CVS Passport Photo: What You Need To Know

Whether you’re applying for a United States passport for the first time or looking to renew an existing passport for an upcoming trip, you’ll be required to submit two identical passport photos along with your application. There are few exceptions to this, such as if you’re renewing a passport within 10 years of its original issue date.

There are strict TSA ID requirements in place for passport photos, however, so you’ll want to make sure you follow these before you submit. Otherwise, you could end up having your application rejected.

Typically, the best way to make sure your passport photo is taken and printed correctly the first time around is to have it professionally done. The good news is that most pharmacies and even grocery stores that offer a photo center have qualified and experienced photo technicians available to take and print your passport photo in as little as a few minutes.

CVS is one example of a popular pharmacy that offers passport photo services. If you’re thinking about heading to your local CVS to have a passport photo taken, there are a few things you should know before you go!

Why You Need A Passport Photo

If you are planning on traveling internationally, a passport photo is an essential requirement. Passport photos are required for passport applications, visas, and even for certain types of job applications. Having a passport photo ready will save you time and stress when applying for a passport or visa. The photo is an important part of the application process and ensures that the government officials can easily identify you.

Another reason why you need a passport photo is for emergency situations. If your passport gets lost or stolen while abroad, having a spare passport photo can help expedite the replacement process. In some countries, passport photos are also required for other official documents like driver’s licenses, government identification cards, and health insurance cards. This is another reason why having a passport photo on hand can be helpful.

In addition to these practical reasons, passport photos can also be a great way to document your travels. You can keep a record of all the different passport photos you have taken throughout your life and see how you have changed over time. Overall, having a passport photo is essential for any traveler. It is important to get a high-quality photo that meets all of the requirements, which is why choosing a reputable provider like CVS can be helpful. In the next section of this guide, we will explore the benefits of getting a CVS passport photo.

Does Your CVS Offer Passport Photos?

Start by confirming that the CVS near you offers passport photos as part of their services. Most CVS locations with a photo center should offer this service, but it’s always best to confirm before you visit. You can do this by checking out the website of the specific CVS store you have in mind, or give them a call directly. You should not have to make an appointment in advance to have a passport photo done, but it never hurts to call and make sure that a trained photo technician will be available at the time of your visit.

The Benefits Of Getting A CVS Passport Photo

If you’re in need of a passport, it’s likely that you’ll need to get a passport photo. Many people opt for a CVS passport photo because it’s convenient and affordable. There are a number of benefits to getting a passport photo at CVS, including:

• Convenience: CVS is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, so chances are there is a location near you. This makes it easy to pop in and get your passport photo taken without having to travel too far.
• Professional Quality: CVS uses state-of-the-art digital technology to ensure that your passport photo is of high quality and meets all of the necessary requirements. You can rest assured that your photo will be taken in a professional environment by experienced technicians.
• Quick Turnaround Time: CVS is known for its fast turnaround time when it comes to passport photos. In most cases, you can have your photo taken and printed within just a few minutes.
• Affordable: One of the best things about getting a passport photo at CVS is that it’s affordable. Prices vary depending on your location, but they typically range from $14.99 to $19.99. This is much cheaper than some other options, such as professional photographers or travel agencies.
• Acceptance: CVS passport photos are accepted by the United States Department of State, which means that you can use them for your passport application without any issues. This is because CVS ensures that their photos meet all of the necessary requirements, including size, lighting, and background.

Overall, getting a CVS passport photo is a convenient, affordable, and hassle-free way to get the photo you need for your passport application. With professional quality and quick turnaround times, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to get their passport photos taken at CVS. So, if you’re in need of a passport photo, be sure to consider stopping by your local CVS.

Preparing For Your Passport Photo

Before you head to CVS to have your passport photo done, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure of. For starters, keep in mind that you are not permitted to wear a uniform of any kind in a passport photo—so if you were planning on having your photo done after work, you may want to bring a change of clothes. If you want to learn more about passport photo requirement before you go to the store you can reach our passport photo guide.

You’ll also want to make sure that any headgear or glasses are removed prior to your photo unless you are wearing them for religious or medical reasons. If this is the case, you’ll need to obtain a signed note from your doctor or a signed statement of your religion to submit with your passport application.

Aside from this, there isn’t much else you need to worry about when having your passport photo taken at CVS. Your trained and experienced photo technician will be able to ensure all the specific requirements are met, such as conforming to background and white-space restrictions.

In summary, if you’re getting a CVS passport photo, there are certain requirements that you should be aware of before visiting the store. These requirements are designed to ensure that the photo meets all the necessary standards and is acceptable for use on a passport. Here’s what you need to know:

• Size: The photo must be 2×2 inches in size. The head in the photo should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Color: The photo must be in color. Black and white photos are not acceptable.
• Background: The background of the photo should be white or off-white. The background must be uniform and free of any patterns or shadows.
• Head Position: The head in the photo should be facing forward, with the face centered in the middle of the photo. The head must be at least 50% of the total height of the photo.
• Facial Expression: The facial expression in the photo should be neutral. Smiling or frowning is not allowed.
• Clothing: The person being photographed should be wearing normal street attire. Uniforms, hats, and headgear are not allowed.
• Glasses: Glasses are allowed in passport photos, but they must not have any glare or reflection that obscures the eyes.
• Other: Other requirements may apply depending on the country and agency issuing the passport. It’s always best to check with your local CVS store to make sure you have all the necessary information before getting your photo taken.

By following these requirements, you can ensure that your CVS passport photo will be acceptable for use on your passport. And with the convenience and affordability of getting your photo taken at CVS, it’s never been easier to prepare for your next international adventure.

What To Expect From A CVS Passport Photo Service

When you arrive at your local CVS, head back to the photo center and let the employee working there know that you need a passport photo. If there is nobody at the desk (as is sometimes the case if workers are stocking shelves with luggage or helping other shoppers), your best bet is to head to the front registers and letting the person there know that you need help at the photo desk. From there, he or she should be able to phone a photo technician to meet you back by the photo center.

Next, the photo technician will likely ask you to step in front of a neutral backdrop so that the photo can be taken. If you are wearing any headgear or glasses that are not required for medical or religious reasons, you will be asked to remove these for the photo. Before the picture is taken, you will be instructed by the photo technician to maintain a neutral appearance on your face. As inclined as you may be to smile for your picture, this is unfortunately not permitted in passport pictures!

Once your photo is taken, your CVS photo technician will upload it into a computer and use a special program to make sure it conforms to the strict standards and regulations in place for passport photos. If needed, the technician can make small edits or may even ask you to have the photo re-taken until all requirements are met.

From there, the photo technician will print out two copies of your passport photo and place them in a protective envelope if you don’t have your passport holder on you. You can pay for your passport photos at the photo center or take them to one of the from registers after you’ve completed any other shopping you may need to do. After all, you simply need to include your passport photos with your application and drop it in the mail.

Saving Money On Your CVS Passport Photo

As far as professional passport photo services go, CVS is pretty reasonably priced. At most stores, you’ll pay from $14.99 to $19.99 for two passport photos. However, CVS is frequently offering discounts and running promotions that can save you money on these and other photo services. Before you head to your local CVS for a passport photo, be sure to check the CVS Photo website for current promo codes. At the time of this writing, the CVS website is offering a discount for passport photo services that you can redeem by printing out or showing the coupon on your phone at the register. If your local CVS doesn’t offer passport photos, Walgreens may be the perfect solution for you. Walgreens passport photos are just as reasonably priced as those at CVS.

While a range from $14.99 to $19.99 may seem like a lot of money to pay for two identical pictures, it is actually quite reasonable when you consider all the strict requirements that must be met when submitting a passport photo. CVS uses KODAK Biometric ID software to verify that all photos taken will conform to these requirements, which can save you a lot of time and hassle. And of course, submitting your photos correctly the first time will also save you the cost involved in having to re-submit an application.

When it comes to having your passport photo taken, consider visiting your local CVS if they offer these photo services. The entire process can take just a few minutes and can save you a lot of hassle and stress when applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. From there, you can submit your passport application with confidence.

What To Do After Getting Your CVS Passport Photo

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the first step towards getting your passport. Now, it’s time to take care of the rest. First, make sure that you have all the necessary documents for your passport application. This includes your completed DS-11 application form, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license), and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate).

Next, check the expiration date on your current passport (if you have one) to make sure that it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. If your passport is set to expire soon, you will need to renew it before applying for a new one.
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you can either apply for your passport in person at a regional passport agency or through the mail. If you choose to apply in person, be sure to schedule an appointment in advance. The application process typically takes between four to six weeks, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.

If you opt to apply through the mail, be sure to use a secure mailing service (such as FedEx or UPS) to ensure that your documents are delivered safely and on time. You can track the status of your application online through the U.S. Department of State website.

Finally, make sure that you have all of the necessary travel arrangements in place before your departure date. This includes booking your flights, securing any necessary visas or vaccinations, and making arrangements for transportation and accommodations.

The Bottom Line

Getting a CVS passport photo is a quick and easy way to obtain the photo needed for your passport application. With their convenient locations and experienced staff, CVS is an excellent choice for your passport photo needs. Remember to come prepared with the necessary documents and follow the guidelines for a successful photo. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be on your way to your next adventure in no time.