CVS passport photo key facts: In-store $16.99, no digital file. Alternative: PixID $4.99 + order 4×6 standard print at CVS Photo for $0.35. 100% US State Department compliant. Biometric validation. Instant digital for online renewal.

US Passport Guide · Last verified: January 2026

CVS Passport Photo: Cost, Process, and What CVS Can't Do

⏱ 2 min process 💰 Save ~$15 ✅ Govt Approved

CVS offers in-store passport photos for $16.99. Two printed 2×2 inch copies, ready in minutes. This guide covers the exact process, limitations, and when a digital alternative makes more sense.

Written by the pixid.studio compliance team · January 2026

Service Type Price (2026)
Official Store Service $16.99
PixID.studio + Local Print $0.35
Printable 2x2 inch passport photo template for CVS — 4×6 sheet with two photos
Sample 4×6 inch sheet with two 2×2 passport photos — order as a standard print at CVS for about $0.35 instead of $16.99.

CVS Passport Photo — Quick Facts

Price$16.99 (2 prints)
FormatPrinted only
Size2×2 inches
Wait time~10 minutes
Digital fileNot provided
AvailabilityMost locations

How much are passport photos at CVS in 2026?

The official price for two 2×2 prints at CVS is $16.99. That includes in-store photography and two printed copies; no digital file. Price may vary slightly by location.

How CVS passport photos work

CVS provides an in-store passport photo service at most locations with a photo department. An associate takes the photo, prints two copies on-site, and hands them to you — typically within 10 minutes.

  1. 1
    Go to a CVS with photo services
    Not every CVS location offers passport photos. Call ahead or check cvs.com to confirm your store. Look for locations with a "Photo Center" or "MinuteClinic."
  2. 2
    Ask a photo associate
    Tell the associate you need a passport photo. They'll direct you to a designated spot with a plain white background and consistent lighting.
  3. 3
    Photo is taken and printed
    The associate takes the photo with their equipment, checks that it meets State Department requirements, and prints two 2×2 inch copies. Process takes approximately 10 minutes.
  4. 4
    Pay at the register
    $16.99 as of January 2026. Price may vary slightly by location. You receive two printed photos — no digital file.

What CVS provides — and what it doesn't

Key limitation: CVS does not provide a digital file. For online applications — US passport renewal at travel.state.gov, DS-160 visa application at ceac.state.gov — you need a JPEG file, not printed photos. CVS cannot help with these.

FeatureCVSPixID.studio
Price$16.99$4.99
Printed 2×2 photos✓ 2 printsDigital + printable sheet
Digital JPEG file✗ Not provided✓ Included
Works for online renewal✗ No✓ Yes
Works for DS-160 visa✗ No✓ Yes
No travel required✗ Must visit store✓ Fully online
Available 24/7✗ Store hours only✓ Any time
Free redo if rejected✗ No guarantee✓ Included
Compliance report✗ No✓ Every check documented

CVS passport photo hours and locations

CVS stores are generally open 8 AM–10 PM daily, but passport photo service depends on whether a photo associate is working. The photo counter may not be staffed at all hours, especially late evenings, early mornings, or holidays.

Best practice: Call your local CVS before visiting to confirm (1) that passport photos are offered at that location, and (2) that a photo associate will be on duty at your planned time. Use the CVS store locator at cvs.com/store-locator to find the nearest location with photo services.

When CVS is the right choice

CVS makes sense in specific situations:

  • You're submitting a mail-in passport application and need physical printed photos right now
  • You don't have access to a printer or PixID and need same-day physical prints
  • You're applying in-person at a passport acceptance facility that requires prints on-site

When CVS is not the right choice

  • US passport online renewal (travel.state.gov) — requires a digital JPEG file, not prints
  • DS-160 visa application (ceac.state.gov) — requires a digital JPEG under 240 KB
  • USCIS online applications — require digital file upload
  • Any application where you upload the photo to a government portal
  • If you want a digital copy for future use

Digital file · no store visit · $4.99

Get your passport photo online — works for print and digital

JPEG file ready for online renewal or DS-160. Printable 4×6 sheet for CVS, Walgreens, or home printing. Free redo if rejected.

Make my passport photo ($4.99) →

No store visit · Any device · Instant download

Join 10k+ users this month. 100% Govt Compliant.

Frequently asked questions

Can I print a passport photo at CVS for $0.35?
Yes. You can use a 4×6 inch photo template with two 2×2 passport photos and order it as a standard print at CVS for about $0.35 instead of paying $16.99 for the in-store passport photo service. Pick up in-store and cut the photos yourself.
How much does CVS charge for passport photos?
CVS charges $16.99 for a set of two 2×2 inch passport photos as of January 2026. Price includes in-store photography and two printed copies. No digital file is provided.
Does CVS take passport photos?
Yes, most CVS locations with a photo department offer passport photo services. An associate takes the photo in-store and prints two 2×2 inch copies on-site. Call ahead to confirm availability at your specific location — not all stores offer this service, and staff availability varies by time of day.
Can I use a CVS passport photo for online renewal?
No. The US passport online renewal portal at travel.state.gov requires a digital JPEG file — not printed photos. CVS only provides physical prints, so their service cannot be used for online renewal. You need a digital photo service like PixID.studio for online applications.
Does CVS give you a digital copy of your passport photo?
No. CVS provides two printed 2×2 inch photos only. They do not provide a digital file, email, or download of the photo. If you need a digital file for an online application, you need to use a digital passport photo service.
What are CVS passport photo hours?
CVS stores are typically open 8 AM–10 PM daily, but passport photo services depend on a photo associate being on duty — which may not be all hours. Always call your local CVS to confirm availability before visiting, especially for evenings, weekends, or holidays.
How long does it take to get passport photos at CVS?
The process typically takes around 10 minutes from when you're helped by an associate to when you receive the printed photos.
How to use Pixid template at CVS?
Create your compliant 2×2 photo at PixID.studio, download the 4×6 sheet with two photos, then order it as a standard print at CVS Photo. Pick up in-store for about $0.35 and cut to size.
Is it legal for passports?
Yes. The US State Department accepts photos that meet 2×2 inch, head size, and background rules. PixID outputs compliant files; printing the template at any lab or store is allowed.
Does CVS guarantee the photo will be accepted?
CVS does not offer a rejection guarantee. If your application is rejected because of the photo, you would need to return to the store and pay again. PixID.studio includes a free redo guarantee — if your photo is rejected, we reprocess it at no charge.

Note: Walmart and CVS passport photo prices are consistent across California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Use our 4×6 template to ensure the $0.35 price nationwide.

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