The Complete Guide to Printing Passport Photos in the US: Where to Go and How to Save Money
The Complete Guide to Printing Passport Photos in the US: Where to Go and How to Save Money
Note: In-store prices may slightly differ from what is shown here. We recommend checking with your local store for the most up-to-date pricing.
Need passport photos printed quickly in the US? You've got plenty of options, but not all are created equal. Whether you're heading to CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Costco, or even the post office, understanding your choices can save you significant money while ensuring your photos meet all government requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what each major retailer offers, compare their pricing, and reveal the smartest approach to get professional-quality passport photos without breaking the bank.
Understanding Your Passport Photo Options
Before diving into specific stores, it's important to understand the two main approaches for getting passport photos printed:
Option 1: Full-Service Passport Photo Sessions
- Staffed photo service with professional cameras
- Photos taken, printed, and verified for compliance on-site
- Typically costs $14-17
- Available at most major pharmacies and some retailers
Option 2: Self-Service Photo Printing
- Bring your own digital photo to print at a kiosk
- Photo printing costs just $0.35-0.50 for a 4x6 print
- Requires a compliant digital photo (that's where services like ishotaphoto.com come in)
- Available at virtually every store with photo services
CVS Passport Photo Services
CVS Full-Service Passport Photos:
- Price: $16.99 for two 2x2 inch photos
- Service: Professional photo session with CVS staff
- Availability: Most CVS locations with photo centers
- Turnaround: Usually ready within 30 minutes
- Digital copy: Often included
CVS Photo Printing Kiosks:
- Price: Around $0.39 for a 4x6 print
- Requirements: Bring your own compliant digital photo
- Tip: Use the 4x6 template with multiple passport photos on one sheet
CVS locations are convenient and widely available, making them a popular choice for urgent passport photo needs. Their professional service ensures compliance, but you'll pay a premium for that convenience.
Walgreens Passport Photo Services
Walgreens Full-Service Passport Photos:
- Price: $16.99 for two government-compliant photos
- Service: No appointment needed - just walk up to the photo counter
- Turnaround: Ready in just a few minutes
- Digital copy: Free digital copy via email included
- Special services: Handles all ages, including babies and children
Walgreens Photo Printing:
- Price: Approximately $0.49 for a 4x6 print
- Kiosk locations: Available at most Walgreens stores
- Print options: Glossy or matte finish (choose glossy for passport photos)
Walgreens stands out for their quick turnaround time and the free digital copy, which can be useful for future applications or online visa forms.
Walmart Photo Services
Walmart Passport Photos:
- Price: Around $7.44 for a set of two passport photos
- Locations: Available at Walmart stores with photo centers
- Note: Not all Walmart locations offer passport photo services - call ahead
Walmart Photo Printing:
- Price: About $0.33 for a 4x6 print
- Advantage: Often the cheapest printing option
- Kiosks: Modern, user-friendly photo kiosks
Walmart typically offers the most budget-friendly full-service option, though availability varies by location.
Target Photo Services
Target Passport Photos:
- Availability: Limited locations - primarily select SuperTarget stores
- Price: Around $9.99-12.99 when available
- Note: Many Target stores have discontinued passport photo services
Target Photo Printing:
- Price: Approximately $0.39 for a 4x6 print
- Kiosks: Modern Kodak photo kiosks at most locations
Target's passport photo services have become less common, but their photo printing kiosks remain reliable for DIY printing.
Costco Photo Center
Costco Passport Photos:
- Price: Around $5.99 for two passport photos (members only)
- Quality: High-quality photos with professional equipment
- Membership required: Must have Costco membership
- Locations: Most Costco warehouses with photo centers
Costco Photo Printing:
- Price: About $0.29 for a 4x6 print (cheapest option)
- Quality: Excellent print quality
- Membership: Required for all services
Costco offers the best value for full-service passport photos if you're already a member, but the membership requirement limits accessibility.
USPS (Post Office) Photo Services
USPS Passport Photos:
- Price: $15.00 for passport photos
- Convenience: Available where you'll likely submit your passport application
- Quality: Government-compliant photos
- Appointment: Must schedule appointment online or at kiosk
Why USPS is convenient: Since many people visit post offices to submit passport applications, getting photos there can save a separate trip.
Rite Aid Photo Services
Rite Aid Passport Photos:
- Price: Around $14.99 for two photos
- Availability: Select locations with photo centers
- Service: Professional photo session with staff assistance
Rite Aid Photo Printing:
- Price: Approximately $0.45 for a 4x6 print
- Kiosks: Available at stores with photo centers
The Smart Money-Saving Approach
Here's where you can save serious money on passport photos:
Traditional Method: $14-17 for full-service photos
Smart Method: $5.99 (digital photo) + $0.35 (printing) = $6.34 total
The Process:
1. Get a compliant digital photo first - Use a service like ishotaphoto.com for $5.99 to ensure your photo meets all government requirements
2. Print it yourself - Take your digital file to any photo kiosk and print a 4x6 for under $0.50
3. Cut to size - Most templates include multiple 2x2 inch photos on one 4x6 print
Total savings: $8-10+ compared to full-service options
Best Photo Printing Kiosks for DIY Approach
Costco: Best print quality and lowest cost ($0.29)
Walmart: Good balance of quality and price ($0.33)
CVS/Walgreens: Convenient locations, slightly higher cost ($0.39-0.49)
Essential Tips for DIY Printing
Photo Paper: Always choose glossy finish - matte is not acceptable for passport photos
Template Selection: Look for passport photo templates that include multiple 2x2 photos on a single 4x6 print
Print Settings: Ensure "fit to paper" is selected, not "crop to fill"
Cutting: Use a ruler and sharp scissors for clean, precise cuts
Backup Copies: Print extra copies while you're there - they're essentially free
Which Stores Have the Best Self-Service Kiosks?
Winner: Costco
- Newest equipment with high-quality printers
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
- Excellent photo paper quality
- Staff available for assistance
Runner-up: CVS
- Convenient locations
- Modern Kodak kiosks
- Good print quality
- Extended hours at many locations
Budget Option: Walmart
- Consistent print quality
- Easy-to-use interface
- Competitive pricing
- Wide availability
When to Choose Full-Service vs. DIY
Choose Full-Service When:
- You need photos immediately and don't have a digital file
- You're uncomfortable with technology
- You want guarantee of compliance
- You only need passport photos occasionally
Choose DIY When:
- You want to save money (50-70% savings)
- You need photos for multiple purposes
- You already have or can easily obtain a compliant digital photo
- You don't mind a quick trip to the photo kiosk
Final Recommendations
For most people, the smartest approach is to get a professional, compliant digital photo from ishotaphoto.com first, then print it at your preferred retailer's kiosk. This gives you the best of both worlds: guaranteed compliance and significant cost savings.
If you need full-service passport photos:
- Best value: Costco (if you're a member) at $5.99
- Most convenient: Walgreens at $16.99 with free digital copy
- Budget option: Walmart at $7.44 (where available)
Remember, passport photos are required to meet specific government standards for size, background, lighting, and composition. Whether you choose the DIY route or full-service option, ensure your photos comply with current State Department requirements to avoid delays in your passport application.
With proper planning and the right approach, you can get professional-quality passport photos while keeping more money in your wallet for your upcoming travels.