Are you preparing for an international trip and need to get your passport photos taken? If you‘re a selective shopper who wants the job done right, look no further than your local CVS. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting perfect passport photos at CVS, including costs, wait times, requirements, and expert tips.
Passport Photos are Big Business
First, let‘s put passport photos into perspective. According to the U.S. Department of State, over 21 million passports were issued in fiscal year 2022, an all-time record. That‘s a lot of passport photos! In fact, Market research firm IBISWorld estimates that passport photo services generate over $300 million in annual revenue for retailers and pharmacies.
"Offering passport photos is an important service for our customers," said John Standley, former CEO of Rite Aid. "It drives traffic to our stores and helps build customer loyalty."
Why Choose CVS for Passport Photos?
With so many Americans needing passport photos each year, it‘s important to choose a reliable provider. That‘s where CVS comes in. Here are some key reasons to get your passport photos taken at CVS:
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Convenience: With over 9,900 locations across the U.S., chances are there‘s a CVS near you offering passport photo services.
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Biometric precision: CVS uses advanced biometric systems to ensure your photos meet all the latest government standards. "Our technology takes the guesswork out of passport photos," said a CVS spokesperson.
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Guaranteed acceptance: If your CVS passport photos are somehow rejected by the State Department, CVS will retake them for free.
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Speed: Unless it‘s a particularly busy time, you can walk into CVS without an appointment and have your passport photos ready within 10-15 minutes.
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Expertise: CVS has been handling passport photos for decades. Their staff are highly trained to capture regulation photos quickly and correctly.
So what‘s the process like? "Couldn‘t be easier," said John, a frequent traveler from Boston. "I walked in, they snapped a couple pics, and I was all set. Definitely beats the old days of finding a specialty photo store."
How Much Do Passport Photos Cost at CVS?
CVS charges $14.99 for a set of two passport photos, printed on high-quality photo paper. For context, here‘s how CVS‘s passport photo pricing compares to other major retailers:
| Retailer | Passport Photo Price |
|---|---|
| CVS | $14.99 |
| Walgreens | $14.99 |
| Walmart | $7.44 |
| Costco | $4.99 |
| Rite Aid | $12.99 |
| FedEx Office | $14.95 |
| The UPS Store | $11.99 |
While CVS isn‘t the absolute cheapest option, their pricing is competitive with the likes of Walgreens. Walmart and Costco do offer lower prices, but they have fewer locations. Also, Costco requires a membership.
For frequent travelers, paying a few extra dollars for the higher-end service and guaranteed acceptance at CVS can be well worth it. "It‘s a small price for peace of mind," said Sarah, a global business consultant. "The last thing I want is an application delay over a subpar photo."
Important Passport Photo Requirements
What makes a passport photo regulation, exactly? The U.S. Department of State has a number of very specific requirements for passport photos, including:
- Size: Photos must measure 2 x 2 inches
- Ink: Photos must be printed on matte or glossy photo paper in color
- Background: The background must be entirely white or off-white
- Position: Your full face must be visible, looking straight at the camera
- Expression: You must have a neutral facial expression or natural smile
- Eyewear: No glasses, sunglasses, or face coverings except for religious or medical purposes
- Contrast: Avoid flesh-tone or white clothing that blends into the background
- Accessories: No headphones, wireless devices, hats, or face coverings
Professional systems like those used by CVS are designed to meet all these specs. But if you try to wing it with a DIY passport photo, beware. "We see a lot of homemade passport photos get rejected," said a State Department spokesperson. "Common issues are bad lighting, incorrect sizing, and busy backgrounds."
Helpful Tips for Passport Photos
To make sure your CVS passport photos turn out great, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a non-patterned outfit that contrasts with the background
- Style your hair how you normally would, but avoid anything that covers your face or eyebrows
- For infants, lay them on a white sheet and make sure no other objects are in view
- If you have any tattoos or scars on your face or neck, they must be fully visible
- Wait at least 24 hours after any major grooming changes (haircuts, shaving, etc.) before taking your photo
- Make sure your face is evenly lit, with no glare on glasses or shiny skin
A Brief History of Passport Photo Requirements
Believe it or not, passport photos didn‘t become a universal requirement until 1914. Even then, there were few standards regulating the photos. It wasn‘t until 1975 that the U.S. began requiring full-color passport photos.
Digital passport photos became the norm in the early 2000s. Soon after, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established global biometric standards for passport photos. Today‘s regulations, like those followed by CVS, are designed to work with facial recognition software for enhanced security.
"Biometrics have really changed the game," said Margaret Anderson, a security expert at Drexel University. "By ensuring passport photos are high-quality and consistent, it‘s much harder for someone to travel under a fake identity."
Get Your Passport Photos Done Right
In conclusion, getting your passport photos taken at CVS is a smart choice. You‘ll benefit from convenience, speed, precision, and peace of mind. And at just $14.99 for a set of regulation photos, it‘s an excellent value for discerning travelers.
To find a CVS near you offering passport photos, head to their store locator page and look for the "passport photos" filter. Once you have your perfect photos in hand, you can cross off an important action item on your pre-travel checklist.
So what are you waiting for? Get those photos taken so you can focus on planning an unforgettable international adventure! As Saint Augustine famously said: "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." Here‘s to experiencing the story of a lifetime.
