CARLSBAD, CA · PASSPORT PHOTOS

Where to Get Passport Photos in Carlsbad, California

Skip the lines and use Perfect Passport to take your compliant photo right at home.

Whether you prefer visiting a local pharmacy or an independent photography studio, Carlsbad offers several convenient walk-in locations for your passport photo needs. If you'd rather save time, our Perfect Passport service lets you snap a fully compliant photo from the comfort of your living room. Explore the 11 local options below or try our easy digital solution today.

See walk-in options in Carlsbad ↓

Before

Passport-ready2 × 2 in · 300 DPI

RECOMMENDED · WORKS ANYWHERE IN CARLSBAD

Why Taking Your Passport Photo at Home is the Smartest Choice

With Perfect Passport, you can capture your picture from anywhere in Carlsbad without driving to a store. For just $7.95, our software ensures your image meets strict State Department compliance guidelines before you even submit it. We guarantee your photo will be accepted by the government, or you get your money back. It is the easiest way to check this task off your travel to-do list.

Free to check · Pay only if it passes the spec check

HOME VS. WALK-IN

Why most applicants skip the trip.

	Perfect Passport (home)	Walk-in
Typical price	$7.95 digital · $12.95 with prints	$15 – $20 for 2 prints
Time required	~2 minutes	30 – 60 min round trip
Where	Anywhere with a phone	Store hours only
Compliance check	Automatic, instant	Cashier judgement
Retakes	Free, unlimited	Pay again
Money-back if rejected	Yes	Rare

WALK-IN OPTIONS

Where to get passport photos in Carlsbad.

If you'd rather not take it yourself, here are the major chains and independent studios in Carlsbad that accept walk-ins for U.S. passport photos. Hours and prices change — always call ahead.

National chains

The UPS Store

Chain

2521 Palomar Airport Rd STE 105, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA

5.0 · 104 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 2521 Palomar Airport Rd STE 105. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8a–6:30p · Tue 8a–6:30p · Wed 8a–6:30p · Thu 8a–6:30p · Fri 8a–6:30p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun 10a–3p
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 814-2076

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The UPS Store

Chain

1084 N El Camino Real Ste B, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

4.8 · 687 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 1084 N El Camino Real Ste B. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8:30a–6:30p · Tue 8:30a–6:30p · Wed 8:30a–6:30p · Thu 8:30a–6:30p · Fri 8:30a–6:30p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun 10a–4p
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 944-9441

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The UPS Store

Chain

7040 Avenida Encinas Ste 104, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA

4.8 · 169 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 7040 Avenida Encinas Ste 104. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 7:30a–6p · Tue 7:30a–6p · Wed 7:30a–6p · Thu 7:30a–6p · Fri 7:30a–6p · Sat 9a–3p · Sun Closed
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 431-0028

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The UPS Store

Chain

1759 Oceanside Blvd C, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

4.3 · 101 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 1759 Oceanside Blvd C. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8a–6p · Tue 8a–6p · Wed 8a–6p · Thu 8a–6p · Fri 8a–6p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun Closed
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 722-2442

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The UPS Store

Chain

300 Carlsbad Village Dr #108a, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

4.2 · 87 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #108a. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8a–6p · Tue 8a–6p · Wed 8a–6p · Thu 8a–6p · Fri 8a–6p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun 10a–3p
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 434-9933

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The UPS Store

Chain

6965 El Camino Real Ste 105, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA

4.0 · 284 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 6965 El Camino Real Ste 105. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8a–6p · Tue 8a–6p · Wed 8a–6p · Thu 8a–6p · Fri 8a–6p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun 12–5p
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 438-7704

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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

2444 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

3.7 · 133 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 2444 Vista Way. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~10 minutes

Hours: Mon 8a–8p · Tue 8a–8p · Wed 8a–8p · Thu 8a–8p · Fri 8a–8p · Sat 9a–6p · Sun 12–6p
Price: $14.95
Phone: (760) 433-5112

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The UPS Store

Chain

2604-B El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

3.2 · 126 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 2604-B El Camino Real. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours: Mon 8a–6p · Tue 8a–6p · Wed 8a–6p · Thu 8a–6p · Fri 8a–6p · Sat 9a–5p · Sun 11a–4p
Price: $11.99 – $14.99
Phone: (760) 729-4961

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United States Postal Service

Chain

1700 Aviara Pkwy, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA

3.0 · 96 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

USPS location at 1700 Aviara Pkwy. Photo + application filed in one visit

Hours: Mon 9a–5p · Tue 9a–5p · Wed 9a–5p · Thu 9a–5p · Fri 9a–5p · Sat 9:30a–4p · Sun Closed
Price: $15.00
Phone: (800) 275-8777

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CVS

Chain

2510 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

2.9 · 240 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 2510 El Camino Real. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours: Mon Open 24 hours · Tue Open 24 hours · Wed Open 24 hours · Thu Open 24 hours · Fri Open 24 hours · Sat Open 24 hours · Sun Open 24 hours
Price: $16.99
Phone: (760) 729-8941

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Independent studios in Carlsbad

PostalAnnex

Local studio

2647 Gateway Rd #105, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA

4.0 · 27 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

PostalAnnex is a local shipping and business services center in Carlsbad, California, that offers convenient on-site passport photography. Walk-in customers can expect quick, compliant photos taken during regular operating hours, though it is recommended to call for pricing before visiting. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Hours: Mon 9a–5p · Tue 9a–5p · Wed 9a–5p · Thu 9a–5p · Fri 9a–5p · Sat 10a–2p · Sun Closed
Price: Varies
Phone: (760) 579-0044

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URGENT TRAVEL · NEAREST PASSPORT AGENCY

Closest in-person passport agency to Carlsbad.

San Diego Passport Agency

1 Columbia Place 401 West A St, 10th Floor San Diego, CA 92101 · About 35 miles south of Carlsbad

Appointments are strictly for life-or-death emergencies or urgent international travel within 14 calendar days.

FAQ

Passport photo questions, Carlsbad edition.

Can I take my own passport photo in Carlsbad?

Yes, you can take your own passport photo anywhere in Carlsbad as long as it meets all federal requirements. You will need a plain white or off-white background, good lighting, and someone else to take the picture since selfies are not allowed. Using a dedicated service ensures your home photo is perfectly cropped and compliant.

What size and format does a U.S. passport photo need to be?

The U.S. State Department requires passport photos to be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be printed in color on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, and your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

Can I wear glasses or a hat in my U.S. passport photo?

No, you cannot wear glasses in your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily in California. Hats and head coverings are also prohibited unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons.

Are passport photos for babies and young children different?

The basic federal requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants' expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in Carlsbad, you can lay them on a plain white blanket or drape a car seat with a white sheet to get the right background.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires the picture to be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

How long does it currently take to get a passport?

Routine passport processing currently takes about 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing times from California can add several weeks to the total door-to-door turnaround, so it is best to apply well before your planned departure.

Where is the closest U.S. Passport Agency to Carlsbad?

The closest regional facility is the San Diego Passport Agency, located about 35 miles south of Carlsbad. You can only visit this agency if you have a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel within 14 days, and you must make an appointment in advance.

Skip the drive. Make a passport photo in Carlsbad from your phone.

Snap a picture. We size it to State Department spec, replace the background, and check every official rule. Free to try.