The short version
- Price — both around $16.99 a pair (check current pricing).
- Time — a few minutes in-store, during opening hours.
- Output — a printed 2 × 2 inch pair; no digital file by default.
- Retakes — at the staff member’s discretion.
- Compliance — no automated rule check and no expert review.
Where doing it online is different
- Check the photo against 300+ rules for free before you pay.
- Retake as many times as you like until it’s right.
- Get a digital file for online applications plus a print-ready sheet.
- A real specialist reviews it, with a money-back guarantee.
- No trip and no opening hours — do it from your phone.
Which should you choose?
If you need a printed photo in the next twenty minutes and a store is nearby, CVS or Walgreens are fine. If you want a digital file for an online application, the lowest chance of rejection, or simply to skip the trip, doing it online is the better fit — and usually cheaper.
Frequently asked
Is CVS or Walgreens cheaper for passport photos?
They’re about the same — both typically around $16.99 for a printed pair, though prices vary by location.
Do CVS and Walgreens give you a digital copy?
Usually they provide prints only. If you need a digital file for an online application, an online service gives you that plus a printable sheet.
Can I get a passport photo cheaper than CVS or Walgreens?
Yes — online you check for free and pay only to keep it, and every order includes a print-ready 4 × 6 sheet you can print at a kiosk for a dollar or two.
Which gives a better-quality passport photo?
Both produce fine prints. The difference online is the 300+ automatic checks and expert review that catch compliance problems before submission.