city, there may be a dedicated passport agency office where you can get an appointment faster, though these fill up quickly.

What to bring to your passport appointment

You will need your completed passport application form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for renewal), a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), and your passport photo. The photo can come from Staples or any other source that meets State Department standards. You will also need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The acceptance facility will verify them and may keep some on file. If you are renewing a passport that is not expired, the process is simpler and may not require an in-person appointment at all — you can mail in your application instead. The staff at your appointment location can tell you whether you may have access to for by-mail renewal.

Passport photo requirements Staples must meet

Staples photo departments are trained on State Department passport photo rules. Your photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white background. You must be facing the camera directly, with a neutral expression and both ears visible. You cannot wear glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons, which require a separate form). The photo must be in color and in focus.

If you bring a photo from another source to your passport appointment and it does not meet these standards, the acceptance facility will reject it and you will have to get a new one. Having Staples take the photo removes that risk, since they know the exact rules. If you are unsure whether a photo you already have will work, ask the staff at Staples — they can tell you whether it meets requirements.

Timing: when to get your Staples photo

You can get your passport photo from Staples at any point before your appointment. Many people do it the same day as their appointment, either before or after. Some prefer to do it a few days ahead so they have time to check that the photo looks acceptable. There is no deadline — as long as the photo was taken within six months of your appointment, it will be accepted.

If you are in a rush and need your passport quickly, getting the photo done at Staples first means you will have one less thing to handle on the day of your appointment. This can speed up the process slightly, though the real wait time is determined by how busy the acceptance facility is and how long the State Department takes to process your application after you submit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment at Staples online?

No. Staples does not handle passport appointments. You can walk in to get a photo taken, but to schedule a passport appointment, you must contact a passport acceptance facility directly — usually your local post office, courthouse, or library. Use the State Department's location finder at travel.state.gov/passport to find the nearest one and see how to book.

How much does a passport photo cost at Staples?

Passport photos at Staples typically cost between $15 and $20 per set, depending on your location and whether you want digital copies as well. Prices vary slightly by store. Call your local Staples photo department to confirm the exact price before you go in.

What if I get my photo taken at Staples and it gets rejected at my appointment?

This is rare if Staples took the photo, since their staff know the State Department rules. If it does happen, the acceptance facility will tell you what is wrong. You can go back to Staples and have them retake it, or get a new photo elsewhere. Most facilities will wait while you get a corrected photo, though some may ask you to reschedule.

Do I need an appointment to get a passport photo at Staples?

No. Staples photo departments accept walk-ins. You do not need to call ahead or book a time. Just go in during store hours, tell them you need a passport photo, and they will take it. Turnaround is usually an hour or less.

Can Staples tell me if my passport photo meets State Department standards?

Yes. Staples photo staff are trained on passport photo rules and will make sure your photo meets them before printing. If you already have a photo and want to check it before your appointment, you can bring it to Staples and ask them to review it.