CVS Passport Photo Price (2026)
| Price | $16.99 |
| Photos included | 2 prints (2×2 inch) |
| Cost per photo | $8.50 |
| Appointment needed? | No |
| Hours | 8am–10pm (varies by location) |
Alternative: Create your own photo for $1, then print at CVS for $0.35 = $1.35 for 6 photos
CVS Passport Photo Price & Cost 2026: Is $16.99 Worth It?
With over 9,000 locations nationwide, CVS is one of the most convenient places to get a passport photo. But at $16.99 for two photos, it's also one of the most expensive. Here's what you're actually paying for, what can go wrong, and how to get the same compliant photo for $1.
Quick Answer
CVS passport photos cost $16.99 for 2 photos ($8.50 each). You can get 6 compliant photos for $1.35 total by using our tool ($1) and printing at CVS ($0.35). That's a savings of $15.64 per person—or $62+ for a family of four.
What Does CVS Charge for Passport Photos?
CVS charges a flat $16.99 for their passport photo service at all locations. This price includes two 2×2 inch prints—the standard size for US passports, visas, and most government IDs.
Here's the math that matters: you're paying $8.50 per photo. And since most passport applications only require one photo, you're often paying for a photo you won't use.
For a family of four applying for passports, you're looking at $67.96 just for photos—before you've even paid the passport application fees.
CVS Passport Photo Pricing
- Passport photos (2 prints)$16.99
- Per photo cost$8.50
- Family of 4$67.96
- 4×6 print (DIY option)$0.35
What Does $16.99 Actually Get You?
When you pay for CVS passport photos, you're paying for convenience and an employee's time. The actual cost of materials—photographic paper and ink—is minimal. Here's what the service includes:
- ✓ A CVS employee takes your photo using in-store equipment (usually a digital camera on a stand)
- ✓ White backdrop built into the photo station
- ✓ Two 2×2 inch prints on a single 4×6 sheet
- ✓ Ready in 10-15 minutes (assuming no line)
- ✓ Free retakes if rejected—but you must return to the store
What you're not getting: any automated compliance checking, background removal, or a digital copy you can reuse. If you need photos for both a passport and a visa, you'll need to pay $16.99 twice.
What CVS Customers Are Saying
CVS Photo has a 1.9 out of 5 star rating on consumer review sites. While many customers have smooth experiences, the complaints reveal consistent problems worth knowing about before you go.
Equipment Failures and Rejections
The most frustrating complaint: photos that get rejected despite being taken by CVS staff. One customer reported in The Sun that CVS equipment failed her twice, wasting $22 on photos that were later rejected by passport authorities.
"The equipment at the store failed me twice... I wasted time and money for nothing."
Unlike automated online tools that verify compliance before you pay, CVS relies entirely on the staff member's judgment and the store's equipment condition. Some locations have well-maintained setups; others don't.
Staff Experience Varies Dramatically
CVS employees aren't professional photographers—they're pharmacy and retail workers who happen to operate the photo equipment. As one review noted: "Some staff know what they are doing, others don't. A lack of attention to detail is why passport photos get rejected."
The result is inconsistent quality. You might get a perfectly compliant photo, or you might get one with poor lighting, wrong head positioning, or shadows that cause rejection. You won't know until you submit your application.
International Passport Problems
CVS equipment is calibrated for US passport standards, but many customers need photos for other countries. One customer reported their CVS photos for a Canadian passport renewal were rejected for being "too poor quality"—despite the CVS employee assuring them the photos were acceptable.
"This cost me $35 in photo charges plus $60 in mail charges and delayed the renewal by at least 2 months."
UK, Canadian, Indian, and other passports have different specifications than US passports. CVS staff typically aren't trained on these differences.
The Hidden Time Cost
While CVS advertises "10-15 minute" service, the reality is often longer. You need to drive to the store, find parking, wait if the photo station is busy or the trained employee is on break, take the photo, wait for printing, and drive home. For many people, that's 30-60 minutes of their day—plus gas money—for two small photos.
A $1 Alternative That Still Uses CVS
Here's the thing: you can still print at CVS and get the same physical photos. You just don't need to pay $16.99 for someone to take them.
Our tool costs $1.00 and creates a print-ready 4×6 sheet with 6 passport photos. Upload that sheet to CVS Photo, pay $0.35 for a 4×6 print, and pick it up in-store. Total cost: $1.35 for 6 photos vs $16.99 for 2.
What You Get for $1
- ✓ AI-powered background removal—take the photo anywhere, we remove the background and add compliant white/gray
- ✓ Automatic compliance checking—head size, eye position, and lighting validated before you pay
- ✓ 6 photos on a 4×6 sheet—triple the photos for 94% less money
- ✓ Unlimited retakes—keep trying until you're happy with the result
- ✓ Multiple document types—US passport, visa, green card, or 50+ other countries
Then print at CVS for $0.35
How to Save $15 on Your Passport Photo
The whole process takes about 3 minutes from your couch:
- 1
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works—a wall, door, even outdoors. Natural lighting is best. Our AI removes and replaces the background automatically.
- 2
We validate and format your photo
AI checks head size, eye position, and lighting against official requirements. You'll see exactly what will be submitted.
- 3
Pay $1 and download your sheet
Get a 4×6 sheet with 6 passport photos, ready to print.
- 4
Print at CVS for $0.35
Upload to CVS Photo online, select 4×6 print, pick up same day. Or use Walgreens, Walmart, or any photo printer.
CVS vs 1 Dollar Passport Photo
| CVS | 1 Dollar Passport Photo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.99 | $1.35 (with print) |
| Photos included | 2 | 6 |
| Cost per photo | $8.50 | $0.23 |
| Family of 4 cost | $67.96 | $5.40 |
| Time required | 30-60 min | 3 minutes |
| Compliance check | Manual (staff) | AI-powered |
| Background removal | No (need white wall) | Yes (any background) |
| Retakes | Return to store | Instant, unlimited |
When CVS Might Be the Right Choice
To be fair, there are situations where paying CVS's $16.99 makes sense:
- • You need photos in the next hour and don't have time to print a digital file
- • You don't have a smartphone or can't take a selfie
- • You want someone else to handle it and don't mind paying for that convenience
- • You're already at CVS for something else
But for most people—especially families—the savings from doing it yourself are significant. $62+ saved on photos is $62 you can put toward your actual trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CVS charge for passport photos?
CVS charges $16.99 for a set of two passport photos. This includes having a CVS employee take your photo and print it on-site. The price is the same at all CVS locations.
How much does a CVS passport photo cost?
A CVS passport photo costs $16.99 for 2 prints in 2026, which works out to $8.50 per photo. This is one of the higher prices among major retailers—Walmart charges $7.44 and you can get 6 photos for $1.35 using online tools with CVS printing.
Does CVS take passport photos on weekends?
Yes, CVS offers passport photo services during regular store hours, including weekends. However, availability may depend on staff availability. It's best to call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to get passport photos at CVS?
The photo process at CVS typically takes 10-15 minutes. However, you may need to wait if there are other customers or limited staff. Total visit time is usually 30-60 minutes including travel.
Are CVS passport photos accepted by the State Department?
Yes, CVS passport photos meet State Department requirements when taken correctly. However, quality can vary depending on the employee taking your photo and store equipment.
Can I print my own passport photo at CVS?
Yes! You can use our $1 passport photo tool, then print the 4×6 sheet at CVS for just $0.35. This gives you 6 photos for $1.35 total—saving over $15 compared to CVS passport photo service.
What if my CVS passport photo is rejected?
CVS typically offers free retakes if your photo is rejected. However, you'll need to return to the store. With our online tool, you can retake instantly at home until it's perfect.
The Bottom Line
CVS passport photos are convenient but expensive. At $16.99 for two photos, you're paying a significant premium for the service of having a store employee take your picture—a service that, according to customer reviews, doesn't always result in accepted photos.
The better approach for most people: use our $1 tool to create compliant photos at home, then print them at CVS for $0.35. You'll get 6 photos instead of 2, AI-powered compliance checking instead of guesswork, and the ability to retake instantly if something doesn't look right.
Total savings: $15.64 per person. For a family of four, that's over $62 back in your pocket.
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Skip the $17 CVS Fee
Get 6 compliant passport photos for $1.35 total. AI-powered compliance checking, instant retakes, and print at any CVS or photo printer.
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