Whether you’re preparing for the adventure of a lifetime or just another routine business trip across the border, it’s time to renew your passport – or perhaps get your first one. So, does Staples do passport photos? And if so, how much are passport photos at Staples?
Yes, you can get your passport photo taken at Staples Canada. They charge $21.99 for two printed passport photos, or $24.99 if you want a digital copy on USB alongside the prints. But the Staples passport photo price only tells half the story.
The truth is, Staples is not the best place to get your passport photo taken in Canada – at least, not if you want the best value for your money and peace of mind knowing it’ll get approved the first time around.
5 Minute Passport Photos is your trusted choice for passport photos in Edmonton and passport photos in Calgary. Find out why firsthand by visiting us today!
Does Staples Do Passport Photos?
Let’s make one thing clear right away – does Staples do passport photos? The short answer is yes, but there are some caveats. You can only find this service at certain Staples Print & Marketing centres across Canada.
The service covers Canadian passports, travel visas, PR card photos, citizenship documentation, and photos for 39+ countries. No appointment is needed. Just walk in during business hours and have your photos taken on the spot.
Staples Canada passport photos come with a retake guarantee, too. They’ll reshoot it for free if the government rejects your photo, as long as you bring the rejection notice back to the same location.
Our issue with Staples passport photos, though, is that the person behind the camera might have been printing business cards five minutes earlier. So does Staples do passport photos reliably? It comes down to the individual location and whoever happens to be working the print counter that afternoon. The actual service quality itself can be a bit hit or miss.
How Much Are Passport Photos at Staples?
Now, how much are passport photos at Staples going to cost you? That’s the other question we get asked all the time. The Staples passport photos price breaks down into two tiers:
- Two printed passport photos: $21.99
- Printed photos + digital copy on USB: $24.99
Both options include the in-store photo session at the Print & Marketing counter. Pricing may vary slightly by location, but these are the standard rates on staples.ca. Here’s what other Canadian retailers charge for context:
- Walmart: ~$16.97
- Shoppers Drug Mart: ~$19.99
- 5 Minute Passport Photos: $20
The cost of passport photos at Staples puts them at the higher end of Canadian retail options. More than Walmart, roughly the same as Shoppers, and a couple dollars more than our studio where we specialize exclusively in passport and ID photos.
Comparing the Staples passport photos price against the full range of alternatives helps you find the best value for your money. We’ve also broken down the Walmart passport photo price, Shoppers Drug Mart passport photo cost, and London Drugs passport photo price in separate guides.
Is There a Better Place to Get Passport Photos in Canada?
Knowing how much are passport photos at Staples is step one. Step two is deciding whether the Staples Canada passport photos experience is actually worth it when better options exist at the same price or less.
Why You Might Not Want to Get Passport Photos at Staples
Staples Print & Marketing centres juggle everything from poster printing to document binding to business card design. Passport photos are just one service in a much larger operation.
That’s to say the staff handling the camera aren’t trained photographers – they’re retail employees fitting your photo between other tasks. They may or may not be properly trained in the nuances that separate approvals from rejections. Customer reviews reflect this: some locations produce perfectly usable results, while others deliver shots that get flagged or outright rejected at the passport office.
The retake guarantee covers you financially if a photo gets rejected, but it doesn’t cover the wasted trip back to the store, the delay in your passport application, or the stress of wondering whether your renewal will process before your flight.
The good news? You don’t have to play the guessing game when it comes to Canadian passport photos. You can enjoy peace of mind by partnering with 5 Minute Passport Photos.
What Makes 5 Minute Passport Photos the #1 Choice?
We do one thing: passport and ID photos. Every photographer on our team is trained specifically in government photo requirements:
- Canadian passports
- International visas
- PR cards
- Citizenship documents
- Security licences
- Firearms licences
- And every other format you might need
That focus is why we’ve earned over 2,000 five-star reviews and a 100% approval guarantee that we almost never need to use! We mean it – our 99.9% approval rate speaks for itself.
Our photos start at $20 (less than the Staples passport photos price) and they’re finished in about 5 minutes, as you’d probably already assumed from our company’s name.
Walk-ins are welcome at both locations. You can find us in Edmonton at Londonderry Mall (right beside Service Canada) and at the Harry Hays Building in Calgary (steps from the Passport Office).
We handle babies and infants too, with photographers trained to work with kids who won’t hold still – something you definitely won’t find at a Staples print counter. No appointment required, but booking online guarantees zero wait time. Take the next step today!
Tips on Getting Your Photo Taken
Wherever you go – Staples, a pharmacy, or our studio – here are a few basic tips to ensure your photo clears government review on the first submission:
- Wear a solid-colour top that contrasts with the white background. No white, cream, or very light shirts.
- Remove glasses, hats, and head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed – no smiling (or frowning, for that matter).
- Make sure your face is evenly lit with no shadows falling across your cheeks or forehead.
Already have photos from a previous application? Check whether they’re still valid before paying for new ones. Our guide on how long passport photos are good for covers the expiry rules for Canadian applications.
Parting Thoughts on the Staples Passport Photos Price
Staples Canada passport photos cost $21.99-$24.99 depending on whether you want the digital copy, and the retake guarantee takes some of the risk out of the process.
It’s a serviceable option for a quick errand at a store you’re already visiting. But a better option exists at a lower price point if you’re anywhere near Edmonton or Calgary.
We charge $20, finish in 5 minutes flat, and have over 2,000 reviews confirming what our approval rate already proves – your photo will be accepted the first time around. The Staples passport photos price isn’t bad – just hard to justify when you know what else is out there. So, don’t settle for less!