How Much Do Passport Photos Cost?
The complete 2026 price guide. Compare CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and online options to find the cheapest passport photo.
Quick Answer
Retail stores charge $7-17 for 2 passport photos. The cheapest option: use our $1 online tool and print at CVS for $0.35. Total: $1.35 for 6 photos.
Retail Store Prices (2026)
Prices verified January 2026. Prices may vary by location.
Online Passport Photo Services
1 Dollar Passport Photo Best Value
6 photos • Digital included • + $0.35 to print
$1.35
total with print
PhotoAiD
2 photos • Digital included
$13.95
Passport Photo Online
2 photos • Digital included
$16.95
iVisa Photos
Digital only photos • Digital included
$5.99
The Real Cost Breakdown
CVS Route: $16.99+
- 2 printed photos $16.99
- Digital copy (optional) +$3.99
- Drive to store ~$2-5 gas
- Wait in store 30-60 min
- Total $17-25
Online Route: $1.35
- Online photo tool $1.00
- Digital copy Included
- 4×6 print at CVS $0.35
- Photos included 6 photos
- Total $1.35
Savings: The online route costs 92% less than CVS and gives you 3× more photos. Same compliant result, same white background, same 2×2" size.
Why Are Retail Passport Photos So Expensive?
Retailers charge $15-17 for passport photos because they can. You need the photo, they have the equipment, and most people don't know there's an alternative.
But here's the thing: there's nothing special about their process. A CVS employee takes your photo with a basic camera, crops it in software, and prints it on a standard photo printer. The same result—a compliant 2×2" passport photo—can be achieved at home with a smartphone.
The requirements are specific (head size, eye position, background color), but modern tools can validate these automatically. That's exactly what our service does—for $1 instead of $17.
Need Multiple Photos? The Savings Add Up
Filing multiple USCIS forms? You might need 6+ photos:
- 2 I-485 (Green Card)
- 2 I-765 (Work Permit / EAD)
- 2 I-131 (Travel Document)
At CVS: 3 sets × $16.99 = $50.97
Our service: 1 sheet with 6 photos = $1.35
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a passport photo cost at CVS?
CVS charges $16.99 for two printed passport photos. If you need a digital copy for online applications, that costs an additional $3.99. Total for prints + digital: $20.98.
What is the cheapest place to get passport photos?
The cheapest option is to take your photo at home using an online service ($1-7) and print at a drugstore ($0.35). Total cost: around $1.35-7.35 for 6 photos. Walmart has the cheapest in-store service at $7.44.
How much does Costco charge for passport photos?
Costco charges $6.99 for passport photos, but you need to be a Costco member ($65/year minimum). Not all Costco locations offer passport photos—many stopped the service.
Can I take my own passport photo?
Yes. The State Department accepts photos taken at home as long as they meet all requirements (size, background, head position, etc.). Online tools can help ensure compliance.
Why are passport photos so expensive?
Retailers charge $15-17 because they can—you need the photo and they offer convenience. But there's nothing special about their process. The same result can be achieved at home for a fraction of the cost.
Do I need a printed photo or digital photo?
It depends on how you're applying. Online renewal via MyTravelGov requires a digital photo. Mail-in (DS-82) and in-person (DS-11) applications require printed photos. Some applications need both.
Related Guides
CVS Passport Photo
$16.99 - Full guide and alternative
Walgreens Passport Photo
$14.99 - Prices and options
Walmart Passport Photo
$7.44 - Cheapest retail option
USPS Passport Photo
$15 - Appointment required
Target Passport Photo
Service discontinued - alternatives
Office Depot Photo
Print-only, no photo service
Full Price Comparison
All US photo options compared
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