You do not need a drugstore counter photo for most passport renewals. A compliant digital file plus a 4×6 (4R) multi-copy sheet is enough for home printers and photo kiosks — usually for a fraction of the $15–17 counter fee.
What you need
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Compliant single photo | Correct size (e.g. US 2×2, UK/EU 35×45) |
| Print sheet | Multiple copies on 4×6 / 4R (~15.2 × 10.2 cm) |
| Printer or kiosk | Home inkjet or CVS / Walgreens / Walmart / Costco photo |
| Settings | 100% / actual size, no fit-to-page or auto-crop |
Step 1 — Get a compliant photo
From a selfie: use the passport photo maker on the homepage. Preview is free; one unlock includes the clean JPEG and a 4×6 layout.
Already have a cropped passport JPEG? Skip to step 2 and use the free Photo Sheet Maker.
US size details: US passport photo size (2×2). Background tips: white / off-white guide.
Step 2 — Build the 4×6 sheet
- Open Photo Sheet Maker.
- Choose your photo size (US Passport, UK/EU, etc.).
- Choose paper 4×6 / 6 Inch (4R) for most US kiosks.
- Upload the single photo, keep a small gap and cut guides.
- Download the 300 DPI JPEG.
Printing on Letter or A4 at home instead? Pick that paper in the tool — chart here: photo paper sizes explained.
Step 3 — Print without shrinking
Home printer
- Load real 4×6 photo paper (or Letter/A4 if that is what you laid out).
- Print dialog: actual size / 100%, borderless only if your layout expects it.
- Turn off “fit to page,” “scale to fit,” and any “enhance” that crops faces.
Drugstore kiosk
- Choose 4×6 paper.
- Upload the sheet JPEG (not the single photo unless you want one oversized print).
- Disable auto-crop / red-eye / zoom if the kiosk offers them.
- Cut along the guides with scissors.
Dedicated drugstore checklists:
Cost snapshot
| Option | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Drugstore counter | ~$15–17 | Staff-taken photos + prints |
| Just ID Photo unlock | See pricing | Digital file + 4×6 sheet |
| Free sheet maker only | $0 | Layout if you already have the photo |
| Kiosk print of your sheet | Usually a few dollars per 4×6 | Physical copies |
FAQ
Can I print UK 35×45 photos on US 4×6 paper?
Yes. Set photo size to UK / EU 35×45 and paper to 4×6 in the sheet maker.
How many copies fit on one sheet?
It depends on photo size and gap. The tool shows the live layout before you download — try US 2×2 on 4×6.
Will the size be correct?
Yes if the layout uses real cm/inch sizes and you print at 100%. Wrong paper choice or “fit to page” is the usual failure mode — see the paper size guide.