What ScanMyPhotos does and who runs it

ScanMyPhotos is a mail-in photo scanning service run by a company based in the United States. You send physical photographs to their facility, they scan them to digital files, and they mail the originals back to you along with a digital copy on a USB drive or through cloud storage. The service is not a government program and is not free — you pay per photo scanned, with pricing that varies based on photo size and the speed of turnaround you choose.

The company has been operating since 2008 and handles the scanning in-house rather than outsourcing it. They accept photographs in various conditions, including faded, damaged, or black-and-white images. ScanMyPhotos does not perform restoration work as part of the standard scanning service — they digitize what you send, but do not repair tears, remove stains, or colorize old photos. If you need restoration beyond scanning, you would need to arrange that separately through a different service.

Key Takeaways

  • ScanMyPhotos is a paid mail-in service that scans physical photographs and returns both the originals and digital files to you.
  • You pay per photo based on size and turnaround speed, with no upfront membership or subscription required.
  • The service scans photos but does not restore them — tears, fading, and damage remain in the digital copy unless you pay for restoration separately.
  • Turnaround time ranges from standard (several weeks) to expedited (faster delivery for a higher per-photo fee), depending on which option you choose when you order.
  • Your original photographs are returned to you, so you keep both the physical originals and the digital scans.

How to send photos and what the process costs

To use ScanMyPhotos, you gather your photographs, pack them securely, and mail them to the company's address. You do not need to sort them by size or condition beforehand — the company sorts and organizes them during processing. You can include a list of any special instructions, such as which photos matter most or whether you want them scanned in a particular order.

Pricing is based on photo dimensions. Standard pricing (as of the most recent public information) ranges from roughly $0.50 to $2.00 per photo depending on size, with expedited scanning available at a higher per-photo rate. You pay only for the photos you actually send — there is no minimum order. Shipping costs are your responsibility both ways, though the company provides a prepaid return shipping label so you do not pay to get your originals back. The total cost depends on how many photos you have, their average size, and whether you choose standard or faster turnaround.

Turnaround time and how you receive your digital files

Standard turnaround is typically several weeks from the time the company receives your package. Expedited options are available if you need the scans sooner, though these cost more per photo. The company scans your photos and then mails your originals back to you along with your digital files. You receive the digital copies either on a USB drive shipped with your originals or through a cloud read link, depending on which option you selected when you placed your order.

The digital files are typically saved as high-resolution JPEGs, which means they can be printed, shared, or stored without significant loss of quality. You own the digital files once you receive them and can use them however you wish — there are no restrictions on sharing, printing, or editing them after delivery.

What condition your scanned photos will be in

The digital scans will match the condition of your original photographs. If a photo is faded, torn, stained, or discolored, those flaws will appear in the scan. ScanMyPhotos' standard service is scanning only — not restoration. The company does offer a separate restoration service for an additional fee if you want tears repaired, colors enhanced, or stains removed, but this is not included in the basic scanning price and requires a separate order and payment.

The scanning process itself is careful and does not damage your originals. The company uses professional-grade scanners and handles photographs with archival standards in mind. Your original photos are returned to you in the same condition they arrived, which means you keep both the physical originals and the digital versions.

Comparing ScanMyPhotos to other scanning options

You have several ways to digitize old photographs. Doing it yourself with a home scanner or smartphone app costs nothing upfront but requires your time and equipment, and the quality depends on what you have available. Local photo shops and drugstore photo departments often offer scanning services, which may be faster if you live near one, but pricing and quality vary widely by location. Other mail-in services like LegacyBox, Costco Photo Center, or Walgreens Photo exist as alternatives, each with different pricing structures, turnaround times, and whether they offer restoration.

ScanMyPhotos' main advantage is that it handles large batches and returns your originals to you, so you do not lose the physical photos. The main trade-off is that you must mail your photographs and wait for them to be returned, which takes time. If you need restoration work done, you would pay extra for that service on top of scanning, whereas some competitors bundle basic restoration into their pricing. Comparing per-photo costs, turnaround time, and whether restoration is included will help you decide which service fits your situation.

What to do before you mail your photos

Before packing your photographs, take a few precautions. Place them in acid-free sleeves or archival-quality packaging to protect them during shipping. Do not use rubber bands or paper clips, which can damage photos. If you have photos in frames or albums, remove them carefully — the company scans loose photographs, not framed or bound items. Pack them in a sturdy box with padding so they do not shift during transit.

Consider taking a photo of your package contents with your phone before you seal it. This gives you a record of what you sent in case questions arise. Include a packing list with the number of photos and any special instructions. Do not include anything valuable or irreplaceable that you cannot afford to lose — while the company takes care with shipments, mail-in services carry some risk. If your photographs are extremely rare or fragile, you may want to explore local in-person scanning options instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get my original photos back?

Yes. ScanMyPhotos returns your original photographs to you along with your digital files. You receive both the physical originals and the digital scans, so you are not giving up the originals to get them digitized.

Can ScanMyPhotos fix damaged or faded photos?

The standard scanning service does not include restoration. If you want tears repaired, colors enhanced, or stains removed, you can order restoration as an add-on service for an additional fee. This is a separate process from scanning and costs more.

How long does it take from when I mail my photos to when I get them back?

Standard turnaround is typically several weeks after the company receives your package. Expedited options are available for a higher per-photo cost if you need faster service. Shipping time to and from the company is not included in the turnaround estimate.

What file format will my digital photos be in?

Digital files are typically saved as high-resolution JPEGs, which can be printed, shared, or edited. You own the files and can use them however you wish once you receive them.

What if some of my photos are very small or in unusual sizes?

ScanMyPhotos handles photographs in various sizes. Pricing varies based on dimensions, so smaller photos cost less per scan than larger ones. You can include photos of different sizes in the same order.