DIY Passport Photo: Print at Home vs CVS vs Walgreens (2026 Cost Comparison)

The Real Cost of Passport Photos in 2026

Getting a passport photo shouldn't cost a fortune. Here's what you'll actually pay at different locations:

| Location | Cost | Photos Included | Per Photo | |----------|------|-----------------|-----------| | CVS | $16.99 | 2 | $8.50 | | Walgreens | $16.99 | 2 | $8.50 | | Walmart | $7.44 | 2 | $3.72 | | Costco | $5.99 | 2 | $3.00 | | Print at Home | ~$0.50 | 4-6 | $0.08-0.12 | | AI Visa Photo | FREE | Unlimited | $0 |

CVS Passport Photos

Price: $16.99 for 2 photos

Process:

1. Visit photo counter

2. Staff takes your photo

3. Wait 5-10 minutes for prints

4. Photos printed on-site

Pros:

Convenient locations everywhere

Same-day service

Staff ensures proper positioning

Cons:

Expensive at $8.50 per photo

May need to wait for staff

Quality varies by store/employee

May need retake (same price)

Walgreens Passport Photos

Price: $16.99 for 2 photos

Process:

1. Use kiosk or visit photo counter

2. Take or upload photo

3. Print in about 1 hour

Pros:

Kiosk option for DIY

Can upload your own photo

Many locations

Cons:

Same high price as CVS

Kiosk may not check compliance

No staff guidance with kiosk

Walmart Passport Photos

Price: $7.44 for 2 photos

Process:

1. Visit photo center

2. Staff takes photo

3. Print same day

Pros:

Half the price of CVS/Walgreens

Same quality

Staff assistance

Cons:

Fewer locations

May have longer wait times

Photo centers sometimes closed

Costco Passport Photos

Price: $5.99 for 2 photos

Process:

1. Membership required

2. Use photo kiosk

3. Pick up same day

Pros:

Cheapest retail option

Good print quality

Cons:

Requires $65+ membership

Not all locations have photo center

Self-service only

Print at Home: The Smart Choice

Total Cost: About $0.50 for 4-6 photos

What You Need:

Photo paper ($10 for 100 sheets)

Home printer with photo capability

AI Visa Photo (free)

The Math:

4x6 photo paper: ~$0.10 per sheet

Ink cost: ~$0.40 per 4x6 print

Each 4x6 fits 4 passport photos (2x2)

**Cost per photo: about $0.12**

Step-by-Step Home Printing

1. Create Your Photo

Use AI Visa Photo to:

Upload any selfie

Auto-crop to 2x2 inches

Replace background with white

Verify all requirements met

2. Download Print Template

Our tool provides a 4x6 template with 4 passport photos properly spaced.

3. Print on Photo Paper

Use "Best Quality" setting

Select glossy or matte photo paper

Set correct paper size (4x6)

4. Cut Carefully

Use a paper cutter or scissors with a ruler for clean edges.

Which Option Is Best?

Choose Home Printing if:

You have a decent printer

You need multiple photos (family)

You want to save 95%+ on cost

You're comfortable with basic tech

Choose Walmart/Costco if:

No printer at home

Need photos TODAY

Only need 2 photos

Avoid CVS/Walgreens if:

You're budget-conscious

Better options are available nearby

Pro Tips for Savings

1. **Use AI Visa Photo first** — even if printing elsewhere, create a compliant photo free

2. **Buy photo paper in bulk** — cost drops to pennies per sheet

3. **Print multiple types** — same 4x6 can have visa + passport sizes

4. **Check Costco membership** — if you shop there, photo center is a bonus

Conclusion

The passport photo industry charges 10-100x more than the actual cost. With AI Visa Photo and home printing, a family of 4 can get 16 photos for under $2 instead of paying $70+ at CVS.

Create your free passport photo now and print at home for pennies.