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 creating your passport photo online makes more sense — including a $0.35 print hack.

Written by the pixid.studio compliance team · January 2026. See State Department photo requirements.

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
100% money-back guarantee✗ 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

Frequently asked questions

Can I print a passport photo at CVS for $0.35?
Yes. Use a 4×6 inch template with two 2×2 passport photos and order it as a standard print at CVS for about $0.35 instead of $16.99. Pick up in-store and cut the photos yourself.
How much does CVS charge for passport photos?
$16.99 for two 2×2 inch prints as of January 2026. No digital file provided.
Does CVS take passport photos?
Yes, most CVS locations with a photo department offer passport photo services. Call ahead — not all stores offer this, and staff availability varies.
Can I use a CVS passport photo for online renewal?
No. travel.state.gov requires a digital JPEG — CVS only provides prints. Use a digital service like PixID.studio for online applications.
Does CVS give you a digital copy?
No. CVS provides printed photos only — no digital file, email, or download.
What are CVS passport photo hours?
Stores typically open 8 AM–10 PM, but passport photo services depend on a photo associate being on duty. Call ahead.
Does CVS guarantee the photo will be accepted?
No. CVS does not offer a rejection guarantee. PixID.studio includes a 100% money-back guarantee if your photo is rejected.

Get your passport photo online — works for print and digital

JPEG for online renewal or DS-160. Printable 4×6 sheet for CVS, Walgreens, or home. 100% money-back guarantee.

Get My Photo — $4.99 →

← Back to Guide