Perfect Passport
SAN MATEO, CA · PASSPORT PHOTOS

Get Your Passport Photos in San Mateo, California

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

San Mateo offers several convenient walk-in locations for passport photos, including the local pharmacies and shipping centers listed below. However, if you prefer to avoid the trip entirely, Perfect Passport lets you snap a fully compliant photo from the comfort of your home. Whether you choose a local chain or our digital service, getting ready for your next trip is easier than ever.

See walk-in options in San Mateo ↓
Before
Passport-ready
Sample U.S. passport photo
RECOMMENDED · WORKS ANYWHERE IN SAN MATEO

Why Taking Your Passport Photo at Home is the Smartest Choice

With Perfect Passport, you can take your photo from anywhere in San Mateo using just your smartphone. For only $7.95, our software ensures your image meets all strict State Department compliance guidelines before you finalize it. We guarantee your photo will be accepted by the government, or you get your money back. It is the easiest way to secure a perfect passport photo without leaving your house.

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 San Mateo.

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

National chains

The UPS Store

Chain

1325 Howard Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

4.4 · 199 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 1325 Howard Ave. 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
(650) 348-7447
Visit listing →

The UPS Store

Chain

204 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA

4.4 · 93 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 204 2nd Ave. 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 Closed
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(650) 344-1333
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The UPS Store

Chain

3182 Campus Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

4.2 · 77 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 3182 Campus Dr. Pricing varies by franchise — call to confirm

Hours
Mon 8a–6p · Tue 8a–6p · Wed 8a–6p · Thu 8a–6p · Fri 8a–6p · Sat 8a–4p · Sun 10a–3p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(650) 341-2012
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Walgreens Photo

Chain

191 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA

3.8 · 26 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 191 E 3rd Ave. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–11p · Tue 7a–11p · Wed 7a–11p · Thu 7a–11p · Fri 7a–11p · Sat 7a–11p · Sun 7a–11p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(650) 342-2723
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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

3600 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

3.5 · 138 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 3600 S El Camino Real. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~10 minutes

Hours
Mon 8a–7p · Tue 8a–7p · Wed 8a–7p · Thu 8a–7p · Fri 8a–7p · Sat 9a–6p · Sun 12–6p
Price
$14.95
Phone
(650) 525-0215
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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

121 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA

3.2 · 124 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 121 E 4th Ave. 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
(650) 347-3861
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The UPS Store

Chain

63 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA

3.1 · 94 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 63 Bovet Rd. 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 9:30a–5:30p · Sun Closed
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(650) 349-1733
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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

1297 Chess Dr Suite C, Foster City, CA 94404, USA

2.9 · 61 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 1297 Chess Dr Suite C. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~10 minutes

Hours
Mon 8a–7p · Tue 8a–7p · Wed 8a–7p · Thu 8a–7p · Fri 8a–7p · Sat 10a–6p · Sun Closed
Price
$14.95
Phone
(650) 573-5244
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United States Postal Service

Chain

1630 S Delaware St, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA

2.5 · 147 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

USPS location at 1630 S Delaware St. Photo + application filed in one visit

Hours
Mon 8:30a–5p · Tue 8:30a–5p · Wed 8:30a–5p · Thu 8:30a–5p · Fri 8:30a–5p · Sat 9a–12:30p · Sun Closed
Price
$15.00
Phone
(800) 275-8777
Visit listing →
URGENT TRAVEL · NEAREST PASSPORT AGENCY

Closest in-person passport agency to San Mateo.

San Francisco Passport Agency

Phillip Burton Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave #3-2501, San Francisco, CA 94102 · About 20 miles north of San Mateo

Appointments are strictly required and limited to customers with life-or-death emergencies or urgent international travel within 14 days.

FAQ

Passport photo questions, San Mateo edition.

Can I take my own passport photo in San Mateo?

Yes, you can take your own passport photo at home in San Mateo using a smartphone or digital camera. Services like Perfect Passport help ensure your DIY photo meets all strict State Department requirements before you print or submit it.

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

Your passport photo must be exactly 2x2 inches in size and printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. The image must be in color, taken within the last six months, and feature a plain white or off-white background.

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

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing glasses in passport photos, even if you wear them daily in California. Hats and head coverings are also banned 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 size and background rules are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants' expressions and eye contact. If you are photographing a baby in San Mateo, you can lay them on a plain white sheet or drape a car seat with a white cloth to get the shot.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, you must submit a new, updated photo every time you apply for or renew a U.S. passport. Even if your appearance hasn't changed much since your last application, the photo must have been taken within the last six months.

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. These estimates do not include mailing times, so San Mateo residents should apply well in advance of any planned international travel.

Where is the closest U.S. Passport Agency to San Mateo?

The closest regional facility is the San Francisco Passport Agency, located just a short drive north of San Mateo. This agency is strictly for travelers with urgent international travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies, and it requires a scheduled appointment.

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

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