Passport Photo Cost: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, USPS, and Online Options

Passport photo cost comparison by option

Prices change by store, location, promotions, and whether staff take the picture for you. Use this table to choose the right route, then confirm the current price with the retailer before you order.

What is the cheapest way to get passport photos?

The cheapest practical route is usually to create a compliant 2x2 passport photo file, place it on a 4x6 canvas, and print that sheet as a standard photo at a local retailer. You still need to cut the photo carefully and measure the final 2x2 print before submitting it.

1. Take a new photo in even light against a plain white or off-white background.
2. Use the Passport-Selfie US passport photo tool to crop and prepare a print-ready 4x6 sheet.
3. Print the sheet as a normal 4x6 photo at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, another lab, or at home on photo paper.
4. Choose “no crop,” “actual size,” or the equivalent setting if the retailer shows a preview.
5. Cut out the 2x2 photo and verify the head size before using it.

For the detailed print workflow, use the 2x2 passport photo on 4x6 guide. If you are comparing stores, start with passport photo near me options.

How much does a digital passport photo cost?

A digital passport photo can be cheaper than buying printed photos if you are renewing online or want the flexibility to print later. For US online renewal, the important thing is not paper size; it is whether the uploaded file follows the State Department rules for recentness, color, background, face position, lighting, and file quality.

Do not scan a printed passport photo for online renewal unless the official instructions specifically allow it for your use case. A fresh digital photo prepared for upload is usually cleaner and avoids scanner artifacts.

Read the online passport renewal photo guide before submitting a digital file.

Hidden costs that make passport photos more expensive

• Rejected photos: the cheapest option becomes expensive if you need another appointment or rush service.
• Wrong print size: a 4x6 sheet must preserve the 2x2 photo exactly; retailer auto-crop is the main risk.
• Unnecessary full-service photos: if you only need a digital upload, buying printed photos may not help.
• Travel time: a slightly cheaper store may not be worth it if pickup takes a second trip.
• Baby retakes: infants often need several attempts, so an at-home setup can save time and frustration.

Passport photo cost FAQ

Is a 4x6 passport photo print accepted?

The application uses the cut 2x2 photo, not the whole 4x6 sheet. A 4x6 sheet is only a convenient way to print one or more correctly sized 2x2 photos on standard photo paper.

Is it cheaper to print passport photos at CVS or Walgreens?

Standard 4x6 photo printing is usually much cheaper than full-service passport photos at either retailer. The safer comparison is not CVS versus Walgreens; it is full-service passport photos versus a prepared 4x6 print sheet.

Does the passport application fee include the photo?

No. Passport government fees and passport photo costs are separate. If an acceptance facility offers photo service, it is typically an extra service rather than part of the passport fee.