Retail stores charge $15–$18 for two passport photos. The DIY 4×6 print hack gets you six photos for $0.16. Here's everything you need to decide.
| Option | What You Get | Price | Digital Copy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS (staffed) | Photo taken in-store + printed | $17.99 | Add-on: $3.99 | Select locations; no appointment; "within minutes" |
| Walgreens (staffed) | Two 2×2 printed passport photos | $16.99 | Free (emailed) | No appointment; compliance scanning tools |
| USPS | Photo taken at post office | $15.00 | Not stated | Select locations; photo fee separate from $35 acceptance fee |
| AAA | Photos (varies by club/tier) | Varies | Varies | Free for some tiers; check your regional club |
| — Print-Only / DIY Options — | ||||
| Walmart (prints) | 2×2 passport prints (set of 2) | $7.64 | Your own file | Online: upload your photo + print; some Supercenters also have staffed service |
| Walmart 4×6 DIY | 4×6 print → cut six 2×2 photos | $0.16 | Your own file | Lowest verified 4×6 price; must cut to 2×2 |
| Walgreens 4×6 DIY | 4×6 print → cut six 2×2 photos | $0.39 | Your own file | 1–99 qty pricing; $0.29 at 100+ |
| CVS 4×6 DIY | 4×6 print → cut six 2×2 photos | ~$0.15 | Your own file | Promo pricing (min 75); standard price varies |
| PassportPhotoFactory + DIY print | Digital photo + 4×6 template (6 photos) + print | $6.99 + $0.16 | Included | State Dept compliant; online renewal ready; baby/kid support |
Prices verified February 2026 from official retailer pages. Retail prices can vary by location and promotions.
The Department of State explicitly allows you to take your own photo and print it yourself. Here's the cheapest way to do it right.
White/off-white background, no shadows, no glasses, no filters or AI edits. A friend or family member can take it — the State Department explicitly allows this. For babies: lay on a white sheet, photograph from above.
Head must be 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to crown. Total photo: 2×2 inches. Use a compliance tool to verify before printing — this is where most rejections happen.
Place six 2×2 passport photos in a grid on a single 4×6 image (2 across × 3 down). The key: each photo must be exactly 2×2 when printed.
Upload the 4×6 file to Walmart ($0.16), Walgreens ($0.39), or CVS. Print on photo-quality paper — regular paper will be rejected. Ensure the store doesn't auto-crop your template.
Use a ruler and sharp blade or paper cutter. Clean edges — no jagged scissor marks through the face area. You now have six compliant passport photos.
Yes. The Department of State says: "You may take the photo yourself or have someone take it for you" and "print it on matte or glossy photo-quality paper." The DIY method is not a loophole — it's explicitly supported by the rules. The only requirement is that the result meets spec.
Need the exact click-by-click instructions for uploading and printing at each store?
Read: Where to Print Passport Photos →Paying $17 at a store doesn't guarantee acceptance. These are the most common failure modes reported by consumers:
Too close or too far. Head must be 1–1⅜ inches (25–35mm) chin to crown.
Shadows on face or background. Overexposure or uneven lighting.
Glasses are not allowed — remove them. No exceptions except signed medical note.
The State Department warns against any digital alteration including AI-powered filters.
The same 2×2 inch, white background rules apply to all ages — but babies get a key exception.
If you're renewing online (age 25+, from a US state/territory), you upload a digital photo instead of mailing prints. The file rules are different from printed photos.
The State Dept's "Photo Tool" is for paper applications only — don't use it for online renewal submissions.
Full online renewal photo guide →| Routine | 4–6 weeks |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks |
Does not include mailing time.
State Department compliant digital photo + 4×6 print template with 6 copies. Print at Walmart for $0.16. Total cost: $7.15 instead of $17.99.
Get Started — $6.99Works for passports, visas, green cards, and more.