CVS passport photos cost $17.99 in-store as of 2026. You can also print your own passport photo at CVS for $0.42 by uploading a 4x6 print file as a standard photo print. This guide covers the $0.42 self-print method step by step.
You’ve got your passport photo ready — a 4x6 print file with your 2x2 photos on it. Now you need to print it somewhere.
If you are earlier in the process than that, start with things to know before your passport renewal. It covers which form you need, the questions the official Form Filler asks that the form itself never asks, and whether you qualify to renew online and skip the paperwork entirely. Come back here when you have the photo file.
The CVS passport photo service costs $17.99 for two prints (source: cvs.com). But if you already have your photo file, you can print it at CVS for just $0.42 — the price of a standard 4x6 photo print. With over 9,000 CVS locations in the US, there’s almost certainly one near you.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
What You Need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A 4x6 passport photo print file saved to your phone or computer. This is the file you download after creating your photo on uspassportphoto.com. It contains your 2x2 inch passport photos arranged on a standard 4x6 print layout. (Need help taking the photo first? See our guide on how to take a passport photo.)
- A CVS account (free — you can create one during checkout if you don’t have one).
That’s it. The whole process takes about 5 minutes online, then about an hour for CVS to prepare your print.
How to Print a CVS Passport Photo for $0.42
Step 1: Go to CVS Photo Prints
Open cvs.com/photo/prints in your browser. You’ll see options for different print sizes.
Select “4x6 Prints” and then “Same Day Pickup” so you can pick them up at your local store today.
Step 2: Upload Your File
Click the upload area or the “Upload Photos” button. Select the 4x6 passport photo file you downloaded from uspassportphoto.com.
The file is already sized to exactly 4x6 inches at 300 DPI, so it will fill the print perfectly — no cropping or adjusting needed.
Step 3: Review Your Print
After uploading, you’ll see a preview of your photo. Make sure:
- Your passport photos are fully visible
- Nothing looks cropped or cut off
- The quantity is set to 1 (one 4x6 print is all you need)
Step 4: Select Glossy Finish
When choosing paper options, select glossy or semi-glossy finish.
This matters — the U.S. State Department requires passport photos to be printed on glossy or semi-glossy paper. Do not select matte. Matte-finish photos can be rejected.
Step 5: Choose Your CVS Store
Select the CVS location nearest to you for pickup. The site will show you which stores have same-day photo printing available.
Most orders are ready within 1 hour.
Step 6: Check Out
Review your order and complete checkout.
Your total: $0.42 + tax.
You’ll get an email or text when your print is ready for pickup.
Step 7: Pick Up and Cut
Head to your CVS store and pick up the print from the photo counter. You’ll have a 4x6 sheet with your 2x2 passport photos on it.
Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out the individual photos along the printed guides. A ruler and craft knife will give you the cleanest edges, but regular scissors work fine as long as you cut straight.
CVS Passport Photo Service ($17.99) vs. Self-Print ($7.42)
CVS also offers a full-service passport photo option for $17.99. A store associate takes your picture, checks it against State Department requirements, and prints two 2x2 photos for you.
It’s convenient if you don’t already have a photo. But if you’re reading this, you probably already have your photo ready — so there’s no reason to pay $17.99 for something you can print for $0.42.
Quick comparison:
| CVS Full Service | Self-Print | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $17.99 | $7.42 ($7 photo + $0.42 print) |
| What you get | 2 photos | 2 photos |
| Digital copy | $3.99 extra | Yes (included) |
| Extra copies | $3.99 for 2 more | Print another for $0.42 |
Tips for Printing Passport Photos at CVS
- Don’t resize or edit the file. The 4x6 layout from uspassportphoto.com is already sized to exact State Department specifications. Resizing it will throw off the measurements.
- Print at full size. If CVS shows any “fit to print” or “crop” options, choose “fill” or “actual size” so the image isn’t scaled down.
- Glossy paper only. Seriously — matte paper is a common reason for passport photo rejection.
- Cut carefully. The photos need to be 2x2 inches. A sloppy cut won’t disqualify you, but a clean cut looks more professional and avoids any questions from the acceptance agent.
CVS Passport Photo FAQ
How much does a passport photo cost at CVS in 2026?
The CVS passport photo service costs $17.99 for two 2x2 prints taken in-store (source). Additional prints cost $3.99 for two more, and a digital copy emailed to you costs $3.99. Alternatively, you can create your photo online for $7 and print it at CVS for $0.42 — a total of $7.42, which also includes a digital copy and extra prints on the sheet.
Do I need an appointment for CVS passport photos?
CVS does not require an appointment for passport photos. You can walk in to any CVS Pharmacy location with a photo counter. If you’re using the self-print method described in this guide, you don’t need to visit the photo counter at all — just order the print online and pick it up.
Can I order CVS passport photos online?
CVS does not offer their $17.99 passport photo service online — you have to go in-store. However, you can order a regular 4x6 photo print online, which is what this guide covers. Create your own compliant passport photo, upload it as a 4x6 print, and pick it up at CVS.
Can I print passport photos at the CVS in-store kiosk?
The CVS in-store photo kiosks accept standard photo prints, including 4x6 prints. Bring your 4x6 passport photo file on your phone, transfer it to the kiosk, and select a 4x6 glossy print. The price is the same as ordering online.
Can I use the CVS app instead of the website?
The CVS app has a photo section where you can upload and order prints for same-day pickup. The process is the same as the website — upload your 4x6 file, choose glossy, pick your store.
What if my print looks too dark or too light?
Minor color differences between screens and prints are normal and will not affect your passport application. CVS can reprint if the result looks significantly different from the original file. Screen-vs-print variation is rarely a problem for passport acceptance.
Are CVS photo prints good enough quality for passports?
CVS uses commercial photo printers that produce the same quality as dedicated photo labs. A glossy 4x6 print from CVS meets U.S. State Department requirements for passport photos.
Does it matter which CVS location I use?
All CVS locations with photo printing use the same equipment and paper. Any CVS store will produce the same result.
Can I print the same file at Walgreens or Walmart instead?
The 4x6 print file works at any photo printing service — Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Costco, or any local print shop. Upload the 4x6 file, select glossy paper, and print. Prices vary slightly by retailer. See our Walgreens passport photo guide for detailed Walgreens instructions, or compare all three stores in our Walmart vs CVS vs Walgreens price comparison.
Summary
- Download your 4x6 passport photo file from uspassportphoto.com
- Go to cvs.com/photo/prints
- Upload the file as a 4x6 same-day print
- Select glossy finish
- Pick your nearest CVS store
- Pay $0.42 + tax
- Pick up in about an hour, cut out your photos
Total cost: $0.42 for your passport photos. Total time: about 5 minutes online + 1 hour wait.
Prices last verified February 2026 at cvs.com/photo/passport-photos.