I just go to Walgreens or CVS and get them done. I keep extras on hand for visa apps.
Ugh…kids’ expire in a few months. The 5 year thing really stinks.
Our youngest had the 5 year thing too . . . was a major pain right before we left for Germany last year because his passport expired within 6 months and I was scared to chance it.
I agree 5 years come around fast. My D had her first passport ra couple of months before her first birthday. So it expired shortly before she turned 16. And she had to travel overseas shortly after she turned 16. We paid rush fee and got her 10 years instead of renewing 5 year one before she turned 16.
I never knew Costco did passport photos - we too have always gone to a CVS type place.
We moved to a different state and needed new driver’s licenses, and after we did that, H decided we should also get our passports renewed, since we were downtown. Then H had to fly about a week later and realized he had no photo ID - luckily our debit cards have a photo and he was allowed to board the plane.
I’ve always gotten passport photos taken at AAA, for free.
My passport is fine for a few more years, but I had Walgreens take a photo for a visa recently. They had couplons on-line that took some $$ off the cost. The worst part of the newest passport was contrasting it with the picture on the old one - 10 years is a big difference that I didn’t particularly need to be reminded of… And, I was told that I couldn’t smile, new rule. That also does wonders for one’s appearance.
My local AAA will take your photo (no smile!) now charges $10 for the 2 pictures…
My dad has traveled internationally for 50 years, mostly on business. He was supposed to go to South Africa in November. When he got to the airport, they pointed out that he had run out of passport pages and wouldn’t let him board! Whoops.
We applied for passports last year…If I recall correctly, the post office charged $15 to take a picture, Costco charged $5. Yes, the post office is convenient “one stop shopping” but the price might make you think twice!
We have the AAA plus. Free photos.
We’ve saved everyone’s old passports and just had a great chuckle last week looking at our D’s (she’s had five). She was about six months old. So cute. It was rather ridiculous to use it when she was, say, four.
You need a photo taken within 6 months or it can be rejected. I think I will just go to Costco, since we go there so often anyway. ;-). We are not AAA plus, so it’s not free for me to get my photo there.
“You need a photo taken within 6 months or it can be rejected.”
How would they know that the photo was taken 7 months ago? 
Unless my appearance changes rapidly… I would not sweat about a photo taken 6 months and a few days ago. Do you think anyone at Ubekibekibekistani embassies even looks at your pix - they want the big fat $$$ visa application fees. 
Yea, but in a kid, they would notice if the photo was years younger than stated age. I know WE are ageless.
Not that it matters, but our local AAA charges $8 for 2 photos for regular members, free for plus and whatever the next higher up (unnecessary) level is.
No, a child’s passport lasts for five years. It would be ridiculous to require a child to have a new photo and new passport every six months. Is that what you’re talking about???
And yeah, no way they could really tell about a recent photo. I loved getting my new one last month because I lost a bunch of weight and my new passport photo ROCKS.
No, I mean when you submit the photo, it has to have been taken within 6 months, especially since kids looks change quickly and the passport will be valid for 5 years.
I got my photo at Costco instant photo in 20 minutes while I shopped. The photographer didn’t like the 1st one because she said I didn’t look happy so took a 2nd that both she and I liked just fine. It looks like me and should meet all the requirements. Got 4 for $4.99 + tax in a cute little folder that will store them in case I need the others for visas or future needs.
I did have to mail the old passport at the post office so there was tracking that could show its whereabouts, which was another $4.16, but happy to have popped it in the mail with check, photo and signed renewal app.
Ah. Got it.