
If you’re searching for reliable laminating services near you to protect an important document, a fresh set of copies, or a treasured school project, you’ve landed in the right spot.
It can be surprisingly tricky to figure out who offers lamination, what it costs, and if it’s even worth the trip.
You might be asking yourself:
Does Staples do it?
What about the library?
Is there a cheaper way?
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Well, you can stop guessing!
I’ve done all the research for you and put together the ultimate guide. Below, you’ll find the best places to get items laminated, from major office stores to budget-friendly local options.
I’ll also talk about the typical costs, what you absolutely should (and shouldn’t) laminate, and how doing it yourself at home might just be the best choice of all.
Let’s get those documents protected!
Table of Contents
How Much Does Lamination Cost?
Lamination prices really depend on the store and the size of the item you are trying to laminate.
Typically, you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 for a standard 8.5″ x 11″ sheet. Larger items or custom sizes usually cost more.
If you plan to laminate a lot, buying a home laminating machine can save you money in the long run. I’ll explain this option in more detail in the “Laminating at Home” section below.
Common Items to Bring to a Laminating Service Near You
So, you’ve found a great local print shop or office store from the list above. But now you might be wondering, what can I actually get laminated?
While most of our important stuff lives on a computer these days, there are still plenty of times when protecting a physical document is a really smart move. This goes for business items like menus and permits, as well as personal things like chore charts, awards, and photos.
What Should You Laminate?
Getting your documents professionally laminated can protect them from spills, rips, and creases for years to come. It’s a fantastic idea for a whole range of items.
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Here’s a list of things you might want to bring to a laminating service:
- Artwork (especially your kids’ masterpieces you want to keep forever!)
- Awards & Certificates
- Badges & Nametags
- Banners for advertisements
- Blueprints
- Business cards
- Business permits
- Chore charts (laminating these turns them into a reusable dry-erase board!)
- Copies and flyers
- Directional signs for events or conferences
- Documents
- Educational materials (perfect for teachers and homeschoolers who want flashcards and worksheets to survive multiple kids)
- Fabric samples
- ID cards (work or event IDs, not government-issued)
- Instructions or reference sheets
- Menus
- Photos
- Posters
- Presentations or flip-charts
IMPORTANT: What You Should NEVER Laminate
Okay, this part is crucial. Before you gather up all your important papers, you need to know that some official documents should never be laminated.
Laminating them can cover up security features or make them impossible to validate, which can render them void. As a rule, avoid laminating any sensitive or official government documents, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Driver’s licenses
- Marriage certificates
- Social Security cards
- Any permit or license that has unique security features like holograms or special textures.
If you’re ever not sure, it’s always best to leave the document as is. For these items, you can always use a simple plastic sleeve or a document holder for protection instead.
Cheapest Laminating Services Near Me
There are lots of stores where you can get items laminated, which is great! Many of these offer reasonable prices too. I’ve also included a tip on how to laminate your own items at home, because this can often work out to be the cheapest option.
Here’s where you can get items laminated:
🏪 Office Supply Stores
1. FedEx Office
FedEx operates around 2,000 company-owned stores and locations in the United States. There, you can laminate papers and posters up to 36″ x 48″.
Prices:
- $1.99 for 8.5″ x 11″
- $3.99 for 11″ x 27″
- $3 per square foot for larger projects
Most lamination is done the same day, but if the store’s busy, you may need to return the next day.
✅ Find your nearest FedEx Office here
2. Minuteman Press
Minuteman Press has nearly 1,000 franchises in five countries, including the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and the U.K.
Prices:
- $2.50 for standard 8.5″ x 11″ sheets
- Up to $9 per sq ft for custom sizes
- Bulk discounts available
Turnaround is usually same-day for regular sizes and two days for large projects.
3. Office Depot / OfficeMax
Office Depot is more than just a store for office supplies. It also offers fax services near you as well as printing and laminating services.
Prices:
- Starts at $0.40 per page
- Around $1.99 for 8.5″ x 11″
- Pricing varies by size and store
4. Staples
There are around 1,000+ Staples stores in the U.S. You can laminate everything from ID cards to posters.
Prices:
- Starts just under $2
- May go up to $2 per square foot
Most jobs are completed the same day, but that can vary depending on how busy the store is.
✅ Use the Staples store finder
📦 Shipping & Print Stores
5. The UPS Store
With over 5,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, The UPS Store is another option.
Prices:
- About $3.50 for 8.5″ x 11″
- Call ahead to confirm your local store offers lamination
- Often done same-day
🧑🏫 Teacher Supply Stores
6. Local Teacher Supply Stores
Another option is your local teacher supply store. These often provide lamination services, especially helpful for posters, name tags, and teaching materials.
Prices: Vary, but are usually budget-friendly.
Just make sure to call ahead to confirm lamination is available.
You can find local teacher supply stores with a quick Google search.
🏛 Libraries & Public Institutions
7. Public Libraries
Surprisingly, many public libraries offer lamination — often at very low prices.
Pros:
- Often the cheapest option
- May only laminate standard sizes
- Limited hours
Just check your local library’s website or give them a call.
🖨️ Local Print & Copy Shops
8. Independent Print Shops
Your neighborhood print or copy shop can also laminate. This includes mom-and-pop businesses as well as local franchises.
Pricing:
- Usually $1–$4 per page
- May offer custom sizes or bulk discounts
Use Google Maps or Yelp to search “print shop near me.”
🖥️ Online Laminating Services
9. Lamination Depot / Binding101
If you’re laminating in bulk or need specialty sizes, try an online service.
How it works:
- Upload your files or mail in your documents
- Get laminated items shipped to you
- Bulk discounts available
✅ LaminationDepot.com
✅ Binding101.com
🏠 Laminating at Home
10. DIY Lamination
If you laminate often — like teachers, homeschoolers, or artists — getting a laminating machine may save money in the long run.
Cost Breakdown:
- Laminators start at $18 to $40 (Amazon, Walmart)
- Laminating pouches cost $8.99 to $15 for 50–200 packs
It’s a one-time cost that pays off if you’re laminating regularly or need to do oddly shaped items.
Laminating Services Comparison Table
To make your decision even easier, I’ve put all the options into this simple comparison table. You can quickly compare prices, turnaround times, and see which service is best for your specific needs.
Service / Store | Price (8.5″ x 11″) | Typical Turnaround | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
FedEx Office | $1.99 | Same or Next Day | Quick turnaround on standard and large poster sizes. |
Minuteman Press | $2.50 | Same Day to 2 Days | Bulk projects and custom sizes with available discounts. |
Office Depot / OfficeMax | ~$1.99 (Varies) | Same Day | Convenience while getting other office supplies. |
Staples | ~$2.00 | Same Day | Laminating various items from small ID cards to posters. |
The UPS Store | ~$3.50 | Same Day (Often) | Wide availability, but call ahead to confirm service. |
Local Teacher Supply Stores | Varies (Budget-friendly) | Varies | Educators laminating teaching materials, posters, and nametags. |
Public Libraries | Very Low / Cheapest | Varies (During hours) | The most budget-conscious option for standard paper sizes. |
Independent Print Shops | $1 – $4 | Varies | Supporting local businesses; good for custom jobs. |
Online Laminating Services | Varies (Bulk Discounts) | Several Days (Shipping) | Large quantities, specialty sizes, and mail-in service. |
DIY at Home | One-time cost ($20+) | Immediate | Frequent use, laminating odd shapes, and long-term savings. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Laminating Services Near Me
Can I laminate anything?
You can laminate most paper-based items like regular documents, photos, posters, and cardstock. However, you should avoid laminating very thick items or official documents like Social Security cards. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask the store first.
How long does laminating take at stores?
Most stores like Staples and FedEx Office can often laminate your items the same day you bring them in. If the store is particularly busy or your project is large, it might take until the next day. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their current turnaround time!
Are there any online laminating services?
Yes, there are! Companies like Lamination Depot and Binding101 specialize in this. You can mail in your documents or upload digital files, and they will laminate them and ship the finished products right back to you, which is great for bulk orders.
What is the cheapest way to laminate paper?
For a single document, your local public library is often the cheapest choice. If you laminate things often, the most budget-friendly option in the long run is to buy your own laminating machine and pouches to use at home.
Can the post office laminate?
Generally, no, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not offer public laminating services. You’ll have better luck checking with office supply stores, shipping centers like The UPS Store, or local print shops for your laminating needs.
How much does it cost to laminate a document?
For a standard 8.5″ x 11″ letter-sized document, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50. The final price will depend on the store you go to and the size of your document, with larger items like posters costing more.
Can I get documents laminated at Walmart?
While Walmart sells laminating machines and supplies in their stores, they do not typically offer in-store laminating services for customers. You’re better off visiting an office supply store like Office Depot or a dedicated print shop.
Is lamination permanent?
Yes, thermal lamination is considered permanent. The process uses heat and adhesive to create a seal around your document, so you should not try to remove it as it will likely destroy the paper inside. Always be sure before you laminate!
Time to Get Laminating!
Finding the right place to get your documents laminated doesn’t have to be a hassle. From the convenience of big-box office stores to the budget-friendly prices at your local library, you’re never too far from a great option.
And if you’re like me and find yourself constantly laminating things for school or work, investing in a small machine for home pays off in the long term.
My final tip? If you’re ever in a hurry or have a large project, just call the store ahead of time to check their current turnaround. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of time!
Now I’d love to hear from you. If you have a great local spot that answers the question, “Where can I find laminating services near me?“, share it in the comments below!
This is helpful, but my experience tells me there are considerable differences between a thin sheet of lamination for, say a magazine in the library and a stiff lamination so that a full 8 1/2 x 11 paper is hard enough to stand without a frame, against a wall. Teachers used a thickness in between these for their lettering and wall information. I will need to search further to address this. Thank you for showing where I might inquire.