Quick answer
CVS can be used for passport photos in two ways: full-service passport photos at participating stores, or standard 4x6 photo printing after you prepare a compliant 2x2 passport photo sheet yourself.
The DIY 4x6 print option can cost much less than a full-service passport photo, but the file must already be correctly sized and compliant.
CVS passport photo options
CVS Photo locations may offer full-service passport photos, but availability and pricing can vary. If you already have a suitable photo, you can instead prepare a 4x6 sheet and print it as a regular photo.
- Full-service CVS passport photo: convenient, but usually more expensive.
- DIY 4x6 print: lower store printing cost, but you are responsible for compliance and cutting.
How to print a 2x2 passport photo at CVS on a 4x6 sheet
- Create a US-compliant passport photo with a plain background and correct head size.
- Use Passport-Selfie's online passport photo tool to generate a 4x6 print-ready sheet.
- Save the file to your phone, computer, or USB drive.
- Upload it through CVS Photo or use a CVS photo kiosk.
- Select a standard 4x6 photo print.
- Review the preview and avoid any automatic crop, zoom, or fit-to-frame change.
- Pick up the print and cut out the 2x2 photo.
If you are deciding between CVS and Walgreens, see the full CVS & Walgreens 2x2 passport photo printing guide.
Online Passport Photo App
- Take a photo or upload it
- AI validates your photo
- Preview the final version
- Receive a print-ready digital file
- Have it sent to you by mail if needed
US passport photo requirements to check before CVS printing
- Final printed photo must be 2 x 2 inches.
- Head should measure about 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head.
- Use a white or off-white background.
- Look directly at the camera with both eyes open.
- Avoid glasses, hats, uniforms, shadows, filters, and damaged prints.
Use the official US Department of State photo requirements as the final reference before submitting your application.
Common CVS printing mistakes
- Letting CVS crop the 4x6 file: this can make the final 2x2 photo too large or too small.
- Using a casual selfie: passport photos need even lighting, a plain background, and correct framing.
- Forgetting to check print size: measure the cut photo before using it in an application.
- Assuming printing equals compliance: CVS prints the file; the file itself must meet passport photo rules.
About the Author: Timur Amirov
Timur Amirov founded Passport-Selfie and writes practical passport photo guides to help travelers create compliant photos online and print them affordably.
