CVS Passport Photos: Cost, Hours & How It Works
Skip the $16.99 — get the same photo free in 5 minutes
Take your photo at home, upload below, and download a fully compliant passport photo. Then print at any CVS kiosk for $0.35 — saving you $16.64.
How the CVS Passport Photo Process Works
Use the CVS store locator at cvs.com and filter by 'Photo Center.' Most CVS locations have a photo center, but passport photo service requires a staff associate to be present — not all kiosk-only locations offer this. Call ahead to confirm.
Photo centers are typically staffed from 9 AM to 8 PM. No appointment is needed. Weekday mornings are the least busy. Avoid Saturday afternoons and the hour before close.
A photo center associate sets up a white background and takes your photo. They position you correctly and check compliance. The whole photography session takes under 5 minutes.
Your photos are sent to the in-store kiosk for printing. You'll receive two 2×2 inch prints on one 4×6 sheet. A digital copy is also sent to the CVS app — download it before you leave if you need it for an online application.
Check both prints: sharp focus, accurate white background, no red-eye, no shadows on the face. If anything is off, ask for a retake while you're still in the store.
CVS vs. Free Online Tool: Side-by-Side
| Aspect | CVS Counter | Free Online Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $16.99 | Free (+ ~$0.35 print at CVS kiosk) |
| Time required | Drive + wait + drive back (~1 hr) | 5 minutes at home |
| Photography | Associate with dedicated setup | Your smartphone + window light |
| Printed photos | 2 prints on 4×6 sheet | Print at any kiosk — $0.35 per sheet |
| Digital copy | Sent to CVS app | Instant download, JPEG |
| Retakes | Usually free if needed same visit | Unlimited — re-upload anytime |
| Hours available | ~9AM–8PM (staffed hours) | 24/7 |
| Locations | 10,000+ US stores | Any device with a browser |
How to Print Your Photo at a CVS Kiosk for $0.35
You don't have to pay $16.99. Use our free tool to prepare the photo, then print it yourself at the CVS kiosk at a fraction of the cost.
Take your photo at home near a window (no flash, white background behind you).
Upload to our free tool — it automatically crops and resizes to the exact 2×2 inch passport specification at 300 DPI.
Download the JPEG file to your phone.
Open the CVS Photo app → Create → Standard Prints → 4×6 → upload your file.
Choose your nearest CVS, select same-day pickup. Cost: ~$0.35.
Pick up your print. Cut the 4×6 into two 2×2 photos if they aren't pre-cut (use scissors along the center dividing line).
Price Comparison: All Options
Note
Create Your Passport Photo — Free
Download & print at any CVS kiosk for $0.35 · same compliance, 48× cheaper
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
FAQ
How much does a passport photo cost at CVS?
CVS charges $16.99 for a passport photo as of 2026. This includes two 2×2 inch printed photos on a 4×6 sheet plus a digital copy sent to the CVS app. CVS is slightly more expensive than Walgreens ($15.99) and significantly more expensive than Walmart ($7.44) or Costco ($4.99). However, CVS has more locations in dense urban areas than either Walmart or Costco.
How long does a CVS passport photo take?
CVS passport photos are typically ready in under 1 hour. The photography itself takes under 5 minutes at the photo counter. Printing time at the in-store kiosk is 15–30 minutes. Some locations print faster depending on staffing and kiosk queue. Call ahead during peak periods (Saturday mornings, pre-summer) to confirm wait times.
Are CVS passport photos accepted by the US State Department?
Yes. CVS uses compliant equipment and background setups that meet all US State Department requirements: 2×2 inches, white background, 300 DPI, proper face framing. The prints are on photo paper and are accepted for US passport applications, renewals, visas, and USCIS immigration documents.
What hours does CVS do passport photos?
CVS photo centers are generally open 9 AM to 8 PM, though hours vary by location. Standalone CVS stores (not 24-hour locations) typically close earlier. Some CVS locations are open 24 hours but photo services may not be available overnight — passport photos are typically offered during staffed hours only. Use the CVS store locator to check your nearest location's photo center hours.
Do I need an appointment for a passport photo at CVS?
No appointment is needed. Passport photos at CVS are a walk-in service. Simply visit the photo counter during open hours. Busy periods include Saturday mornings and weekday lunch hours — weekday mornings are usually fastest.
Can I use a CVS digital passport photo for an online application?
Yes. CVS sends a digital copy to your CVS app or email. This digital file meets the JPEG format and minimum resolution requirements for online passport renewal at MyTravelGov.state.gov, Schengen visa portals, and most other online application systems. Ask to confirm the file resolution before leaving.
What's cheaper — CVS or making my own passport photo?
Making your own photo is significantly cheaper. Use our free tool to take and crop your photo at home (under 5 minutes), download the digital file, then print at any CVS kiosk as a standard 4×6 photo for $0.35. Total cost: $0.35. Compared to the $16.99 counter service, that's a saving of $16.64 — for an identical print.
Can I upload my own photo to print at a CVS kiosk?
Yes. The CVS Photo kiosk (and the CVS Photo app) lets you upload any digital image file and print it as a standard 4×6 photo. Use our free tool to prepare a properly cropped passport photo, upload it via the CVS app, select your store, and pick it up. Cost: approximately $0.35 per 4×6 print, which contains two passport photos.