CVS is the most popular place to get passport photos in the United States. With over 9,000 locations, there is almost certainly one near you. But at $16.99 for two tiny photos, it is not cheap. This guide explains exactly what the CVS passport photo process looks like, what it costs at competing stores, and how to make the exact same compliant photo for free at home.
How Much Does a Passport Photo Cost at CVS?
$16.99
For two identical 2×2 inch passport photos printed on one 4×6 sheet. Price as of 2026. No appointment needed.
This price has remained relatively stable over the past few years. CVS does not offer discounts, coupons, or ExtraCare rewards on passport photos. The $16.99 is a flat fee that covers taking the photo, adjusting it to the correct 2×2 dimensions, and printing it on the spot.
For context, here is how CVS compares to other common options:
| Provider | Price | Photos | Digital Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | $16.99 | 2 printed | No |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | 2 printed | No |
| Walmart | $7.44 | 2 printed | No |
| USPS | $15.00 | 2 printed | No |
| AAA | Free (members) | 2 printed | No |
| VisaPicPro | Free | Print at home | Yes |
For a full breakdown of all providers and prices, see our passport photo cost comparison guide.
How the CVS Passport Photo Process Works
Getting passport photos at CVS is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:
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1
Walk in and ask for passport photos
Go to the photo counter or ask any employee. No appointment needed.
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2
Stand against the white backdrop
Most CVS stores have a pull-down white screen near the photo area. Some use a plain white wall.
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3
Staff takes the photo
An employee takes the photo using a digital camera or phone with a passport photo template overlay.
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4
Preview and approve
They show you the photo on screen. If you do not like it, they will retake it.
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5
Print and pay
The photo is printed on a 4×6 sheet (with two 2×2 passport photos) using a Kodak kiosk. You pay $16.99 and leave. Takes 5–10 minutes total.
CVS Passport Photo Hours
CVS takes passport photos during regular store hours, which varies by location:
| Monday–Friday | Typically 8 AM – 10 PM |
| Saturday | Typically 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Sunday | Typically 10 AM – 6 PM |
Hours vary significantly by location. Some 24-hour CVS stores may not offer photo services at all hours. Always check your specific CVS location before making a trip. The best time to go is mid-morning on a weekday — shorter wait, more attentive staff.
What You Get for $16.99
- ● Two 2×2 inch passport photos printed on one 4×6 glossy sheet
- ● Photos are taken and processed on-site
- ● Staff assistance with positioning and framing
- ● One retake if the first photo does not look right
What you do not get:
- ● No digital copy. CVS does not provide the photo file. If you need a digital passport photo for online applications (DS-160, USCIS online filing, DV Lottery), you will need to create one separately.
- ● No guaranteed compliance. CVS staff are retail employees, not photographers. While most photos turn out fine, quality depends heavily on the individual employee.
Quality: Honest Review
CVS passport photos are acceptable most of the time. The Kodak printing equipment produces decent print quality, and the 2×2 sizing template is accurate. But there are common issues to watch for:
Lighting issues
CVS stores are lit with overhead fluorescent lights. This can create shadows under the chin, nose, or eye sockets. The white backdrop helps, but shadows are the most common quality problem.
Background inconsistency
Some locations use a pull-down screen that wrinkles or has creases. Others use a plain wall that may not be pure white. If the background looks grey or uneven, ask them to retake it.
Staff expertise varies
Some employees take passport photos daily and know exactly what they are doing. Others may be doing it for the first time. Do not be afraid to ask for a retake if something does not look right.
Bottom line: CVS passport photos are good enough for most people. If your photo gets rejected, CVS has an informal retake policy — bring the rejected photo back and most stores will retake it free of charge (though this is not an official guarantee).
CVS vs Walgreens vs Walmart vs USPS
| Factor | CVS | Walgreens | Walmart | USPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.99 | $16.99 | $7.44 | $15.00 |
| Speed | 5–10 min | 5–10 min | 10–15 min | 10–20 min |
| Locations | ~9,000 | ~8,700 | ~4,700 | ~31,000 |
| Walk-in | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Weekend | Yes | Yes | Yes | Sat only |
| Digital | No | No | No | No |
| Quality | Good | Good | Average | Good |
If price is your main concern, Walmart at $7.44 is the cheapest retail option. If convenience matters, CVS and Walgreens have the most locations and longest hours. USPS is reliable but has more limited hours.
Free DIY Alternative: Make Your Own Passport Photo
You can create the exact same State Department-compliant passport photo at home for free. All you need is a smartphone and a white wall.
- 1 Stand 2–3 feet in front of a white wall with natural light from a window
- 2 Have someone photo you at arm’s length (or use a timer with a phone tripod)
- 3 Go to VisaPicPro and upload your photo
- 4 Select "United States" — the tool auto-crops to 2×2, removes the background, and checks compliance
- 5 Download the digital file (for DS-160, USCIS forms) and the printable 4×6 layout
- 6 Print the 4×6 layout at CVS, Walgreens, or any drugstore for $0.35–$0.50
Total cost: $0.35 to $0.50
That is the cost of a single 4×6 print at any drugstore self-service kiosk. You get both the digital file and the printed photos — saving $16.50 compared to the CVS passport photo service.
The biggest advantage of the DIY approach is that you also get a digital copy. CVS does not provide digital files, which means if you need one for an online application (like a DS-160 visa form or USCIS online filing), you would need to create it separately anyway. With VisaPicPro, you get both formats in one step.
Tips for the Best Passport Photo (CVS or DIY)
Do
- ✓ Wear a dark-colored top (not white)
- ✓ Remove glasses before the photo
- ✓ Keep a neutral expression
- ✓ Face the camera directly
- ✓ Check the photo before leaving CVS
- ✓ Go during quiet hours (mid-morning)
Don’t
- ✗ Wear a white shirt (blends with background)
- ✗ Smile or show teeth
- ✗ Wear a hat, headband, or headphones
- ✗ Use a photo older than 6 months
- ✗ Accept a photo with visible shadows
- ✗ Rush — ask for retakes if needed
For more on what to wear and expression requirements, see our guides on passport photo dress code and smiling rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a passport photo cost at CVS? ▼
Does CVS take passport photos on weekends? ▼
How long does it take? ▼
Do you need an appointment? ▼
Can I get a digital copy at CVS? ▼
Are CVS photos accepted by the State Department? ▼
Save $16.50 — Make Your Passport Photo Free
Upload your photo, get a compliant 2×2 photo with digital + printable formats. Then print the 4×6 at any drugstore for $0.35.
Create Passport Photo Free →Free Tools
Print Template
Create 4×6 layout to print at CVS
Background Remover
Get a clean white background free
Photo Cropper
Crop to 2×2 inches with precision
Photo Resizer
Resize to exact pixel dimensions
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