How to Get a Passport Photo at CVS

CVS offers passport photos at most locations, but you need to book an appointment in advance and bring the right documents

CVS MinuteClinic locations take passport photos, but availability and the process vary by store. You cannot walk in and expect a same-day photo — you must schedule an appointment through CVS's website or by calling your local store. The photo itself takes about 10 minutes once you arrive, but the appointment booking step is what most people miss.

Not every CVS has a MinuteClinic, and not every MinuteClinic offers passport photos. Before you plan a trip, check whether your nearest CVS location actually provides this service. The easiest way is to search for "CVS passport photo near me" on CVS.com or call the store directly and ask if they take passport photos by appointment.

Key Takeaways

• You must book a passport photo appointment through CVS.com or by calling your local store — walk-ins are not accepted.
• Only CVS locations with a MinuteClinic offer passport photos, so confirm your store has one before you go.
• Bring a valid government ID and know your passport type (book, card, or visa) when you arrive for your appointment.
• The photo costs between $10 and $15 depending on your location, and you receive printed copies and a digital file.
• Appointment availability varies by location and season, so book at least a few days ahead if possible.

How to book your CVS passport photo appointment

Go to CVS.com and select "Passport Photos" under the MinuteClinic services menu. Enter your zip code or city to find nearby locations that offer the service. The website will show you available appointment times for each store. Select a date and time that works for you, then confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

If you prefer to book by phone, call your local CVS MinuteClinic directly. The staff can tell you what times are open and hold a slot for you. This is also the best option if the website shows no availability — sometimes the phone line has different scheduling access, or staff can add you to a waitlist if the store expects a cancellation.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The MinuteClinic staff will check your ID to confirm your identity before taking the photo. You do not need to bring anything else, but you should know which type of passport photo you need: a standard passport book photo, a passport card photo, or a visa photo. These have slightly different specifications, though most passport photos work for all three.

Wear something you would wear in a formal photo. The background will be white or light-colored, and the photo must show your face clearly from the front. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup. If you wear glasses, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare that obscures your eyes.

What happens during the appointment

When you arrive, check in at the MinuteClinic desk and give your name. A staff member will take you to the photo area, verify your ID, and ask you a few quick questions about the passport type and any special requests. They will position you in front of the camera, adjust the lighting, and take the photo. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

You will see the photo on a screen before it is finalized. If you do not like how it looks, ask the staff to retake it — most locations will do this at no extra charge. Once you approve the photo, the staff will print copies for you and provide a digital file, usually on a USB drive or via email. You can take the printed photos and digital file with you that day.

Cost and what you receive

CVS passport photos cost between $10 and $15, depending on your location. The price typically includes printed copies (usually 4 to 6 prints) and a digital file. Some locations may charge extra if you request additional prints or a different file format, so ask about the total cost when you book or arrive for your appointment.

The digital file you receive can be used to order more prints later if you need them, or to submit online for passport applications. Keep the file in a safe place — you may need it if you apply for a visa or renew your passport in the future.

If your preferred time slot is not available

CVS appointment availability changes based on demand and staffing. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), slots fill up quickly. If the website shows no open times, try checking again in a few days, as cancellations happen regularly. You can also call the store directly and ask if they have any same-day or next-day openings that have not yet appeared online.

If your local CVS has no availability for several weeks, search for other CVS locations nearby — a store 10 or 15 minutes away may have sooner appointments. You can also explore other passport photo options, such as Walgreens, Walmart, or a local photography studio, though CVS is often the most convenient choice.

Common issues and how to handle them

If you arrive for your appointment and the staff says the MinuteClinic is closed or the photographer is unavailable, ask to reschedule immediately. This happens occasionally due to staffing changes. The staff should be able to book you at another time that week at no extra charge. If they cannot, ask for the manager's contact information and follow up by phone or through CVS customer service.

If you receive your photos and they do not meet passport photo standards (the background is wrong, your face is not centered, or your expression does not match requirements), contact CVS within a few days and ask for a retake. Most locations will redo the photo at no cost if there was an error on their part. Keep your receipt and the original photos as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport photo same-day at CVS without an appointment?

No. CVS requires appointments for passport photos and does not accept walk-ins. You must book through CVS.com or by calling your local store. If you need a photo urgently, call ahead to see if there is an opening later that day or the next morning.

What if I do not have a government ID to bring to my appointment?

You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you do not have one, you cannot get a passport photo at CVS. You would need to bring ID to any other location as well, since passport photo providers are required to verify your identity.

Can CVS take a passport photo for a child?

Yes, CVS can photograph children. Bring the child's birth certificate or state ID if they have one. If the child is very young, the staff may ask a parent to help position them or keep them still during the photo. Call your local CVS ahead of time to ask about their experience with young children.

How long does it take to get my photos after the appointment?

You receive printed copies and a digital file the same day, before you leave the appointment. There is no waiting period. If you need additional prints later, you can order them through CVS using the digital file.

Will my CVS passport photo work for a visa application?

Most visa applications accept standard passport photos, and CVS passport photos meet those requirements. However, some countries have specific photo rules. Check the visa requirements for your destination country before your appointment, and mention any special needs when you book so the staff can take the photo accordingly.