Perfect Passport
SANTA CRUZ, CA · PASSPORT PHOTOS

Get Your Passport Photos in Santa Cruz, California

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

Whether you prefer visiting a local pharmacy or a dedicated photography studio, Santa Cruz offers several convenient walk-in options for your passport pictures. If you'd rather save time, you can also use Perfect Passport to snap a compliant photo from the comfort of your own home.

See walk-in options in Santa Cruz ↓
Before
Passport-ready
Sample U.S. passport photo
RECOMMENDED · WORKS ANYWHERE IN SANTA CRUZ

Make Perfect Passport Your First Choice for Passport Photos at Home

For just $7.95, Perfect Passport lets you take your picture from anywhere in Santa Cruz using your smartphone. Our service ensures your image meets all strict State Department compliance guidelines before you submit it. If your photo is ever rejected by the passport agency, we offer a full money-back guarantee.

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 Santa Cruz.

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

National chains

Walgreens Photo

Chain

1718 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

5.0 · 3 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 1718 Soquel Ave. 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
(831) 425-3911
Visit listing →

The UPS Store

Chain

216 Mt Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA

4.7 · 385 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 216 Mt Hermon 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 10a–6p · Sun 10a–3p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(831) 438-7038
Visit listing →

The UPS Store

Chain

849 Almar Ave # C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

3.6 · 44 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 849 Almar Ave # C. 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 11a–4p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(831) 426-5762
Visit listing →

CVS Photo

Chain

600 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

3.6 · 5 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 600 Front St. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours
Mon 7a–12a · Tue 7a–12a · Wed 7a–12a · Thu 7a–12a · Fri 7a–12a · Sat 7a–12a · Sun 7a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(831) 426-7444
Visit listing →

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center

Chain

550 River St Suite B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

3.4 · 76 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

FedEx Office location at 550 River St Suite B. 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
(831) 425-1177
Visit listing →

The UPS Store

Chain

343 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

3.4 · 74 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The UPS Store location at 343 Soquel 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 11a–4p
Price
$11.99 – $14.99
Phone
(831) 426-4422
Visit listing →

CVS

Chain

1700 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

3.0 · 80 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 1700 Mission St. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours
Mon 8a–12a · Tue 8a–12a · Wed 8a–12a · Thu 8a–12a · Fri 8a–12a · Sat 8a–12a · Sun 8a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(831) 457-2481
Visit listing →

United States Postal Service

Chain

850 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

2.7 · 131 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

USPS location at 850 Front St. Photo + application filed in one visit

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

Independent studios in Santa Cruz

Bay Photo Lab

Local studio

2959 Park Ave, Soquel, CA 95073, USA

5.0 · 72 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Bay Photo Lab is a highly-rated photography and printing business located in Soquel, California, serving the greater Santa Cruz area. Walk-in customers can expect professional passport photo services available Monday through Saturday. Prospective customers should call for pricing and to confirm any specific photo requirements before visiting.

Hours
Mon 10a–6p · Tue 10a–6p · Wed 10a–6p · Thu 10a–6p · Fri 10a–6p · Sat 10a–5p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(831) 475-6090
Visit listing →

Bay Photo Lab

Local studio

715 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

4.7 · 146 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Bay Photo Lab is a highly-rated photography and printing business located in Santa Cruz, California. Walk-in customers can expect professional passport photo services available Monday through Saturday. Customers are encouraged to call for pricing and to confirm availability before visiting.

Hours
Mon 10a–6p · Tue 10a–6p · Wed 10a–6p · Thu 10a–6p · Fri 10a–6p · Sat 10a–5p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(831) 425-1100
Visit listing →

Santa Cruz County Clerk/Registrar of Voters

Local studio

701 Ocean St #310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

4.3 · 10 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Registrar of Voters is a local government office in Santa Cruz, California, that provides essential civic services, including passport processing and photography. Walk-in customers can expect standard administrative procedures for their passport photos during regular weekday hours, but should call for pricing before visiting.

Hours
Mon 8a–5p · Tue 9a–5p · Wed 8a–5p · Thu 8a–5p · Fri 8a–5p · Sat Closed · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(831) 454-2060
Visit listing →
URGENT TRAVEL · NEAREST PASSPORT AGENCY

Closest in-person passport agency to Santa Cruz.

San Francisco Passport Agency

450 Golden Gate Ave. 3rd Floor, Suite #3-2501 San Francisco, CA 94102 · About 75 miles north of Santa Cruz

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

FAQ

Passport photo questions, Santa Cruz edition.

Can I take my own passport photo in Santa Cruz?

Yes, you can take your own passport photo anywhere in Santa Cruz as long as it meets strict federal guidelines. You must use a plain white or off-white background, which you can easily find in your home or a sunny California outdoor spot. Just ensure the lighting is even and your face is fully visible without any shadows.

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

The State Department requires your printed passport photo to be exactly 2 by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The image must be printed on high-quality, glossy or matte photo paper without any digital alterations. 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 must remove your glasses for your U.S. passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Santa Cruz. 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 cast by a head covering.

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 Santa Cruz, you can lay them on a plain white blanket or drape a white sheet over their car seat. Ensure no other people, hands, or props are visible in the final frame.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, you must submit a new, recent photo every time you renew your U.S. passport. The State Department requires the image to have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Using an old photo from a previous California driver's license or an expired passport will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

How long does it currently take to get a passport?

As of mid-2026, routine passport processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times, which can add up to two weeks on each end of the process. If you have upcoming international travel from a California airport, be sure to apply well in advance.

Where is the closest U.S. Passport Agency to Santa Cruz?

The closest regional facility is the San Francisco Passport Agency, located about 75 miles north of Santa Cruz. This agency only accepts walk-ins by appointment for urgent international travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies. For routine processing, you should use a local acceptance facility like a post office or apply by mail.

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

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