Passport Photo Prices: In-Store vs. Online Cost Comparison
Compare official pricing across 13 major retailers, pharmacy photo counters, post offices, and instant online compliance creators before paying up to $18 for two paper prints.
CVS & Walgreens
Includes 2 physical prints. No digital download included; extra fee for USB flash drive storage.
USPS Post Office
Includes 2 physical prints. Appointment required weeks ahead. No digital copy for DS-160 or DV Lottery.
PhotoResizer.us
Includes biometric cropping, white background replacement, HD digital JPEG + printable 4×6 template sheet.
Detailed 2026 Passport & Visa Photo Price Matrix
Verified pricing across popular retail chains, post offices, and online providers.
| Store / Provider | Country | Category | In-Store Cost | Physical Prints | Digital Copy Included? | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | United States | Pharmacy / Drugstore | $17.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 20-40 mins |
| Walgreens | United States | Pharmacy / Drugstore | $16.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 15-30 mins |
| Rite Aid | United States | Pharmacy / Drugstore | $16.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 15-30 mins |
| USPS (Post Office) | United States | Shipping / Postal | $15.00 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | Appointment required |
| FedEx Office | United States | Shipping / Postal | $14.95 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 15-20 mins |
| UPS Store | United States | Shipping / Postal | $11.99 - $15.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 15-25 mins |
| Walmart Photo Center | United States | Retail / Superstore | $7.44 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 1 hour - 24 hours |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Canada | Pharmacy / Drugstore | C$19.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 20-40 mins |
| London Drugs | Canada | Pharmacy / Drugstore | C$17.99 | 2 | No / Extra Fee | 15-30 mins |
| Boots Pharmacy | United Kingdom | Pharmacy / Drugstore | £14.99 | 4 | Yes | 15-30 mins |
| Snappy Snaps | United Kingdom | Retail / Superstore | £15.99 | 4 | Yes | 10-20 mins |
| Australia Post | Australia | Shipping / Postal | A$19.95 | 2 | Yes | 15-30 mins |
| PhotoResizer.us (Online) | Global | Online Service | $4.99 (Free check) | 6 | Yes | < 30 seconds |
How to Get 4 to 6 Compliant Passport Photos for 39¢ at Local Pharmacies
When you ask a pharmacy clerk for "passport photos," stores bill a specialized counter rate ($16.99–$17.99). By uploading a pre-formatted 4×6 inch grid from PhotoResizer.us as a standard 4×6 photo print, you pay standard kiosk rates (35¢–39¢).
Generate your compliant photo and download the free 4×6 grid template.
Upload the 4×6 image to the CVS Photo, Walgreens, or Walmart app as a standard print.
Pick up your photo same-day for under 40 cents and cut along the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (Passport Photo Pricing)
Why are passport photos so expensive at CVS and Walgreens?
Pharmacies charge $16.99–$17.99 because they bundle employee assistance, specialized dye-sublimation printer hardware, and manual paper trimming. However, store lighting is frequently overhead fluorescent, which can cast neck shadows and lead to government rejection.
What is the cheapest way to get official passport photos?
The most cost-effective method is taking a photo at home with your smartphone, running it through PhotoResizer.us to verify biometric parameters and generate a standard 4×6 inch grid (holding multiple 2×2 inch photos), then printing that single 4×6 sheet at any pharmacy kiosk for 35¢ to 39¢.
Does USPS take walk-in passport photos without an appointment?
Generally no. Most USPS passport acceptance locations require booking a passport execution appointment weeks in advance. If you only need passport photos without submitting your application on the spot, online generation or pharmacy photo counters are much faster.
Do in-store passport photo providers give you a digital file?
Most US stores (CVS, Walgreens, USPS, Rite Aid) only supply 2 physical paper prints. If you need a digital photo for DS-160, DV Lottery, Canadian eTA, or renewal portals, they often charge an extra $5–$10 for a USB drive or do not offer digital files at all.