Perfect Passport
LA MESA, CA · PASSPORT PHOTOS

Quick and Easy Passport Photos in La Mesa

Skip the lines and take your State Department-compliant passport photo at home with Perfect Passport.

If you prefer an in-person visit, we have compiled a list of local chain and independent walk-in options below. However, you can also save time by using Perfect Passport to snap a compliant photo from the comfort of your own home.

See walk-in options in La Mesa ↓
Before
Passport-ready
Sample U.S. passport photo
RECOMMENDED · WORKS ANYWHERE IN LA MESA

Why Taking Your Passport Photo at Home is the Smart Choice

With Perfect Passport, you can take your photo from anywhere in La Mesa for just $7.95. Our software ensures your picture meets all strict State Department compliance guidelines before you submit it. If your photo is ever rejected, we offer a full money-back guarantee. It is the easiest way to check this task off your travel prep 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 minutes30 – 60 min round trip
WhereAnywhere with a phoneStore hours only
Compliance checkAutomatic, instantCashier judgement
RetakesFree, unlimitedPay again
Money-back if rejectedYesRare
WALK-IN OPTIONS

Where to get passport photos in La Mesa.

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

National chains

The UPS Store

Chain

7918 El Cajon Blvd n, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

4.7 · 179 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 7918 El Cajon Blvd n. 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–4p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(619) 698-4400
Visit listing →

Walmart

Chain

5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

4.1 · 5,863 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walmart location at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. Two 2×2 prints at the Photo Center

Hours
Mon 6a–11p · Tue 6a–11p · Wed 6a–11p · Thu 6a–11p · Fri 6a–11p · Sat 6a–11p · Sun 6a–11p
Price
$7.44
Phone
(619) 337-3655
Visit listing →

The UPS Store

Chain

3755 Avocado Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA

4.0 · 71 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 3755 Avocado Blvd. 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–3p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(619) 670-1002
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

7195 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, USA

4.0 · 17 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 7195 Broadway. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–10p · Tue 7a–10p · Wed 7a–10p · Thu 7a–10p · Fri 7a–10p · Sat 7a–10p · Sun 7a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(619) 433-0172
Visit listing →

CVS Photo

Chain

5500 Grossmont Center Dr BLDG P, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

3.7 · 3 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr BLDG P. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours
Mon 8a–10p · Tue 8a–10p · Wed 8a–10p · Thu 8a–10p · Fri 8a–10p · Sat 8a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(619) 462-9592
Visit listing →

Walmart Photo Center

Chain

5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

3.6 · 14 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walmart location at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. Two 2×2 prints at the Photo Center

Hours
Mon 9a–8p · Tue 9a–8p · Wed 9a–8p · Thu 9a–8p · Fri 9a–8p · Sat 9a–8p · Sun 10a–8p
Price
$7.44
Phone
(619) 337-2761
Visit listing →

CVS Photo

Chain

6265 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, USA

3.4 · 20 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 6265 El Cajon Blvd. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours
Mon 7a–10p · Tue 7a–10p · Wed 7a–10p · Thu 7a–10p · Fri 7a–10p · Sat 7a–10p · Sun 7a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(619) 287-6848
Visit listing →

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

5304 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

3.3 · 141 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 5304 Jackson Dr. 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
(619) 461-9511
Visit listing →

Independent studios in La Mesa

The Box Shop

Local studio

8697 La Mesa Blvd # C, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

4.5 · 39 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Located in La Mesa, California, The Box Shop is a local business that provides professional passport photography alongside its other services. Walk-in customers can expect convenient, on-the-spot passport photos taken during their regular business hours, Monday through Saturday. Customers are encouraged to call for pricing prior to their visit.

Hours
Mon 9a–5:30p · Tue 9a–5:30p · Wed 9a–5:30p · Thu 9a–5:30p · Fri 9a–5:30p · Sat 9a–3p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(619) 463-9800
Visit listing →

PostalAnnex

Local studio

8030 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

4.0 · 107 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

PostalAnnex in La Mesa is a shipping and mailing center that also provides professional passport photo services. Walk-in customers can expect quick, government-compliant photos taken on-site during regular business hours without the need for an appointment. Please call for pricing details before your visit.

Hours
Mon 9:30a–5:30p · Tue 9:30a–5:30p · Wed 9:30a–5:30p · Thu 9:30a–5:30p · Fri 9:30a–5:30p · Sat 9:30a–2p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(619) 461-8977
Visit listing →

PostalAnnex

Local studio

7107 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, USA

3.7 · 233 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

PostalAnnex is a shipping and business services center located at 7107 Broadway in Lemon Grove, serving the La Mesa area. Walk-in customers can expect convenient passport photo services available Monday through Saturday. Please call for pricing before visiting to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Hours
Mon 9a–6p · Tue 9a–6p · Wed 9a–6p · Thu 9a–6p · Fri 9a–6p · Sat 9a–4:30p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(619) 460-4420
Visit listing →
URGENT TRAVEL · NEAREST PASSPORT AGENCY

Closest in-person passport agency to La Mesa.

San Diego Passport Agency

1 Columbia Place, 401 West A St, 10th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101 · Approximately 12 miles west in downtown San Diego

You should only book an appointment here if you have urgent international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency.

FAQ

Passport photo questions, La Mesa edition.

Can I take my own passport photo in La Mesa?

Yes, you can easily take your own passport photo from your home in La Mesa using a smartphone. Just ensure you have good lighting, a plain white or off-white background, and a friend to take the picture since selfies are not allowed. Services like Perfect Passport can then verify it meets all federal requirements.

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

The U.S. State Department requires your printed passport photo to be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The image must be in color, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, and your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the 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. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows.

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' poses and expressions. If you are photographing a baby in La Mesa, you can lay them on their back on a plain white blanket or drape a car seat with a white sheet. Ensure no other people or hands are visible in the frame.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, you must submit a new photo when renewing your U.S. passport, even if your appearance has not changed significantly. The State Department requires the photo to have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current look. Using an old photo will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

How long does it currently take to get a passport?

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times, which can add several weeks to the total door-to-door process. If you are planning a trip from San Diego International Airport, it is best to apply well in advance.

Where is the closest U.S. Passport Agency to La Mesa?

The closest regional facility is the San Diego Passport Agency, located just a short drive away in downtown San Diego. This agency is strictly for urgent international travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies. For standard processing, you should use a local acceptance facility like a post office or library in La Mesa instead.

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

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