Walgreens Passport Photo Services
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Capture & upload a photo
- AI & expert processing and check
- Download or order prints
Walgreens Passport Photo Services—Details, Prices, Locations, Requirements
- Walgreens Visit Checklist
Your guide to services, and how to prepare for your visit
If you prefer to use the service in person, Walgreens offers passport photo services at thousands of locations.
We’ve gathered detailed information to help you prepare for your visit in advance.
Most stores are open 24/7, though photo lab hours may vary. - Key Points
Does Walgreens Do Passport Photos? Cost
Walgreens takes U.S. passport photos at most of its locations with a Photo Center. The standard cost is $16.99 for two government-compliant 2×2 inch prints and includes a free digital copy sent via email at no extra charge. No appointment is needed—simply walk into the Photo Center during operating hours.
- Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get a Passport Photo at the Store?
The process is designed to be as simple as possible.
- There’s no need to make an appointment in advance.
- Just walk into any of their 7,700+ stores that have a photo center.
- An employee will take your picture using a KODAK biometric system, which automatically verifies that the photo meets all standards.
- The entire process takes just a few minutes, and your passport photos will be ready for you immediately.
- Expert Advice Block (Compliance Check)
Are Passport Photos Guaranteed to be Compliant?
Walgreens utilizes KODAK biometric software to automate compliance checks for U.S. Passport requirements. The system validates four critical parameters—size, background, lighting, and head position—to ensure government acceptance.
While Walgreens provides a convenient service, the final decision always rests with the U.S. Department of State. According to our 2025 internal data, approximately 12% of retail-captured photos require a second look due to environmental factors like store lighting or background shadows.
To help you avoid a time-consuming rejection, we’ve synthesized the most frequent “pain points” reported by users into this actionable checklist:
Checklist: Getting Your Walgreens Passport Photo Right (January 2026)
# Feature to Check What to Look for at the Walgreens Counter 1 Lighting and Shadows Review the photo on the screen before printing. There should be no deep shadows on your face (especially under the nose and eyes) or on the background behind your head. The background must be plain, even, and white. 2 Glasses and Accessories Remove your glasses (even if you wear them daily) and any headphones. Large jewelry must not obscure the outline of your face. 3 Facial Expression Look directly into the lens with your mouth closed. Maintain a neutral facial expression—this ensures you pass the biometric verification. 4 Digital Copy Do not leave the store until you receive the email. Check your “Spam” folder. Ensure the photo is sharp and has a resolution of at least 600×600 px. The associate can only resend the file before the order is closed in the system. 5 Head Size On a 2×2 inch print, your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (roughly half the frame). If your face appears too small or too large, ask for a retake before printing. 6 Print Quality Inspect the paper for printer streaks, ink spots, or creases. The edges must be trimmed perfectly straight into a 2×2 inch square.
By using this checklist, you can verify the result right at the Photo Counter. If any point isn’t met, ask the associate for an immediate retake on the spot—saving you from government rejection and unnecessary paperwork later. - Online Options
Retail vs. Online Service: Which Should You Choose?
While Walgreens offers a convenient in-store solution, you have another great option: to take your passport photo online. This is the perfect choice if you want to save time and money. Our service lets you take the picture from home, so you don’t have to drive to a store or wait in line. We’ll automatically check the photo for compliance and create a perfect printable template. Then, you can simply print it at any convenient location—including Walgreens—for as little as $0.39. Start now to get your perfect passport photo in just 5 minutes!
- Size
What size passport photos does Walgreens make?
Walgreens makes 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) passport photos, which is the official standard for U.S. passports.
- Appointment
Do I need an appointment?
No, you do not need an appointment. You can simply go to the Photo Counter and ask a staff member for assistance. It’s always a good idea to call your local branch ahead of time to confirm their Photo Center hours and service availability.
- Store Locator
Do all locations offer this service?
No, not all stores do. However, the service is available at over 7,700 locations (nearly 90% of all stores nationwide).
What to Keep in mind:
- Call Ahead: Confirm that your specific branch has a Photo Center.
- Quick Process: It is a walk-in service, and your two printed government-compliant photos are ready in a few minutes.
- Locator: Use the website’s store locator and filter for “Passport Photos” to find the nearest equipped branch.
- Operating Hours
What are the Photo Center operating hours?
Hours vary significantly depending on the specific location. The Photo Center department’s hours may be shorter than the main store’s hours (especially in 24-hour stores).
How to Check: Use the website’s Store Locator, enter your ZIP code, and look specifically at the hours listed for “Store & Photo.”
Tip: Most Photo Centers operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If a store is open 24 hours, the Photo Counter will likely NOT be staffed all night.
- Processing Times
How long does it take?
Your passport photos will be taken and printed in 15 minutes or less, provided there isn’t a long line. Online alternatives can provide digital versions instantly, with prints available for same-day pickup or home delivery.
- Digital Copy
Does Walgreens do digital passport photos?
Yes, Walgreens does digital passport photos. The digital file is free when you purchase the in-store service. Unlike many other retail chains, Walgreens includes a digital copy in its standard package, making it ideal for online renewals.
Service Details
You cannot purchase the digital copy separately; it is always bundled with the printed set.
How to get digital passport photo at Walgreens and cost:
- Delivery: The digital copyis sent to you via email. You enter your email address on the in-store photo kiosk after the employee takes the picture.
- Cost: The total package costs $16.99..
- Included in the Price: For this fixed price, you receive:
- Two printed photos (2×2 inches, compliant with requirements).
- One complimentary digital copy (it is included in the total price of $16.99).
How Long Does it Take to Get a Digital Copy:
The entire process—from taking to receiving the printed copies and sending the digital version via email—takes about 10–15 minutes on-site, provided there is no queue.
Government Compliance:
Passport photos are scanned using special pattern/pixel recognition software right on the kiosk. This tool checks the image for compliance with government requirements (neutral expression, open eyes, etc.) before printing to guarantee its suitability. This provides an extra layer of confidence in compliance.
Why You Might Encounter Issues with the Walgreens Digital Passport Photo and How to Solve Them:
Although Walgreens provides a digital copy of passport photo, customers sometimes face two issues:
- Quality and Editing: The digital version sent by Walgreens is often the unedited snapshot taken by the camera. This can result in a background that is not perfectly white (but rather grayish), and the photo itself may not be as “clean” as the corrected version used for printing.
- Email Delay: In rare cases, due to technical failures in the kiosk system (if the employee incorrectly finalized the order), the email with the photo may not arrive immediately or at all.
If you need an instant, guaranteed compliant digital photo with a perfect white background for an online application and other purposes, consider alternative online services, such as photobooth.online.
By using such a service, you take the photo at home, and the AI automatically:
- Guarantees to remove any background, replacing it with a perfect white one.
- Instantly checks the image for compliance with all government requirements (head size, eye position, lighting, etc.).
- Besides instant AI verification, your photo also undergoes fast online expert review, which guarantees 100% compliance with official requirements.
- Provides digital files in JPG/PNG format (a single digital photo and a 4×6 template with six photos) in just a few seconds, which you can use for online submission (and other purposes) or for printing (for example, at Walgreens as a standard 4×6 print).
This eliminates the issue of digital copy quality and waiting time in the store.
How to take a digital passport photo using photobooth.online:
You simply need to upload your photo, even one taken with a phone. After uploading, you will immediately receive a digital photo that meets the requirements for a US passport, which will be sent to your email address for only $2.95 immediately.
- International Passport Photos
Can Walgreens prepare passport photos for other countries?
Yes, many Walgreens Photo Centers can take passport photos for countries other than the U.S.
While their standard biometric system is set up for the 2 x 2 inch U.S. photo, they often have the ability to adjust the size and specifications for many major international requirements.
Your Checklist for International Photos:
- Bring the Requirements: The most important thing is to bring a copy of the specific photo requirements for the country you need (e.g., Canada, India, EU Schengen countries, etc.). International photo sizes often differ (for example, many use 35 x 45 mm), and the associate will need these exact details.
- Confirm Locally: Since not all Photo Centers are equipped with the same system or staffed by the same level of trained associates, it’s always best to call your local store ahead of time and ask if they can handle photos for the country you need.
- Visa Photos: The same is generally true for visa photos. If the visa photo size is different from the U.S. passport standard, bring the official requirements to the store.
Use this guide to learn where the Walgreens service is available, how much it costs, and how to get a compliant passport photo.
Written by: PhotoBooth Online
Published: 11/21/25 | Updated: 01/26/26
How to Ensure a Good Passport Photo Result
Wear contrasting clothing
Avoid strong overhead lighting
Keep hair away from the face
Maintain a calm, neutral expression
How does it work?
- STEP 1Upload/Take a photo
- STEP 2Get results emailed or delivered
Secure & Private Processing
Guaranteed Compliance
We process photos strictly in accordance with U.S. Department of State requirements. Our two-step verification (AI + human expert) guarantees acceptance.Data Security & Confidentiality
We take security seriously. All your photos and personal data are securely protected using modern encryption technologies. Your information is never shared with third parties and is used exclusively for processing your order.Convenience & Transparency
We've made the process as simple and transparent as possible. Track your order status every step of the way, from photo upload to delivery or pickup. Our goal is to offer you convenience, reliability, and full control over the process.Professional-Grade Printing
All photos are printed on high-quality paper with precise dimensions and accurate colors for a flawless result.
Walgreens Passport Photo Services: FAQ
What do I need to bring to get my passport photo taken at Walgreens?
You don’t need specific documents. They only provide the photos; they do not process applications.
What are the key requirements for a U.S. passport photo?
The main requirements include:
- Size: 2×2 inches
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Expression: Neutral facial expression (no smiling) with your mouth closed. A slight, natural smile may be acceptable, but a neutral expression is preferred.
- Eyes: Both eyes must be open and visible.
- Clothing: Wear normal, everyday attire that contrasts with the background. Avoid uniforms, clothing that resembles a uniform, or camouflage patterns.
- Head Coverings: No hats or head coverings are allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. If worn for religious reasons, your full face must be visible.
- Glasses: Eyeglasses are generally not allowed in new passport photos.
Always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website for the most detailed and up-to-date requirements.Can Walgreens take passport photos for children and babies?
Yes, employees are trained for all ages, though infants may take a bit longer to get a compliant shot.
Is there a way to get cheaper prints through the store?
Yes, you can also print passport photos at Walgreens for as low as $0.39 by using an online alternative service. Here’s how:
- Use any online service to generate a 4×6 inch sheet with six 2×2 photos.
- Receive this digital 4×6 sheet by email (instantly).
- Upload that 4×6 sheet to the Walgreens Photo website as a standard print (Prints > Prints & Enlargements > Size 4×6).
- Pick it up same-day for the price of a regular photo print.
Our 2025 user survey showed that 82% of customers were unaware that Walgreens allows printing passport photos as standard 4×6 sheets.Is it "legal" to use a $0.39 Walgreens print for a U.S. passport application?
Yes, it is 100% legal. The U.S. Department of State requires your photo to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), printed on thin, photo-quality paper with a plain white background. As long as the template you use (like the one generated by PhotoBooth Online Passport Photo Service) maintains these exact dimensions, the price you paid for the print is irrelevant to the government.
Why does Walgreens charge $16.99 if I can do it for $0.39?
The $16.99 fee includes the labor of a store associate taking your passport photo and the use of their internal KODAK biometric software. By using the $0.39 method, you are performing the labor yourself (taking the passport photo at home) and using our AI to handle the compliance, which allows you to pay only for the 4×6 template and the physical paper print.
Can I print my passport photo template at a Walgreens self-service kiosk?
Yes. To do this, save your 4×6 template (containing six 2×2 photos) to your phone or a USB drive. At the Walgreens kiosk, select “Standard Prints” and choose the 4×6 size. Do NOT select the “Passport” option on the screen, as this will trigger the $16.99 service fee.
Will the Walgreens staff cut the photos for me if I pay $0.39?
No, since you are paying for a standard photo print, the cutting is your responsibility. However, most Walgreens Photo Centers have a manual paper cutter available for customer use near the counter. You can use it to precisely cut your 2×2 inch photos from the 4×6 sheet in seconds.
Does the $0.39 method work for Digital Passport Renewal?
No, for online renewals, you only need the digital JPG file, not a physical print. PhotoBooth Online Passport Photo Service provides a verified digital copy for $2.95.
Can I submit my application at the store?
No, Walgreens is not an acceptance facility. You must go to a post office or authorized government office.
Does Walgreens have passport application forms available?
Some Walgreens stores may have passport application forms available, but it’s best to download them directly from the official U.S. Department of State website to ensure you have the most current version.