How to Print Passport Photos at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart
Once you've captured the perfect passport photo, printing it correctly is the final crucial step. Many people don't realize that printing passport photos at major retail chains like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart can save significant money compared to having photos taken and printed at these locations. By preparing your own compliant digital photo and simply using their printing services, you can get professional-quality passport photos for a fraction of the cost.
This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to print passport photos at the three most popular retail chains, including step-by-step instructions, cost comparisons, tips for best results, and troubleshooting common problems.
Why Print Your Own Passport Photos?
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand the benefits:
Significant Cost Savings:
- Professional passport photos at retail stores: $12-20 for two photos
- Printing your own prepared photos: $0.35-2 for multiple copies
- Savings: $10-18 per session
Complete Control: You take photos in the comfort of your home, review and select the best ones, and print only when you're completely satisfied.
Unlimited Retakes: If you're not happy with your photos, take more without additional costs. No pressure from a photographer waiting.
Convenience: Print photos on your schedule, any time these stores are open. No appointments necessary.
Multiple Copies: Print as many copies as you need for various applications—passports, visas, ID cards—all from the same prepared file.
Family Efficiency: Prepare photos for multiple family members and print them all in one trip.
Prerequisites: Preparing Your Digital Photo File
Before printing at any retail location, you need a properly formatted digital passport photo file:
Option 1: Use an Online Passport Photo Service (Recommended)
Services like PassportPhotos4 create print-ready files that meet all specifications:
What These Services Provide:
- Compliant photo that meets all government requirements
- Properly sized and formatted for printing
- Multiple photos arranged on standard print sizes (typically 4x6 inches)
- Background automatically adjusted to proper white
- Guaranteed acceptance by passport authorities
Process:
- Upload a photo you've taken at home
- The AI automatically adjusts background, sizing, and formatting
- Download the print-ready file
- Take the digital file to any retail printer
Cost: Typically $5-15 for the service, then just printing costs
Why This Is Best: Eliminates all guesswork about sizing, formatting, and compliance. The passport photo service at PassportPhotos4 creates files specifically formatted for retail printing.
Option 2: Create Your Own File (Advanced)
If you have photo editing skills, you can create your own print file:
Requirements:
- Photo editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, etc.)
- Understanding of passport photo specifications
- Ability to create precise measurements and layouts
Specifications for U.S. Passports:
- Individual photo size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
- Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Resolution: Minimum 600 DPI
Layout for Printing:
- Arrange multiple 2x2 inch photos on a 4x6 inch canvas
- Standard 4x6 paper can fit four 2x2 inch photos comfortably
- Leave small spacing between photos for cutting
Caution: Manual preparation requires precision. Incorrect sizing is a common cause of passport photo rejection.
Getting Your File Ready for Printing
Save in Correct Format:
- JPEG format is universally accepted
- Highest quality setting (minimal compression)
- RGB color mode (not CMYK)
File Size Considerations:
- Large enough for high-quality printing (at least 1200x1200 pixels for individual photos)
- Not so large that retail systems reject it (under 10MB typically)
Multiple Storage Options:
- Save to your smartphone (easiest for in-store printing)
- Save to USB drive (works at all locations)
- Upload to store's website or app (varies by retailer)
- Email to yourself (accessible from store kiosks)
How to Print at Walgreens
Walgreens offers several convenient options for printing passport photos from your prepared digital file:
Option 1: Walgreens Mobile App (Easiest)
Step 1: Download and Open App
- Download the Walgreens app (iOS or Android)
- Open the app and sign in or create an account
- Tap on "Photo" in the bottom menu
Step 2: Select Print Type
- Tap "Prints"
- Select print size: 4x6 inches (most common for passport photo layouts)
- Choose quantity (order multiple if you want backup copies)
Step 3: Upload Your Photo
- Tap "Choose Photos"
- Select your prepared passport photo file from your phone's photo library
- Review the preview to ensure the entire photo is visible
Step 4: Customize and Review
- Tap "Edit" if you need to adjust cropping (though you shouldn't need to)
- Ensure "Auto Enhance" is turned OFF (you don't want automatic adjustments)
- Review the preview carefully
Step 5: Select Store and Order
- Choose "Same-Day Pickup"
- Select your preferred Walgreens location
- Add to cart and proceed to checkout
- Photos are typically ready in 1 hour
Step 6: Pick Up Your Prints
- Receive notification when photos are ready
- Go to the photo counter in-store
- Provide your name or order number
- Pay if you didn't prepay (credit card or cash accepted)
Cost: Approximately $0.39 per 4x6 print (prices vary by location and promotions)
Option 2: Walgreens Website
Step 1: Visit Walgreens Photo Website
- Go to photo.walgreens.com
- Sign in to your account or continue as guest
Step 2: Select Prints
- Click "Prints" from the main menu
- Select 4x6 inch size
- Choose same-day or standard pickup
Step 3: Upload Photo
- Click "Upload Photos"
- Select your file from your computer
- Wait for upload to complete
Step 4: Customize Order
- Select quantity
- Turn off auto-enhancements
- Choose your store location
- Add to cart and checkout
Step 5: Pick Up
- Prints ready in 1 hour
- Pick up at photo counter
Cost: Same as app pricing, approximately $0.39 per 4x6 print
Option 3: In-Store Kiosk
Step 1: Locate the Photo Kiosk
- Find the photo printing kiosk (usually near pharmacy)
- Touch screen to begin
Step 2: Choose Source
- Select where your photo is stored:
- USB drive: Insert into USB port
- Phone: Select "From Phone" and follow Bluetooth or cable instructions
- Social media or email: Log in through kiosk
Step 3: Select Your Photo
- Browse to find your passport photo file
- Select it and tap "Continue"
Step 4: Choose Print Size and Quantity
- Select 4x6 inch size
- Choose quantity
- Turn off all auto-corrections and enhancements
Step 5: Review and Print
- Preview your photo on screen
- Ensure entire image is visible with no cropping
- Confirm order
- Prints typically ready in 5-10 minutes
Step 6: Pay and Collect
- Take printed receipt to photo counter or cashier
- Pay for prints
- Receive your photos
Cost: Same pricing as other methods, approximately $0.39 per 4x6 print
Walgreens Tips and Tricks
Best Practices:
- Order multiple copies (they're cheap and serve as backups)
- Use the app or website to avoid potential kiosk issues
- Check for Walgreens photo coupons online before ordering
- Choose "Same Day" pickup to ensure your order is prioritized
Quality Settings:
- Select "Glossy" finish for professional look
- "Matte" finish is also acceptable but glossy is more common
- Ensure highest quality setting is selected
Timing:
- Same-day pickup orders are usually ready in 1 hour
- During busy times (holidays, weekends), allow extra time
- Order ahead online for fastest service
How to Print at CVS
CVS offers similar printing options with some variations:
Option 1: CVS Pharmacy App
Step 1: Download and Setup
- Download CVS Pharmacy app
- Create account or sign in
- Tap "Photo" in the menu
Step 2: Select Prints
- Choose "Prints"
- Select 4x6 size
- Choose quantity
Step 3: Upload Your Photo
- Tap "Select Photos"
- Choose your passport photo file from device
- Review preview
Step 4: Finalize Order
- Ensure auto-enhance is OFF
- Select your CVS store location
- Choose same-day pickup
- Complete checkout
Step 5: Pick Up
- Ready in about 1 hour
- Pick up at photo counter
- Show order confirmation
Cost: Approximately $0.39-0.49 per 4x6 print
Option 2: CVS Photo Website
Step 1: Visit CVS Photo Center
- Go to cvs.com/photo
- Sign in or continue as guest
Step 2: Order Prints
- Click "Prints"
- Select 4x6 inch size
- Upload your photo file
Step 3: Customize
- Turn off auto-corrections
- Select store and pickup time
- Add to cart
Step 4: Checkout and Pick Up
- Complete purchase
- Photos ready in 1 hour typically
- Pick up at store photo counter
Cost: Similar to app, $0.39-0.49 per 4x6 print
Option 3: In-Store Kiosk
Step 1: Find Photo Kiosk
- Located near front of most CVS stores
- Touch screen to start
Step 2: Select Source
- Choose how to access your photo:
- USB drive
- Smartphone (via cable or wireless)
- Memory card
- Social media or cloud storage
Step 3: Navigate to Your Photo
- Find and select your passport photo file
- Tap to select
Step 4: Choose Options
- Select 4x6 print size
- Choose quantity
- Disable auto-enhancements
- Select glossy or matte finish
Step 5: Print and Pay
- Review preview
- Confirm order
- Prints output from kiosk or at photo counter
- Pay at kiosk or register
Cost: $0.39-0.49 per 4x6 print
CVS Tips and Tricks
Quality Considerations:
- CVS photo quality is generally excellent
- Glossy finish recommended for passport photos
- Ensure color correction is disabled
Convenience Features:
- CVS stores are open long hours, many 24/7
- Photo counters in some locations offer assistance
- Can upload photos remotely and pick up anytime
Common Issues:
- Some kiosks are older and may have connectivity issues
- Mobile app method is most reliable
- If kiosk struggles, ask store staff for assistance
How to Print at Walmart
Walmart offers the most affordable printing option but with slightly different processes:
Option 1: Walmart Photo Website or App
Step 1: Access Walmart Photo
- Visit walmart.com/photos or open Walmart app
- Sign in to your account
- Navigate to Photo Center
Step 2: Select Prints
- Click/tap "Prints"
- Choose 4x6 inch size
- Select quantity
Step 3: Upload Photo
- Click "Get Started"
- Upload your passport photo file
- Wait for upload completion
Step 4: Customize Order
- Choose your Walmart store location
- Select pickup time (1 hour, same day, or next day)
- Turn off auto-enhancements
- Choose glossy or matte
Step 5: Checkout
- Add to cart
- Complete purchase
- Receive confirmation email
Step 6: Pick Up
- Visit store photo counter when ready
- Provide name or order number
- Collect and pay if not prepaid
Cost: Approximately $0.25-0.35 per 4x6 print (cheapest option)
Option 2: In-Store Photo Center
Step 1: Visit Photo Center
- Locate Walmart Photo Center (usually near entrance or electronics)
- Approach the counter during staffed hours
Step 2: Provide Your Photo
- Bring photo on USB drive, phone, or memory card
- Staff can help with various devices
Step 3: Specify Requirements
- Request 4x6 prints
- Specify quantity
- Mention you don't want any auto-corrections
- Choose glossy or matte finish
Step 4: Wait or Return
- Prints may be ready immediately or within an hour depending on volume
- Staff will provide estimated wait time
Step 5: Pay and Collect
- Return to counter when notified
- Verify prints look correct
- Pay for order
Cost: $0.25-0.35 per 4x6 print
Option 3: Self-Service Kiosk (Where Available)
Note: Not all Walmart locations have self-service photo kiosks. Those that do follow this process:
Step 1: Locate Kiosk
- Find photo kiosk near Photo Center
Step 2: Select Source and Photo
- Insert USB drive or connect phone
- Navigate to your passport photo file
- Select it
Step 3: Choose Options
- Select 4x6 size
- Choose quantity
- Disable auto-enhance features
- Select finish
Step 4: Print
- Review preview
- Confirm and print
- Collect from kiosk or counter
- Pay at register or photo counter
Cost: Same as other Walmart methods, $0.25-0.35 per 4x6 print
Walmart Tips and Tricks
Cost Advantages:
- Walmart consistently offers lowest prices
- No membership required (unlike Costco)
- Frequent photo printing promotions
Considerations:
- Photo departments may be understaffed
- Self-service options are less common than at Walgreens/CVS
- Quality is good but may vary slightly by location
Best Practices:
- Order online/app for most reliable service
- Allow extra time during busy hours
- Inspect prints before leaving the store
Cost Comparison Summary
Here's how the three major retailers compare:
Per-Print Costs (4x6 inch)
- Walmart: $0.25-0.35 (Cheapest)
- Walgreens: $0.39 (Mid-range)
- CVS: $0.39-0.49 (Slightly higher)
Total Cost Including Preparation
Assuming you use an online service to prepare your photo file:
- Photo preparation service: $5-15 (one-time cost)
- Printing one 4x6 sheet: $0.25-0.49
- Total: $5.25-15.49 for multiple passport photos
Compared to Full-Service In-Store
- Professional passport photos at Walgreens/CVS: $14-20
- Your savings: $4-15 per session
- Savings multiplied for families or multiple applications
Quality Considerations
All three retailers offer similar print quality when you follow best practices:
Resolution and Sharpness
- All three use professional photo printers
- Quality depends more on your source file than the printer
- Ensure your digital file is high resolution (600 DPI minimum)
Color Accuracy
- Professional printers at all three retailers handle color well
- Disable auto-color correction for most accurate results
- Your properly prepared file should have correct colors already
Paper Quality
- Glossy: All three offer glossy finish, which is standard for passport photos
- Matte: Also available at all locations, though less common for passport photos
- Durability: All use archival-quality photo paper that lasts for years
Consistency
- Walgreens: Very consistent quality across locations
- CVS: Also quite consistent
- Walmart: Can vary slightly by location but generally good
Recommendation: Any of these three retailers produces acceptable quality for passport photos when you start with a good digital file.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Photo Gets Cropped Incorrectly
Cause: Auto-cropping feature is enabled
Solution:
- Disable all auto-crop and auto-enhance features
- Use the preview function to verify full photo is visible
- If using kiosk, select "Print Entire Photo" or similar option
- Your prepared file should already be correctly sized, requiring no cropping
Problem: Colors Look Wrong
Cause: Auto-color correction is altering your photo
Solution:
- Turn off all automatic enhancements
- Ensure "Print as Original" or similar setting is selected
- Your source file from PassportPhotos4 already has correct colors
Problem: Photo Is Blurry
Cause: Low-resolution source file
Solution:
- Ensure your original file is at least 600 DPI
- Use a high-quality photo source
- Don't enlarge photos beyond their original size
- Online services provide properly sized files automatically
Problem: Kiosk Won't Accept Your File
Cause: File format or size incompatibility
Solution:
- Convert to JPEG format if in another format
- Reduce file size if over 10MB
- Try uploading via app or website instead
- Ask store staff for assistance
Problem: Photos Are Too Dark or Too Light
Cause: Monitor vs. print color differences
Solution:
- Most prepared files from services account for this
- If photos print too dark/light, you may need to adjust source file
- Reprint with adjustments costs only $0.25-0.49 to try again
Problem: White Background Appears Gray
Cause: Background in your source file isn't pure white
Solution:
- Use online services like PassportPhotos4 that ensure proper white backgrounds
- Manual photo editing requires precise white background creation
- Professional preparation eliminates this issue
Cutting Your Printed Photos
After printing, you need to cut the photos to exact 2x2 inch dimensions:
Tools You'll Need
Paper Cutter (Recommended):
- Provides straight, accurate cuts
- Available at office supply stores for $10-30
- Most reliable method for precise cutting
Scissors and Ruler:
- Budget option using tools you likely have
- Requires careful measurement and steady hands
- Mark cutting lines lightly with pencil first
X-Acto Knife and Ruler:
- Very precise cuts when done carefully
- Use cutting mat to protect surfaces
- Requires practice and steady hand
Cutting Process
Step 1: Verify Layout
- Your 4x6 print should have multiple 2x2 photos arranged with spacing
- Identify cutting lines between photos
Step 2: Make Initial Cuts
- Cut apart the individual photos roughly
- Leave extra margin rather than cutting too close
Step 3: Precise Final Cuts
- Measure each photo to exactly 2x2 inches
- Make final cuts to precise dimensions
- Verify each photo measures correctly
Step 4: Quality Check
- Ensure edges are straight and clean
- Verify dimensions are exact
- Check that no portions of adjacent photos are visible
- Set aside any imperfect cuts and use good copies
Important: Government agencies require exact 2x2 inch dimensions. Photos that are even slightly off may be rejected.
Advanced Tips for Best Results
Getting the Most from Retail Printing
Order During Off-Hours:
- Avoid lunch hours and weekends
- Early morning or late evening typically has shorter waits
- Less chance of errors during quiet times
Inspect Before Leaving:
- Always inspect prints before leaving the store
- Verify colors, sharpness, and size
- If not satisfied, ask for reprint (most stores will reprint if there's an issue)
Order Multiple Copies:
- Extra copies cost only cents
- Useful for backup, visa applications, or future renewals
- Store extras safely for future use
Use Store Coupons:
- Check RetailMeNot, store apps, or websites for photo printing coupons
- Many stores offer frequent promotions (50% off, free prints, etc.)
- Savings can make already cheap printing even more affordable
Maximizing Your Digital File
Create Multiple Layouts:
- Create one file with 2x2 photos for current needs
- Create another with 1x1 photos for applications requiring smaller sizes
- Store organized digital library for future printing
Keep Original High-Resolution File:
- Save your original high-resolution photo separately
- Keep processed print-ready files separately
- Back up to multiple locations (computer, cloud, phone)
Family Organization:
- Create folders for each family member
- Label files clearly with names and dates
- Maintain digital archive for easy future access
Alternative: Online Printing Services
Beyond retail store printing, consider online photo printing services:
Shutterfly, Snapfish, or Similar
Advantages:
- Often cheaper than retail stores
- Home delivery option
- High quality prints
- Frequent promotions and discounts
Disadvantages:
- Must wait for shipping (3-7 days typically)
- Shipping costs may offset savings
- Can't inspect before leaving store
When to Use: When you have plenty of time before needing photos and want lowest total cost.
Same Service That Prepared Your Photo
Some services like PassportPhotos4 offer printing and delivery:
Advantages:
- Guaranteed compliance since same service prepared and prints
- Convenient all-in-one solution
- No need to visit retail stores
Disadvantages:
- Costs more than printing yourself
- Requires waiting for delivery
- Less immediate than retail printing
When to Use: When convenience matters more than cost savings, or when you want guaranteed quality.
Special Considerations
Printing for Children
Children's passport photos have same printing requirements:
- Same 2x2 inch size
- Same quality standards
- Photos of babies lying down print just like adult photos
Tip: Order extra copies for children—they grow quickly and may need updated photos sooner than adults.
Printing for Multiple People
Efficient Approach:
- Prepare all family members' photos using one service
- Create separate 4x6 layouts for each person
- Print all layouts in one trip
- Label prints immediately to avoid confusion
Cost Efficiency: Printing multiple people's photos at once costs only slightly more than one person's photos.
Printing Multiple Sizes
If you need different photo sizes for various applications:
- Print standard 2x2 for passports
- Print 1x1 if needed for visas or IDs
- Some retailers may not allow custom sizes, so prepare different files
- Services like PassportPhotos4 can prepare multiple size variations
Final Checklist Before Printing
Before you visit Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart to print your passport photos:
Digital File Ready:
Preparation:
After Printing:
Additional Resources
For more help with passport photos:
Final Thoughts
Printing passport photos at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart is straightforward, affordable, and produces professional-quality results when you start with a properly prepared digital file. The entire process—from preparing your photo with a service like PassportPhotos4 to printing at your chosen retailer—costs less than $16 total and gives you complete control over the process.
The key to success is preparation: start with a compliant, print-ready digital file from a reliable source, understand your chosen retailer's printing process, disable automatic enhancements, and verify your prints before leaving the store. With these simple steps, you'll have professional passport photos ready for your application at a fraction of the cost of full-service in-store photography.
Whether you choose Walmart for the lowest cost, Walgreens for convenience and consistency, or CVS for their long store hours and widespread locations, all three retailers provide reliable passport photo printing services that meet all official requirements. Combined with professional photo preparation from online services, you have a complete solution that's fast, affordable, and produces exactly what you need for successful passport applications.