How to Print 2×2 Passport Photos: Complete 2025 Guide

Looking to print 2×2 passport photos? You have several options ranging from $0.10 at home to$16.99 at stores. This comprehensive guide covers all methods to print passport photos cheaply and correctly in 2025.

💡 Quick Answer

The most cost effective way is to create a 2×2 passport photo online, arrange it in a 4×6 layout, then print it for $0.39 at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. This gives you 4 passport photos for under $0.50 total.

All Ways to Print 2×2 Passport Photos (Price Comparison)

MethodCost Per PhotoTotal CostTimeQuality
Home Printer~$0.10$0.405 minutes⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walmart Photo Center$0.09$0.371 hour⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CVS Photo Print$0.10$0.391 hour⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walgreens Photo Print$0.10$0.391 hour⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CVS Passport Service$7.50$14.9915 minutes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walgreens Passport Service$8.50$16.9915 minutes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. Print at Home (Cheapest - $0.40 total)

Home printing is the most economical option if you already have a photo printer.

What You Need:

  • Photo printer (inkjet or dye-sublimation)
  • 4×6 photo paper or cardstock
  • A 2×2 passport photo in 4×6 layout
  • Color printer ink

Step-by-Step:

  1. Create your passport photo with correct 2×2 dimensions
  2. Arrange 4 copies in a 4×6 inch layout
  3. Print on photo paper with highest quality settings
  4. Cut out individual 2×2 photos with precision

Best for: People with photo printers who need photos immediately

→ Complete Home Printing Guide

2. Print at Walmart Photo Center ($0.37 total)

Walmart offers the lowest cost for professional photo printing with excellent quality.

Process:

  1. Create 2×2 passport photo online
  2. Download 4×6 print layout
  3. Upload to Walmart Photo Center website
  4. Order as standard 4×6 photo print ($0.37)
  5. Pick up within 1 hour at store
→ Complete Walmart Guide

3. Print at CVS Pharmacy ($0.39 total)

CVS provides reliable photo printing with same-day service and convenient locations.

Key Details:

  • 4×6 photo prints cost $0.39
  • 1-hour processing time
  • Available at most CVS locations
  • Upload via CVS Photo app or website
  • High-quality photo paper
→ Complete CVS Guide

4. Print at Walgreens Photo ($0.39 total)

Walgreens offers professional photo printing with excellent quality and quick turnaround.

Advantages:

  • Same-day printing available
  • High-quality photo paper
  • Easy online ordering
  • Pickup notifications via text
→ Complete Walgreens Guide

5. Target Photo Center ($0.39 total)

While Target discontinued passport photo services, you can still use their photo printing.

Important Note:

Target no longer offers in-store passport photo services, but you can print passport photos using their regular photo printing service.

→ Complete Target Alternative Guide

6. Other Options

Costco Photo Center

Costco offers high-quality prints but requires membership. 4×6 prints cost around $0.17.

USPS (Select Locations)

Some post offices offer passport photo services for $15-20, but it's more expensive than alternatives.

Professional vs DIY: Which to Choose?

✅ Choose DIY Photo Printing If:

  • • You want to save 95% on costs
  • • You have time to create and print photos
  • • You need photos for multiple applications
  • • You're comfortable with basic photo editing

⚠️ Choose Professional Service If:

  • • You need photos within 15 minutes
  • • You prefer guaranteed compliance
  • • You don't want to handle technical details
  • • Cost is not a major concern

2×2 Passport Photo Requirements

Before printing, ensure your photo meets these official requirements:

  • Size: Exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
  • Head size: 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head
  • Background: White or off-white
  • Expression: Neutral facial expression
  • Eyes: Both eyes open and looking directly at camera
  • Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
  • Quality: High resolution, in focus
  • Format: Color photo, no filters or editing

Common Printing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Printing on regular copy paper instead of photo paper
  • Using incorrect print dimensions (not 2×2 exactly)
  • Low print quality settings that reduce sharpness
  • Cutting photos imprecisely with dull scissors
  • Not calibrating printer colors properly
  • Printing photos that are older than 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print passport photos on normal paper?

While possible, regular paper is not recommended. Photo paper provides better quality, durability, and color accuracy. Most passport agencies prefer photos printed on photo paper for official applications.

What is the cheapest way to print passport photos?

The cheapest method is creating a 4×6 layout with 4 passport photos and printing it at Walmart ($0.37) or at home (~$0.40). This costs about $0.09-0.10 per passport photo.

How many passport photos should I print?

Most passport applications require 2 photos, but printing a 4×6 layout gives you 4 photos for the same cost. Extra photos are useful for visas, renewals, or replacing rejected photos.

Can I use my phone to print passport photos?

Yes, you can take a passport photo with your phone, upload it to a photo printing app (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens), and pick it up at the store. Ensure the photo meets all official requirements before printing.

💰 Bottom Line

For most people, the best approach is: 1) Create a compliant 2×2 passport photo online, 2) Download the 4×6 print layout, 3) Print at Walmart/CVS/Walgreens for $0.37-0.39. This saves 95% compared to in-store passport photo services while maintaining professional quality.