US Passport Guide · Last verified: May 26, 2026
What Is the Average Cost of Passport Photos in 2026?
Quick answer: The average cost of passport photos at US walk-in counters in 2026 is about $7.64–$17.99 for two 2×2 prints — but the counter package is rarely the cheapest compliant workflow.
By provider: Walmart ~$7.64, UPS ~$12, USPS ~$15, Walgreens $16.99, CVS $17.99. Cheapest overall: PixID $4.99 digital file, or ~$5.11 with the 4×6 print hack (~$0.16–$0.35 at retail).
Use this page for price comparison. For store-specific hours and availability, see our CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, UPS Store, and USPS guides.
Price note: Figures below are typical national list prices (February–March 2026). Retail chains change regional pricing — confirm on the receipt screen before you pay.
Written by the pixid.studio compliance team · Updated May 26, 2026. See State Department photo requirements.
Cheapest compliant digital file — $4.99
Create your photo at https://www.pixid.studio/idphoto — compliance checks, printable 4×6 sheet, no AI face alteration. Money-back if rejected.
Get My Photo at /idphoto →Best app comparison: best passport photo apps 2026
Key numbers · verified May 26, 2026
- Walk-in range (2026)
- $7.64–$17.99
- Cheapest digital file
- PixID $4.99
- 4×6 print hack
- $0.16–$0.35
- CVS (2×2 prints)
- ~$17.99
- Walgreens
- ~$16.99
- UPS Store (franchise)
- ~$11.99–$13.99
Sources: travel.state.gov — passport photos · retail list prices per PixID editorial review (March–May 2026). Confirm on the receipt screen — regional pricing varies.
Need a digital file for DS-160 or online renewal?
Walk-in counters usually sell prints only. Create a compliant JPEG at https://www.pixid.studio/idphoto — $4.99, no AI face alteration, money-back if rejected. DS-160: /idphoto?document=US%20Visa.
Create digital photo at /idphoto →
Not a US 2×2? Country-specific sizes cost the same trap
US pharmacy counters default to 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) — fine for a US passport, wrong for many consulate renewals abroad. If you are renewing a Nigerian, Indian, or other non-US passport at a mission overseas, confirm the required size before you pay CVS or Walgreens.
- Nigerian passport photo — 35×45 mm white (NIS), not US 2×2
- Indian passport photo — 51×51 mm at consulates; Passport Seva and e-Visa differ
- USCIS / green card photo — same 2×2 as US passport; need JPEG for online filing
Retail walk-in prices above apply to US-format sessions. A $17.99 CVS package is wasted money if your embassy rejects the size.
Average passport photo cost in 2026 (ranked)
Typical national list prices for two 2×2 prints or equivalent digital workflow. Confirm on the receipt screen — regional pricing varies.
- PixID — $4.99 digital (+ optional 4×6 print ~$0.35)
- Walmart — $7.64 walk-in; 4×6 hack ~$0.16
- UPS Store — $11.99–$13.99
- Rite Aid — ~$14.99
- USPS — ~$15.00
- FedEx Office — ~$15.95
- Walgreens — $16.99 (digital email often included)
- CVS — $17.99 (digital often +$3.99)
- Staples — $17.99 prints; USB/bundle higher
Master comparison table
Full passport photo price list with walk-in service cost and the cheaper 4×6 print hack (format online, print a standard photo sheet). Click a provider for step-by-step details.
| Provider | Service price (2×2) | 4×6 print hack | Appointment? | Speed | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PixID.studio | $4.99 | ~$0.35 | No | Instant | Cheapest digital + optional print sheet |
| Walmart | $7.64 | ~$0.16 | No | 10–15 min | Budget walk-in prints |
| AAA | $0 – $20 | — | No | 5–10 min | AAA members (especially Premier) |
| UPS Store | $11.99–$13.99 | ~$0.35 | Recommended | 15 min | Walk-ins & quick shipping |
| USPS | $15.00 | — | Required | Varies | First-time applicants (all-in-one) |
| FedEx Office | $15.95 | ~$0.49 | No | 10 min | Speed-focused errand |
| Rite Aid | ~$14.99 | ~$0.38 | No | 15 min | Mid-range drugstore |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | ~$0.38 | No | 15 min | Often includes free digital via email |
| CVS | $17.99 | ~$0.39 | No | 15 min | Walk-in prints; digital often +$3.99 |
| Staples | $17.99 | ~$0.35 | No | 10 min | Optional USB / print+digital bundles |
Which service fits your schedule? Click a provider above for a step-by-step guide to their specific photo process.
0. The overall cheapest option: PixID.studio — $4.99
At $4.99 for a compliant digital file plus a printable sheet, PixID is the cheapest passport photo option in 2026 — cheaper than Walmart, CVS, or any in-store service.
Add a $0.12 Walmart print and your total is $5.11 for both digital and physical photos.
Best for: online passport renewal, DS-160 visa, anyone who wants the lowest total cost with a compliance guarantee.
1. The cheapest in-store option: Walmart
At just $7.64, Walmart remains the undisputed price leader for in-store cheapest passport photo 2026. If you have a Supercenter nearby, it is the most affordable in-person option. Read our full Walmart passport photo guide for 1-hour pickup and the 12¢ print hack.
2. The convenience winner: CVS & Walgreens
CVS and Walgreens provide printed photos first in the standard package. Typical national list prices: Walgreens $16.99, CVS $17.99 for two 2×2 prints (confirm on screen before you pay). Walgreens often bundles a free digital copy via email; CVS usually charges about $3.99 extra for a digital file. For DS-160 or travel.state.gov upload, PixID ($4.99) is the straightforward digital option. Store guides: CVS, Walgreens.
3. The “first-timer” winner: USPS
If you are applying for your very first passport (Form DS-11), you must appear in person before an acceptance agent. Doing your photo at the Post Office ($15.00) during your appointment ensures the photo is accepted immediately by the person processing your application. Full details in our USPS passport photo guide.
4. The office-center options: Staples & FedEx
If you want counter service with optional USB or bundle pricing, compare Staples passport photo (prints often around $17.99; USB/bundle tiers higher) and FedEx Office (~$15.95 two prints; USB at some locations). These are convenient business-center errands, not the cheapest path. TSA PreCheck enrollment is a separate service sometimes offered at Staples — it is not part of the passport photo product.
More options: AAA (free for Plus/Premier members), Rite Aid ($14.99), UPS Store ($11.99–$13.99), Target (online-only 2026), Costco (online-only via Shutterfly).
UK and Canada retail prices
These chains are not in the US table above but rank for cost queries in GSC — walk-in vs booth, and whether you get a digital code:
- Photo booth at Tesco — Max Spielmann ~£6–£8, HMPO code at Extra/Superstores
- Snappy Snaps passport photos price (UK) — counter service, ~£9–£12
- London Drugs passport photo price — ~$14.99–$19.99 CAD, Western Canada PhotoLab
Cheapest cross-border workflow: PixID $4.99 + local 4×6/6×4 print (~$0.15–$0.35).
Need a compliant digital photo for online renewal or DS-160?
Create a government-compliant 2×2 photo online in minutes. Instant download for State Department or visa portals.
Get My Photo — $4.99Frequently asked questions
What is the best price for passport photos?
PixID $4.99 for a compliant digital file. Walk-in prints only: Walmart ~$7.64. Cheapest paper workflow: 4×6 print hack at ~$0.16–$0.35 after formatting online — see table above.
How much is a passport photo at CVS?
Typically $17.99 for two prints (some stores $16.99). Digital copy often +$3.99. Full guide: CVS passport photo cost.
How much is a Walgreens passport photo in 2026?
Usually about $16.99 for two printed 2×2 photos. Walgreens says a digital copy is included with the passport product — confirm the file meets portal rules before you rely on it for online renewal. See our Walgreens guide.
How much does a CVS passport photo cost in 2026?
Typically about $17.99 for two prints at participating stores (some locations list $16.99). Digital copy is often +$3.99. See CVS passport photo or make a digital file with PixID.
What is the average cost of passport photos in 2026?
Walk-in prices span about $7.64 (Walmart) to $17.99 (CVS). Cheapest overall: PixID $4.99 for a compliant digital file, or ~$5.11 with a Walmart 4×6 print.
How much is a passport photo at CVS vs Walgreens vs Walmart?
Walmart ~$7.64, Walgreens $16.99 (often free digital email), CVS $17.99 (digital often +$3.99). Need only a digital file for online renewal? Use PixID.
How much is a USPS passport photo in 2026?
About $15 for two prints at many passport acceptance offices — separate from application fees. Not every Post Office takes photos. See USPS passport photo.
How much does UPS charge for passport photos?
Franchise pricing — many locations charge roughly $11.99–$13.99 for two prints. Call your store for the out-the-door price.
What is the cheapest place for passport photos?
PixID.studio at https://www.pixid.studio/idphoto — $4.99 for the cheapest compliant digital file with 100+ checks, no AI face alteration, and money-back if rejected. Add a Walmart 4×6 print for about $0.35. Full price comparison on this page.
Where can I get passport photos for online renewal?
You need a digital JPEG that meets portal limits. PixID ($4.99) is built for that. Drugstore counters primarily sell prints; digital/email add-ons are hit-or-miss. Staples and FedEx may offer USB or bundles — ask before payment.
Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
USPS requires an appointment for first-time passport applications. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, and most drugstores do not; walk-in service is typical.
How fast can I get passport photos?
Online services like PixID deliver in minutes. In-store: Walmart and FedEx about 10–15 minutes; CVS and Walgreens about 15 minutes.
What is the London Drugs passport photo price?
Typically $14.99–$19.99 CAD for two stamped 50×70 mm photos at Western Canada PhotoLab counters. Call ahead — pricing is not published online. See our London Drugs guide.
How much is a photo booth at Tesco?
Max Spielmann booths at Tesco Extra/large Superstores usually cost £6–£8 for prints plus an HMPO digital code. Express stores rarely have booths. Details: Tesco passport photo guide.
Is AAA free for passport photos?
AAA Plus members get 1 set free per year; Premier members get up to 4 sets free. Non-members pay around $10–20. No appointment needed at most locations.