How to Print Passport Photos at Home or at a Store

So you've got your digital passport photo—whether you took it yourself with Passport Photo HQ or had it professionally done—and now you need to turn that digital file into something you can actually hold and submit. The good news? Printing passport photos is straightforward, and you have several affordable options. In this guide, we'll walk you through printing at home, at a drug store, and using self-service kiosks so you can choose what works best for you.

Option 1: Print at Home

Printing passport photos at home is one of the most affordable and convenient options, especially if you already have a color printer. Here's exactly what you need to know.

What You'll Need

• A color printer: Any inkjet or color printer will work. You don't need a professional photo printer.
• Glossy photo paper: This is non-negotiable. Regular printer paper will make your passport photos look cheap and may be rejected. Look for 4x6 inch glossy or matte photo paper—glossy is more durable and looks more professional.
• Your passport photo file: Make sure you have a high-resolution digital copy (at least 300 DPI for best results).
• Scissors or a paper cutter: For trimming individual photos.

Using Our Print Sheet Download

We provide a print sheet that makes this process much easier. Our template places multiple copies of your passport photo on a single 4x6 layout with cut guides, so you can print everything at once and get several finished photos from one print. Just upload your passport photo to our tool, and we'll generate a ready-to-print PDF.

Critical: Print at Actual Size

This is where most people make mistakes. When you go to print, your printer will show you sizing options. You must select "Actual Size" or "100% Scale." Do NOT use "Fit to Page" or "Shrink to Fit"—these will make your photos the wrong size, and they may be rejected by passport officials.

Double-check your printer settings:

• In most printers (Mac or Windows), look for an option that says "Scale" or "Scaling"
• Select "None" or "Actual Size" (not "Fit to Page")
• Make sure your paper size is set to 4x6 inches

Once you print, use a ruler to measure one of your photos to make sure it's exactly 2 inches by 2 inches before cutting them all up. If it's off, adjust your print settings and try again.

Paper Quality Matters

Use actual glossy or matte photo paper—not regular printer paper. Photo paper is thicker, more durable, and has a different finish that looks professional. Glossy photo paper is especially good because it resists fingerprints and looks more like an official document. Popular brands include Epson, Canon, Kodak, and HP—all are available at drugstores and online for $10–15 per pack of 50 sheets.

Option 2: Print at a Drug Store or Retail Photo Center

If you don't have a printer or prefer to outsource, your local drugstore photo center is a quick and affordable solution. CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart all offer passport photo printing services.

How It Works

• Upload your file: Go to the store's photo printing website or use their in-store kiosk. You can upload a single passport photo or our ready-to-print sheet.
• Order a 4x6 print: A single 4x6 print costs between $0.35 and $0.50 at most stores.
• Cut the photos: Once you get your print, cut out the individual 2x2 inch photos with scissors.
• Ready in 1 hour or less: Most stores have your order ready the same day, often within an hour.

Pro Tip

If you need multiple prints (say, 10 copies for different applications), order several 4x6 prints. At $0.35 each, you'll have extras on hand and it still costs less than $5 total.

Option 3: Use a Self-Service Photo Kiosk

Many retail stores—Target, Costco, some CVS locations—have self-service photo printing kiosks. This is another quick option if you're already shopping.

How It Works

• Bring your passport photo file on your phone, USB drive, or memory card
• Insert your media into the kiosk (or use Bluetooth/NFC if the kiosk supports it)
• Select your photo and choose 4x6 size
• Pay (usually under $1) and collect your print

Kiosks are fast and convenient, though the print quality can vary depending on the equipment. Most are adequate for passport photos, but if you're concerned about quality, stick with the staffed photo centers at CVS or Walgreens.

Tips for Getting the Right Size Every Time

The most common reason passport photos get rejected isn't the background or lighting—it's the size. Here's how to avoid that:

• Know the requirements: US passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches. That's the official size, and most countries use similar dimensions.
• Measure before submitting: After you print and cut, use a ruler to verify that your photo is exactly 2x2 inches. Mark a reference photo and keep it handy for future applications.
• Use photo paper, not regular paper: The material matters. Photo paper is thicker, more professional-looking, and less likely to tear or fade.
• Print at 100% scale: Whether at home or at a drugstore, always specify that you want the photo printed at actual size, not scaled to fit.
• Order extras: Passport photos are cheap to print. Order 5–10 copies now and keep them for passport renewals, visas, and other ID documents down the road.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Print at home if: You have a printer, need photos urgently, or want to print multiple copies at once.

Print at a drugstore if: You don't have a printer, want professional-quality results, or prefer to have it done quickly without any hassle.

Use a kiosk if: You're in a store, have a small file on your phone, and want to print instantly.

No matter which option you choose, the key is to verify the size before you submit. A 2x2 inch photo is small—about the size of a postage stamp—but passport officials are strict about it. Measure once, verify, and you'll be good to go.

Final Thoughts

Printing passport photos is a simple, affordable process—whether you do it at home, at a drugstore, or at a kiosk. The key is to use the right paper, print at the correct size, and measure before submitting. With these tips in hand, you'll have professional-quality passport photos ready in minutes, not days.

Need help getting the photo right before you print? Our guide on how to take a passport photo at home walks through lighting, framing, and background setup. And if you're not sure about size specs, check our US passport photo requirements breakdown.