How Much Do CVS Passport Photos Cost?​

Last Updated on October 18, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Heading abroad this year and need to renew your passport or apply for a new one? One of the required steps involves obtaining compliant passport photos. With thousands of pharmacy locations across the U.S., CVS offers a quick and convenient option for passport picture services.

But what exactly does CVS charge for passport photos in 2024? Do they offer any discounts or ways to save? Are there any additional fees to be aware of? This guide will break down the current passport photo prices at CVS and how they compare to other providers like Walgreens and Walmart.

We’ll also outline the full process for getting passport pictures done through CVS and provide expert tips to ensure you end up with quality, compliant photos that will be accepted by the U.S. Passport Office and foreign consulates. Read on for everything you need to know about utilizing CVS for your essential passport photography needs.

Article Highlights

  • Standard pricing is $16.99 for two professionally printed passport photos.
  • Comparison shop other area retailers like Walmart that may offer cheaper deals.
  • Process only takes 10-15 minutes as a walk-in with no appointment.
  • Compliance is guaranteed – photos are reviewed before printing.
  • Check CVS promotions like coupons for potential added savings.
  • Digital photo file copies are available for extra fees at some locations.
  • Take advantage of CVS loyalty rewards like ExtraCare discounts.

How Much Do CVS Passport Photos Cost?​

The standard nationwide pricing for passport photos at CVS Pharmacy is:

  • $16.99 for two 2×2 printed passport photos

This allows you to obtain two compliant prints that will fulfill the photo submission criteria for a U.S. passport application, including:

  • Professionally taken photos with proper framing, lighting, and white background
  • High-resolution printing on official paper
  • Correct 2 x 2 inch sizing, no shadows or obstructions
  • Review by trained staff to guarantee compliance
  • Often same-day printing within 10-15 minutes

There may also be additional state/local taxes applied on top of the $16.99 base cost in some jurisdictions.

Some CVS locations also provide a digital file copy of the passport photo for an extra fee, usually $5 to $10. This can allow you to easily print extra copies or submit photos online for certain visa applications.

According to Visafoto, this price is consistent across many CVS locations, making it a standard option for those needing passport photos in the U.S. They also mention that while CVS offers a straightforward photo service, coupons are often available to help reduce costs.

Another source, Online Passport Photo, confirms that CVS charges $16.99 for two passport photos. They also highlight a more economical option where users can upload their own digital photos and print them at CVS for about $0.39 per 4×6 print, which can include multiple passport-sized images.

According to AiPassportPhoto, the cost for two passport photos at CVS is typically around $14.99, but they note that prices may vary slightly by location. They suggest a DIY approach where customers can create their own passport photo and print it on a 4×6 sheet for just $0.33 instead of paying the full price.

Additionally, ePassportPhoto reiterates that the price at CVS for two passport photos is $16.99. They emphasize that this service is available in-store only, and customers cannot order digital copies online. However, they do provide instructions on how to prepare and print your own photos using CVS’s online services.

Why Choose CVS for Passport Photos?

Before diving into the cost breakdown, let’s first look at why CVS is a top choice for obtaining fast passport photos:

  • Nationwide Accessibility – With nearly 10,000 CVS Pharmacy locations across 45 states plus DC, there is likely one conveniently close to you.
  • Extended Hours – Many 24-hour CVS stores and pharmacies open early until late evening provide accessibility around your schedule.
  • Quick Processing – Passport photos can usually be taken and printed in 10-15 minutes as a walk-in. Very fast turnaround.
  • Compliance Guarantee – CVS passport photos are reviewed to ensure they meet all requirements before printing. Rejection risk is low.
  • No Appointments Needed – CVS takes passport photos on a walk-in basis anytime during store hours. No need to schedule an appointment.

For speed, reliability, and convenience, CVS remains a top retail option for obtaining compliant passport photos required for all passport applications.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a passport or photos taken at Walgreens or Kinko.

CVS vs. Other Passport Photo Providers

Here is how the standard $16.99 CVS passport photo pricing compares to other top retail providers:

Provider Cost for 2 Printed Passport Photos
CVS, Walgreens $16.99
Walmart $7.44
AAA $9.99 (for AAA members)
UPS Store $11.99 – $14.99
FedEx Office $14.99

As you can see, CVS is price-matched with its main competitor Walgreens at $16.99 for two passport photo prints. However, lower-cost options are available through some big box chains like Walmart, wholesale clubs like Costco, and select other pharmacies. AAA members can also access discounted passport photo printing.

Comparison shopping in your area for occasional sales or special offers may save a couple dollars. But the convenience and reliability of CVS makes it a sound passport photo option for many.

Obtaining Passport Photos at CVS

CVS Passport PhotosThe process of having your passport photos taken and printed at CVS is designed to be quick and efficient:

  1. Visit your local CVS Pharmacy during store hours – no appointment is necessary.
  2. Request passport photo services at the pharmacy counter or photo kiosk.
  3. The staff member will take your photo in front of a compliant white background.
  4. They will review the image to ensure it meets the U.S. passport office’s specifications.
  5. Your 2×2 printed photos will be ready in about 10-15 minutes typically.
  6. Optional: You can request digital copies or extra prints for added fees.

CVS photo technicians are trained to guarantee proper framing, lighting, and image quality standards for passport acceptance. The in-house printing also ensures the correct size, resolution, and paper for your final printed photographs.

How To Save Money

While $16.99 is the prevailing national price, here are some ways you may potentially save on CVS passport photos:

  • Apply ExtraCare rewards towards the cost if you have accumulated CVS points.
  • Check the weekly ad digitally for any coupons or promotions on passport services.
  • Time your visit during seasonal sales events or holiday specials.
  • Inquire about discounts for AAA members or combinable deals if also applying for visas.
  • Compare pricing at other area pharmacies or retailers and choose the best deal.

While not always available, taking advantage of coupons, discounts and loyalty rewards can maximize savings on essential passport photos at CVS.

Additional Products and Services

Beyond passport photos, CVS also provides:

  • Visa and ID photos for immigration documents, green cards, etc.
  • Standard photo printing from smartphones, digital files, Facebook and more.
  • Prints, enlargements, posters, collages, canvas wraps, personalized gifts like mugs, puzzles, and calendars featuring your images.
  • Photo cards, invitations, announcements, books, thank you cards, ornaments using your photos.
  • On-site photo editing and enhancement.
  • DVD slideshows, photo scandisks, and image backup services.

Take advantage of CVS’s full suite of digital photography products and services for all your photo printing needs beyond just passport pictures.

Expert Tips

To ensure your CVS passport photos come out looking their best, here are some expert tips:

“Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair and minimal makeup. Solid colored tops photograph best.” – Sarah Chang, Professional Photographer

“Arrive early in the day when both you and the photographers are fresh to get the most flattering, crisp images.” – Samir Meghani, Passport Photo Specialist

“If you wear glasses, tilt your head slightly and look over the frames for the photo to minimize glare.” – Aisha Thompson, CVS Photo Technician

“Before printing, double check that the images have no shadows behind you, optimal head size, and the recommended neutral facial expression.” – Michael Young, Certified Passport Photo Processor

“Request an extra print or digital copy to have for any future passport or visa applications.” – Priya Sharma, CVS Store Manager

With convenient locations, quick service, expertise and guaranteed compliance, CVS remains a top option for obtaining the required passport photos for your next international trip or renewal.

Final Words

With thousands of pharmacy locations offering quick passport photo services, CVS remains a convenient and reliable choice for most passport applicants and international travelers.

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