Walgreens Passport Photo

Walgreens Passport Photo Services: Your Current Guide

1. 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.
    
   

2. Do I need an appointment to get a passport photo taken at Walgreens?

   You actually do not need an appointment to get your passport photos taken at Walgreens.
    
   Passport photo services are available in-store at most Walgreens locations. You can simply go to the Photo Counter and ask a member of their staff for assistance.
    
   It’s always a good idea to call your local Walgreens ahead of time to confirm their Photo Center hours and that they offer the passport photo service, just to be sure.

3. Do all Walgreens offer passport photo services?

   No, not all Walgreens stores offer passport photo services, but the vast majority of them do.
    
   The service is typically offered at locations that have a Photo Center.
    
   What to Keep in mind:
    

   • Most Stores Offer It: Walgreens operates over 7,700 locations, and passport photo services are available at most of these locations.
   • Call Ahead: Even though it’s widespread, it’s always best practice to call your specific local Walgreens before you go to confirm that they have a Photo Center and offer the passport photo service.
   • The Process is Quick: The service is a walk-in service (no appointment needed), and your two printed, government-compliant photos are usually ready in just a few minutes after the photo is taken.

    
   To find the nearest location that offers the service, you can use the Walgreens store locator on their website and filter for stores with a Photo Center or specifically for passport photos.

4. What are the operating hours of the Walgreens Photo Center for passport photos?

   The hours for Walgreens passport photo services vary significantly depending on the specific store and the hours of its Photo Center.
    
   Passport photos are taken at the in-store Photo Center, and this department’s hours may be shorter than the main store’s hours (especially if the main store is open 24 hours).
    
   How to Find Your Local Walgreens’ Passport Photo Hours:
    

   1. Use the Walgreens Store Locator: The most accurate way to check is to use the Walgreens website’s Store Locator or Passport Photos finder.
   2. Filter by Location: Enter your city, state, or ZIP code.
   3. Check Store & Photo Hours: The results will list nearby stores and their hours. Look specifically at the hours listed for “Store & Photo” for the most accurate time frame.

    
   What You Should Know About Walgreens Photo Center Hours:
    

   • Standard Stores: Many Photo Centers operate on a schedule similar to standard business hours, such as 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
   • 24-Hour Stores: If a Walgreens store is open 24 hours, the Photo Center will almost certainly NOT be open all night. You must go during the hours when the Photo Counter is staffed.
   • No Appointment Needed: Remember, you don’t need an appointment, but you do need to make sure the Photo Counter is open and staffed when you arrive.

    
   Tip: Look up your local store’s hours online or call them directly before you visit.

5. How long does it take to take passport photos at Walgreens?

   Typically, your passport photos will be taken and printed in just a few minutes—usually under 15 minutes or less, provided there isn’t a long line at the Photo Counter.
    
   Online alternatives can provide digital photos instantly, with prints available for same-day pickup or 2-3 day home delivery.

6. What do I need to bring to get my passport photo taken at Walgreens?

   You don’t need to bring any specific documents or paperwork to get your passport photo taken. Walgreens only provides the photos; they do not process passport applications.

7. Does Walgreens do digital passport photos?

   Yes, Walgreens does digital passport photos. The digital passport photo itself is free when you purchase the in-store passport photo service.
    
   Unlike many other retail chains that only offer printed passport photos, Walgreens includes a digital copy in its standard service package, making it ideal for online applications (such as for US passport renewal).
    
   Service Details and Cost
    
   You cannot purchase the digital copy separately. Walgreens does not sell digital passport photos as a standalone product. The digital copy is always included with the printed set.
    
   How to get digital passport photo at Walgreens and cost:
    

   • Delivery: The digital copy of the passport photo is sent to you via email. You enter your email address on the in-store photo kiosk after the employee takes the picture.
   • Cost: The standard passport photo service at Walgreens 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 Digital Passport Photo at Walgreens:
    
   Typically, the entire process—from taking the photo 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 taken at Walgreens 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:
    

   1. 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.
   2. 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.

8. 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.

9. Can Walgreens take passport photos for children and babies?

   Yes, Walgreens employees are trained to take passport photos for all ages, including children and babies. They are equipped to handle the specific requirements for infants (e.g., ensuring eyes are open, appropriate background, etc.), though it can sometimes take a bit longer to get a compliant photo for very young children.

10. Is there a way to get cheaper passport photos through Walgreens?

    Yes, you can potentially get passport photos for as low as $0.39 by using an online alternative service. Here’s how:
     

    1. Use any online passport photo service to generate a 4×6 inch sheet with six passport photos.
    2. Receive this digital 4×6 sheet by email (instantly).
    3. Go to the Walgreens Photo website, select Prints > Prints & Enlargements > Size 4×6, and upload your processed 4×6 sheet.
    4. Order the print (typically costing around $0.39) and pick it up at your nearest Walgreens for same-day service.

11. Can I submit my passport application at Walgreens?

    No, Walgreens is not a passport acceptance facility. They only provide the passport photos. You will need to submit your completed passport application and supporting documents at an authorized acceptance facility (like a post office or specific government offices).

12. 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.

13. Can Walgreens prepare passport photos that meet another country's requirements?

    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 at Walgreens:
     

    1. 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.
    2. 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 specific Walgreens store ahead of time and ask if they can handle photos for the country you need.
    3. 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.

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