CVS & Walgreens Passport Photo: Print a 2x2 on 4x6

CVS vs Walgreens passport photo options

Both CVS and Walgreens can be useful for passport photos, but they are not the same user journey. For SEO and for real users, the key distinction is full-service passport photo vs DIY 4x6 photo print.

How to print a 2x2 passport photo at Walgreens

If you want the lower-cost DIY route, prepare your photo before you go to Walgreens. The file should be a 4x6 image containing one or more correctly sized 2x2 passport photos.

1. Create your compliant photo with an online tool such as Passport-Selfie's US passport photo generator.
2. Download the 4x6 print-ready file.
3. Upload the file to Walgreens Photo or bring it to an in-store photo kiosk on your phone or USB drive.
4. Select a standard 4x6 photo print, not an enlargement or cropped layout.
5. Choose no borders or no automatic crop if the option is available.
6. Pick up the print and cut out the 2x2 photo carefully.

For a deeper Walgreens-only workflow, see our dedicated guide: Walgreens passport photo: how to print a 2x2 photo.

How to print a 2x2 passport photo at CVS

CVS works similarly: either use the full-service passport photo option at a participating store, or print your prepared 4x6 sheet as a regular photo print.

1. Prepare a compliant 2x2 photo and place it on a 4x6 sheet.
2. Save the file to your phone, computer, or USB drive.
3. Upload it through CVS Photo or use a CVS photo kiosk.
4. Order it as a standard 4x6 print.
5. Check that CVS does not crop or resize the file before checkout.
6. Cut out the 2x2 photo after pickup.

For CVS-specific steps, read: CVS passport photo: cost, 2x2 size, and 4x6 printing.

US 2x2 passport photo requirements to check before printing

Printing at CVS or Walgreens does not make a photo compliant by itself. Before ordering the print, check the core US passport photo requirements from the US Department of State:

• Photo size: 2 x 2 inches.
• Head size: about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Plain white or off-white background.
• Neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open.
• No shadows, heavy filters, hats, or glasses.

Always verify the latest official requirements on the US Department of State passport photo page before submitting your application.

Cost comparison: full-service vs DIY 4x6 print

Full-service passport photos at pharmacies are convenient, but they usually cost much more than a standard 4x6 photo print. The DIY route can reduce the store printing cost to under $1 per sheet, depending on location, promotions, and current store pricing.

The tradeoff: with the DIY route, you are responsible for preparing a correctly sized and compliant file. That is why the safest workflow is to use a tool that creates the 2x2 crop and 4x6 layout for you, then inspect the final print before submitting it.

Common problems when printing passport photos at CVS or Walgreens

• The kiosk crops the file: preview the 4x6 print and disable automatic crop if possible.
• The photo is not exactly 2x2: use a print-ready 4x6 sheet and do not resize it manually.
• Colors look different on paper: small screen-to-print differences are normal, but avoid photos that become too dark.
• Store staff says it is not a passport photo: explain that you are ordering a standard 4x6 photo print, then cutting the prepared 2x2 photo yourself.
• The photo fails official rules: check background, shadows, head size, glasses, and image age before printing.

CVS and Walgreens passport photo printing FAQ

Can I print a 2x2 passport photo as a 4x6 photo at CVS or Walgreens?

Yes. The important part is that the file is already a correctly sized 4x6 sheet with the 2x2 passport photo placed on it. Order it as a standard photo print and cut out the 2x2 photo after pickup. Do not let the store crop, zoom, or resize the file.

Is a CVS or Walgreens 4x6 print accepted for a US passport application?

The store does not determine acceptance. The final printed photo must meet US Department of State requirements: 2 x 2 inches, correct head size, plain white or off-white background, current appearance, and no shadows, glasses, hats, uniforms, filters, or damaged paper.

What should I do if the kiosk crops my 4x6 passport photo sheet?

Cancel the crop or look for a no-crop, full-frame, or original-size option. Avoid fit-to-frame, borders, collage, enlargement, or any layout option that changes the sheet. If the preview changes the image, the final 2x2 passport photo may print at the wrong size.

CVS and Walgreens store finders

Use the official store finders to check locations, hours, and available photo services before you go:

• CVS Store Finder: www.cvs.com/store-locator/landing
• Walgreens Store Finder: www.walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp