Passport Photo in Minneapolis: same-day options, prices, and the free way
Minneapolis-St Paul anchors passport services for the Upper Midwest. The store options run $15-17 per photo attempt across the Twin Cities; the free option is an at-home photo in soft window light, which the long northern winters actually make easy, checked against the official spec online.
Your options in Minneapolis, compared
| Option | Typical price | If it gets rejected |
|---|---|---|
| At home + free online spec check | Free to check; $9 only if it passes | Money-back guarantee |
| Costco / Sam's Club (members) | about $5-6 | Pay again for a retake |
| USPS (many post offices) | about $15 | Pay again for a retake |
| CVS / Walgreens counters | about $16-17 | Pay again for a retake |
National chain prices; they vary by location and change over time, so confirm locally. See the full store-by-store comparison.
Urgent travel: the Minneapolis passport agency
Minneapolis has a U.S. Department of State regional passport agency serving the Upper Midwest. Agencies handle urgent international travel, generally departures within 14 days, and are appointment-only through the State Department. Book and confirm locations via travel.state.gov. One thing no agency does is fix your photo: you must arrive with a compliant one, which is exactly what the free check confirms before you go.
The free way: take it at home in Minneapolis
- Stand a couple of feet in front of a plain white wall, facing a window with even, indirect light. No flash, no shadows behind you.
- Have someone take the photo (or use a timer) from about 4 feet away, camera at eye level, neutral expression, no glasses.
- Upload it to the free checker: it measures head height, eye position, background and brightness against the official spec and tells you exactly what to fix.
- Do not run it through an AI "fix" app: as of 2026 the State Department rejects digitally altered photos. Retake, don't retouch.
The official US passport photo spec
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 in |
| Background | plain white or off-white |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 600 × 600 px |
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a passport photo in Minneapolis?
CVS and Walgreens counters across the Twin Cities charge about $16-17, USPS about $15, Costco about $5-6 for members. Taking it at home and checking it online is free.
Is there a passport agency in Minneapolis?
Yes. The Minneapolis Passport Agency serves the Upper Midwest for urgent international travel, generally within 14 days, by appointment through the State Department. You need to bring a compliant photo.
Does winter indoor lighting work for passport photos?
Yes, if it is even. Face a bright window with indirect light, plain wall behind you, no lamps creating side shadows, no flash. Overcast daylight is ideal.