Renewing a passport often starts with the most basic step: getting a compliant photo. Self-service booths have become the go‑to solution for millions in the UK, offering instant prints and digital codes for online applications. Supermarkets, high‑street shops, and railway stations now host thousands of these machines, making it easy to find a passport photo booth near you without an appointment.
The choice, however, is not always straightforward. Prices range from £5 to £15, some booths provide a digital code while others only print, and opening hours vary by location. This guide compares the main providers, explains how digital codes work, and helps you decide which option suits your needs and budget.
Where can I find a passport photo booth near me?
- Location types: Supermarkets (ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons), dedicated booth networks (Photo‑Me, Max Spielmann), service counters (Timpson, Post Office).
- Average cost range: £6–£12 depending on provider and whether you need a print or a digital code.
- Digital vs. print: Many newer booths allow you to choose a digital code for online passport applications; older kiosks print only.
- Availability: Booths inside supermarkets operate during store hours; standalone booths at stations or malls may have extended or 24/7 access.
Key insights about UK passport photo booths
- Cost varies by provider: ASDA and Tesco typically charge £6–£9, while standalone Photo‑Me booths may charge £7–£12.
- Digital code availability is a key differentiator; some supermarket booths now offer codes for digital passport applications, while older booths print only.
- Timpson and Post Office offer human‑assisted photos at a premium (£12–£15) but guarantee compliance with HMPO standards, reducing rejection risk.
- Users searching for “open now” indicate a strong immediacy need; many booths inside supermarkets close with the store, limiting late‑night options.
- Booths are widespread in supermarkets, stations, and malls – no appointment necessary.
- Retakes are often free (e.g., Max Spielmann allows up to 10 retakes).
- Digital codes are valid for 24–48 hours and must be used on the GOV.UK portal.
| Provider | Price (printed + digital code) | Digital code included? | Typical opening hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | £6–£8 | Yes | Store hours (9AM–6PM) | Printed copies + code. Widespread pharmacies. |
| Asda | £6–£7 (in‑store); £2.50 (online upload) | Yes | Supermarket hours (7AM–10/11PM) | Max Spielmann booths in many stores; online upload cheapest option. |
| Morrisons | £5–£7 | Yes (most) | Supermarket hours (7AM–10PM) | Photo‑Me often present. |
| Max Spielmann (Tesco & standalone) | £10 (passport); £6 (fun strips) | Yes | Store hours (e.g., Tesco 7AM–10PM) | 300+ locations; free retakes up to 10. |
| Tesco (Max Spielmann booths) | £6–£10 | Yes | Supermarket hours (6AM–11PM) | 1M+ users; HMPO guarantee. |
| Photo‑Me | £5–£8 | Yes (most) | 24/7 at some stations; store hours elsewhere | 3,000+ booths; ICAO‑compliant. |
| Post Office | £10–£12.99 (booths); £2.95 (Check & Send) | Yes | Branch hours (9AM–5:30PM) | 4 prints + code. No booth locator – call ahead. |
| Timpson | £10–£15 (est.) | Yes (extra fee possible) | Store hours (9AM–6PM) | 900 locations; manual service. |
| Snappy Snaps | £13–£16 | Varies | Store hours | Manual photography, not self‑service booths. |
How much does a passport photo booth cost?
Photo booth vs. photo studio: cost comparison
A self‑service booth costs between £5 and £12, while a manned studio like Snappy Snaps charges £13–£16. Timpson and Post Office fall in the middle at £10–£15, but their human assistance increases the likelihood of first‑time approval. For budget‑conscious users, Morrisons (£5–£7) and Photo‑Me (£5–£8) are the cheapest options.
Payment methods at booths
Older booths are often cash‑only. Newer kiosks – especially modern Photo‑Me units – accept contactless cards. It is wise to carry both cash and a card. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not universally supported on older machines.
Average prices by provider
Supermarket booths (ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons) typically charge £6–£9. Dedicated booth operators such as Photo‑Me and Max Spielmann range from £5 to £10. Service counters at Timpson and Post Office are pricier but include manual oversight. The cheapest way to obtain a digital code is often the in‑store booth at ASDA or Morrisons.
The cheapest option overall is not a booth but an online upload service: ASDA offers prints for £2.50 when you upload a compliant photo and select in‑store pickup (5–7 day delivery). For a digital code only, Photo‑Me and Boots offer competitive rates between £5 and £8.
What is the difference between a digital and self‑service passport photo booth?
How do I get a digital passport photo code from a booth?
After taking your photo, the booth screen will display a choice: print two photos or receive a digital code. If you select the digital option, the code is printed on a receipt (or sometimes emailed). You then enter that code on the GOV.UK passport application portal to attach your photo directly to the online form.
Do photo booths print photos instantly or give digital codes?
Most modern booths offer both. Print‑only booths are becoming rarer, but they still exist – particularly older kiosks in smaller supermarkets. When you use a booth, you can usually see the options before paying. If digital code is not listed, the booth likely prints only.
What is a digital passport photo code?
A digital code is a unique string of letters and numbers generated by the booth after a compliant photo is taken. It allows the HM Passport Office to fetch the image directly from the provider’s server. The code is typically valid for 24–48 hours, so you must complete your online application quickly.
Is there a passport photo booth open now near me?
Opening hours of supermarket photo booths
Supermarket booths follow the host store’s hours: typically 7AM–10PM, sometimes until 11PM for larger Tesco Extra or ASDA stores. Pharmacies like Boots have shorter hours (9AM–6PM). Post Office branches usually close by 5:30PM on weekdays and vary on Saturdays.
Are there 24‑hour passport photo booths available?
Photo‑Me booths at railway stations and some shopping centres operate around the clock. However, the majority of booths are inside stores that close at night. To find a 24‑hour booth, use the Photo‑Me booth locator and filter by “open 24 hours”.
If you need a photo after 10PM, your best bet is a Photo‑Me booth at a major railway station or a 24‑hour supermarket with a standalone booth (e.g., some ASDA stores). Always check the store’s specific closing time via Google Maps or the store locator before travelling.
How long does it take to get a passport photo from a booth?
From arrival to receipt of your photo, the entire process usually takes less than five minutes. Here is a typical timeline:
- 0 min: Arrive at the booth; select passport photo type.
- 1–2 min: Adjust seat/height; follow on‑screen guidance for pose and expression.
- 2–3 min: Photo is taken; preview and optional retake (usually 2–3 attempts included).
- 3–4 min: Choose output: instant print (2–4 photos) or digital code.
- 4–5 min: Payment (card or cash); receipt and/or code printed.
- 5–10 min: If digital: use the code within 24–48 hours on the GOV.UK portal. If print: photos are ready immediately.
How reliable are passport photo booths for UK passport applications?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Booths are widely available at ASDA, Tesco, and other supermarkets across the UK. | Not all booths in supermarkets offer digital codes; availability depends on the specific kiosk model and updates. |
| Photo‑Me operates thousands of booths and is the largest dedicated operator in the UK. | Opening hours of booths inside supermarkets may differ from standalone booths; verify via store website or phone. |
| Digital codes from certified booths are accepted by HM Passport Office for online applications. | Card acceptance is not universal at older booths; users should carry coins or a contactless card as backup. |
| Cost ranges from £6 to £9 in supermarkets; standalone booths may be slightly higher. | Digital codes may not be accepted by foreign authorities for visa applications – always verify with the specific embassy. |
Why choose a photo booth over a service counter?
Booths are faster and cheaper than manned counters. There is no need to book an appointment – you walk up and complete the process in under five minutes. The trade‑off is a slightly higher rejection rate: roughly 10–15% of DIY booth photos are rejected compared to less than 5% for assisted services at Timpson or Post Office. However, most booths include free retakes, so you can try again immediately.
For applicants with special requirements – such as glasses, infants, or medical conditions – a manned counter may be safer because staff can provide guidance. Booths rely on automated background and lighting detection, which can fail for unusual scenarios.
What do providers say about passport photo booths?
“Our digital passport photo booths now offer a unique code you can type into the government’s passport application portal. It’s instant and saves you from posting a photo.”
— Photo‑Me (illustrative marketing copy)
“We recommend having your photo taken by a trained colleague for the best chance of acceptance first time. Our staff know the exact requirements set by HMPO.”
— Timpson.co.uk (paraphrased from service description)
“When you get your passport photo taken at an Asda Photo Centre, you can choose to collect in‑store or have them delivered straight to your door.”
— photo.asda.com
These statements reflect the different value propositions: booths emphasise speed and digital convenience, while manned services focus on accuracy and personal guidance.
What’s the best option for your passport photo?
If you need a quick, cheap photo and are comfortable with self‑service, a supermarket booth (ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons) or a Photo‑Me kiosk is the most practical choice. For a digital code to submit online, choose a booth that explicitly offers that option. If you prefer human assurance and a lower rejection risk, visit a Timpson or Post Office counter – the extra £3–£7 may be worth avoiding a second trip. Always confirm opening hours and digital code availability before you go. For other location‑based searches, you might also find our guide to the Nearest Petrol Station to Me useful, or you can Check If Car Is Taxed when preparing official documents.
Does the Post Office have a passport photo booth?
Many Post Office branches have photo booths on‑site, usually operated by Photo‑Me or similar providers. The booth is self‑service; staff do not operate it. Check your local branch for availability.
Can I take a passport photo at ASDA or Tesco?
Yes. ASDA has dedicated Photo Centres, and Tesco (especially Tesco Extra) has photo booths. Both offer instant prints and, in newer booths, digital codes.
Do all passport photo booths accept card payments?
No. Many older booths are cash‑only. Newer booths (e.g., modern Photo‑Me kiosks) accept contactless cards. Carry both a card and some coins.
How long after taking a passport photo at a booth do I have to apply?
For printed photos, there is no official expiry as long as the photo still resembles you (HMPO recommends within 1 year). For digital codes, validity is typically 24–48 hours.
Is Timpson better than a photo booth for passport photos?
Timpson offers human‑assisted service with a higher first‑time acceptance rate (approx. 95% vs. 85–90% for booths). It costs £10–£15 compared to £6–£9 for a booth. For strict compliance, Timpson or Post Office counters are recommended.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.