Walgreens vs CVS Passport Photo: $16.99 vs $17.99
Last verified 16 October 2026 · How we verify
Quick answer
Checked 16 October 2026: Walgreens is $16.99 for two prints, and CVS is $17.99 for two prints. They are close, not the same price. Both are walk-in and prints-first. Digital email at Walgreens is included if you ask at the counter; CVS digital is an add-on, often $3.99.
Neither base package reliably gives you a JPEG for online renewal or DS-160. For that, use PixID ($4.99) or confirm a digital add-on before you pay.
Written by PixID.studio compliance team · Updated 16 October 2026 · travel.state.gov
Full store price matrix
Passport photo cost comparison (all chains) →
Bottom line: Walgreens lists $16.99 and CVS lists $17.99 for two 2×2 prints, checked 16 October 2026. Confirm at your store. The standard package is prints. Walgreens includes a digital email if you choose it at the counter. CVS digital is usually extra. Neither base package is a DS-160 file. PixID ($4.99) plus a 4×6 print is the digital file plus a sheet.
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, free redo if your photo fails our check (per Terms). DS-160: /idphoto?document=US%20Visa.
Create digital photo at /idphoto →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Walgreens | CVS | |
|---|---|---|
| Two prints, checked 16 Oct 2026 | $16.99 | $17.99 |
| Prints provided | 2 copies | 2 copies |
| Digital file (base package) | Prints only | Prints only |
| Email / digital add-on | Often yes (store-dependent) | Rare — confirm locally |
| JPEG for online renewal / DS-160 | Only if you buy digital add-on | Uncommon — use digital service |
| Appointment required | No — walk-in | No — walk-in |
| Wait time | ~10 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| US locations (approx.) | 7,700+ | ~9,900 |
| Rejection guarantee | None | None |
Price: Walgreens $16.99, CVS $17.99
Checked 16 Oct 2026. Walgreens lists $16.99 for two prints and includes a digital email if you choose it at the counter. CVS lists $17.99 for two prints, and a digital file is usually an extra $3.99. Confirm on the receipt.
Need a digital JPEG for online renewal or DS-160? Start with a digital service (PixID $4.99), then optionally print a 4×6 at either chain.
Digital file — base package vs add-ons
Default in-store passport service = two prints. That alone is not a DS-160-ready JPEG. Many Walgreens photo counters advertise email/digital as part of a bundle or upsell — availability varies. CVS is less consistent for digital; ask before you pay.
- US passport online renewal — the State Department portal (travel.state.gov) requires a JPEG upload. A printed photo cannot be submitted.
- DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application — requires a digital upload at ceac.state.gov. The basic two-print counter package is not enough unless you also purchase a compliant digital file or use PixID.
Process — Identical at Both
- Walk in, no appointment needed
- Ask at the pharmacy or photo counter for passport photos
- Associate photographs you against a white background
- Two printed 2×2 inch photos ready in ~10 minutes
- Pay at the counter
Quality — Comparable, Varies by Location
Neither chain is immune to variation. Factors affecting output at both:
- Lighting calibration at that specific location
- Backdrop condition (wrinkled or dirty backdrops cause background issues)
- Associate experience and care
- Whether the associate checks glasses, expression, head size
CVS locations with dedicated photo centers tend to be more consistent. But quality varies by individual store — you can get an excellent or subpar photo at either chain.
Rejection Policy — Neither Has One
If your photo is rejected at the passport acceptance facility or post office, neither Walgreens nor CVS offers a free retake or refund. You pay again elsewhere. This is a meaningful disadvantage compared to digital services that offer a guaranteed free redo.
When CVS or Walgreens Makes Sense
✅ Use CVS or Walgreens when:
Paper/in-person application with prints only · You’ll buy a digital add-on at Walgreens where offered · One store is much closer · You need prints in ~10 minutes.
❌ Skip drugstore counter when:
You need a DS-160-ready JPEG or online renewal file — use PixID first, then print if you also need paper · Lowest total cost matters (~$5.34 with PixID + 4×6).
Full US Passport Photo Cost Comparison
| Option | Price | Digital file | Online renewal | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | $17.99 | Digital usually +$3.99 | Ask before you pay | None |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | Digital email included if chosen | Choose it at the counter | None |
| FedEx Office | $15.95 | USB only | No | None |
| Staples | $17.99 prints · $19.99 digital · $24.99 bundle | With bundle/USB | With JPEG/USB | Store policy |
| UPS Store | $15.99–$19.99 by store | Often extra | No | None |
| USPS | $35 (with application) | No | No | None |
| PixID + CVS/Walgreens print | ~$5.34 total | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ | Free redo ✓ |
To use the PixID + print method: create your photo at PixID ($4.99), download the 4×6 sheet, upload to cvs.com/photo or photo.walgreens.com, print for $0.35, cut to 2×2 inch.
Get a Digital Passport Photo + Printed Copies for $5.34
PixID $4.99 + CVS/Walgreens 4×6 print $0.35 = prints + digital file + rejection guarantee
Create US Passport Photo — $4.99Frequently Asked Questions
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See also
Skip the ~$16.99 drugstore package. Get prints + digital for ~$5.34.
Create US Passport Photo — $4.99 →Digital file + printable sheet · Works for online renewal · Free redo if our check fails (per Terms)