How to Print Passport Photos at Home (or at a Lab)
How to print passport photos at home or at Walgreens, CVS, or a photo lab. Size guide for a 4×6 inch print sheet with multiple copies.
·5 min read
Option 1: Print at home
To print passport photos at home, you need a colour inkjet or laser printer capable of 300 DPI output on glossy photo paper. Most home printers are capable of this.
What you need
- A 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) print of your photo sheet
- Glossy photo paper (use the paper specifically designed for your printer)
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
Steps
- Download the 4×6 inch print sheet from PhotoPass. It contains multiple passport-sized copies of your photo laid out correctly.
- Load glossy 4×6 photo paper into your printer.
- Print at the highest quality setting (300 DPI or "best photo").
- Let the ink dry for 2 minutes before handling.
- Cut along the guidelines to separate individual photos.
Option 2: Print at a photo lab or pharmacy
Walgreens, CVS, Walmart Photo, Costco, and most pharmacies offer 4×6 photo printing for under $0.50 per print. This is often the easiest option — the quality is consistently good and there's no ink to worry about.
Steps
- Download the 4×6 print sheet from PhotoPass.
- Visit the pharmacy or order online for in-store pickup (usually ready in 1 hour).
- Ask for the 4×6 print at photo quality (glossy).
- Cut along the guidelines.
How many photos do you need?
| Country / Document | Photos required |
|---|---|
| US Passport | 2 photos |
| UK Passport | 2 photos |
| India Passport (printed) | 2 photos (or digital upload) |
| Canada Passport | 2 identical photos |
| Australia Passport | 1 photo (endorsed on back) |
Does paper type matter?
Yes. Most passport acceptance offices require photos on glossy photo paper. Matte or regular inkjet paper is usually not accepted for in-person submissions. Always use glossy 4×6 photo paper.