Print Passport Photo at Home: 4x6 Template Gets 6 Photos for $0.35
Yes, you can print your own passport photos! Use the 4x6 template trick to print 6 passport photos for $0.35 at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. Heres how.
Yes, you can print your own passport photos at home. The State Department accepts photos taken and printed yourself, as long as they meet the official 2×2 inch specifications. The trick? Use a 4x6 print template to fit 6 passport photos on one print—paying just $0.35 at any drugstore instead of $17 for their passport photo service.
The 4x6 Print Template Trick Explained
Here’s how it works:
A US passport photo is 2x2 inches. A standard 4x6 photo print fits six 2x2 photos in a grid (2 across × 3 down). Since drugstores charge the same price for any 4x6 print—whether it’s your vacation photo or six passport photos—you get all six for the price of one print.
| What You Get | CVS/Walgreens Service | 4x6 Template Trick |
|---|---|---|
| Photos | 2 | 6 |
| Cost | $14.99–16.99 | $0.35 |
| Cost per photo | $7.50–8.50 | $0.06 |
That’s 96% savings and you get triple the photos.
Where to Print for $0.35
Most drugstores and retailers offer 4x6 prints for around $0.35 with same-day pickup:
| Store | 4x6 Print Price | Pickup Time |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Photo | $0.35 | 1 hour |
| Walgreens Photo | $0.35 | Same day |
| Walmart Photo | $0.38 | Same day |
| Target Photo | $0.35 | Same day |
| Costco Photo | $0.17 | Same day (members) |
Pro tip: Use the store’s mobile app to upload your 4x6 template and select “pickup” to avoid shipping fees. Your prints are usually ready within an hour.
How to Create Your Print Template
You have two options:
Option 1: Use Our Tool (Recommended)
- Go to 1 Dollar Passport Photo
- Upload your photo
- Our AI automatically removes the background and crops to spec
- Pay $1 to download your print-ready 4x6 template
- Upload the template to CVS, Walgreens, or any photo printer
Total cost: $1.35 for 6 compliant passport photos.
Option 2: Learn More About the 4×6 Trick
Want to see how the template works before creating your photo? Visit our 4×6 Print Template page to:
- See a preview of how your photos will be arranged
- Understand the exact savings breakdown
- Learn where to print for the best prices
The template download is included with your $1 passport photo.
Paper Type: Glossy vs Matte
The US State Department accepts both glossy and matte paper for passport photos. However:
- Glossy is more common and widely accepted
- Matte can sometimes show fingerprints less
- Photo paper is required—regular printer paper won’t work
When ordering your 4x6 print, select glossy photo paper to match what passport offices typically see.
Cutting Your Photos to Size
Once you pick up your 4x6 print, you’ll need to cut it into individual 2x2 photos:
Tools You’ll Need
- A ruler (with inches)
- A sharp craft knife or scissors
- A cutting mat or cardboard (to protect your surface)
Cutting Steps
- Mark the cut lines — Use a pencil to lightly mark at 2-inch intervals
- Use a straight edge — A ruler ensures clean, straight cuts
- Cut slowly — Jagged edges look unprofessional
- Check dimensions — Each photo should be exactly 2×2 inches
Pro tip: A paper cutter (guillotine style) gives the cleanest edges. Many office supply stores have them available for customer use.
Common Cutting Mistakes
- Cutting too close to the face — Leave the full white border
- Uneven cuts — Use a ruler, don’t freehand it
- Bending the photo — Handle by the edges to avoid creases
Quality Checklist Before Printing
Before you upload your template, verify:
- Background is pure white (not cream or gray)
- Head size is 1–1⅜ inches from chin to top of head
- Eyes are between 1⅛–1⅜ inches from the bottom
- Photo is sharp and well-lit
- No shadows on face or background
- Neutral expression, eyes open
Our tool checks all of these automatically. If you’re DIYing, compare your photo against the State Department’s photo requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print passport photos on my home printer?
Technically yes, but it’s rarely worth it. You need:
- Photo paper ($0.50+ per sheet)
- A printer with excellent color accuracy
- The right paper size loaded
Drugstore prints are cheaper, faster, and more consistent.
How long do printed passport photos last?
Passport photos must be taken within 6 months of your application. The print itself doesn’t expire, but the photo does.
Can I use the same 4x6 template for visa photos?
Only if the visa requires 2x2 inch photos (like US visas). Other countries have different size requirements:
- Schengen visa: 35×45mm
- UK visa: 35×45mm
- Canada: 50×70mm
Check your specific visa requirements before printing.
What if my photo gets rejected?
If you used our tool, contact us and we’ll help you get a compliant photo. If you DIYed the whole process, you’ll need to retake the photo and reprint.
Summary: Your $1.35 Passport Photo
Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Create compliant photo with our tool | $1.00 |
| Print 4x6 template at CVS/Walgreens | $0.35 |
| Total for 6 photos | $1.35 |
Compare that to $16.99 for 2 photos at CVS. You’re saving over $15 and getting 3x the photos.
Ready to Start?
Create your passport photo now — our AI handles background removal, cropping, and compliance validation. Download your print-ready 4x6 template and pick it up at any drugstore today.
Ready to create your passport photo?
Get a compliant photo in 2 minutes for just $1. No signup required.