When preparing for an international trip, a passport within the period of validity is essential. Whether you are applying for, renewing, or replacing a passport, a high-quality 2 x 2 head-and-shoulder photo is required. An unqualified photo would lead to the rejection of your application. Therefore, applicants have long been troubled with where and how to get a passport photo.

Have you ever looked around for this service aimlessly?

Are you tired of the continuous rejection of a DIY photo?

If yes, you should read this passage carefully. Luckily, most retail stores, pharmacies and some express companies provide ID photo services. Today, we are going to talk about Walgreens passport photos.

Walgreens store in US
Photo credit: Walgreens

Passport Photos at Walgreens

Does Walgreens take passport photos? Yes. There are photo centers with experienced employees who are usually trained and familiar with passport/ID/visa photo requirements. They will take care of the background, camera setting and lighting. You just need to follow their instructions on how to pose and take a shot. With advanced analyzing tools, Walgreens passport photos are guaranteed to meet the regulations of size, background, head position, etc.

If you dress properly, it takes only a few minutes to take a shot. Then the staff will adjust and print it out. Walgreens promises to get your photo ready within one hour or shorter time, so you can wait during the processing period or return to pick it up later.

Besides taking photos, it allows you to print out an existing digital photo, but they are not responsible for ensuring your photo compliance. You are supposed to use a passport photo maker to check.

More conveniently, you are not required to book the Walgreens photo service in advance. Just walk in and ask for the shop assistant’s help.

Store Location

There are about 7,750 Walgreens stores around the country. However, not all of them provide passport photo services. It is recommended to contact the store and inquire about detailed information. Visit the Walgreens store locator and enter your location or search by state to find the nearest one. Contact information, addresses, working hours, and services of each branch are listed.

Cost of Passport Photos at Walgreens

The standard price for photography and two printed 2 x 2 Walgreens passport photos is $16.99. It applies to individuals. When taking photos for the whole family, you have to pay $16.99 for each.

If you only use the printout service, it would be cheaper. Create your order online and choose either “Same Day Pickup” or “Ship to You“. Please note that it will be delivered in 3-5 working days after processing when choosing a shipping service. There are various sizes available. The cost of printing passport photos differs depending on the size and the way you pick them up. When choosing the standard 4×6 template, it costs $0.39 for 1+ photos and $0.29 for 75+.

The Deal Page sometimes lists Walgreens passport photo coupons for promotion. You can check before placing an order.

Tips for Taking Passport Photos at Walgreens

The US passport photo must be taken within 6 months before application. If your appearance has changed, you should retake a new one too. When taking passport photos at Walgreens, you don’t need to take any identity proof or other documents. However, in order to ensure everything goes smoothly, we have some warm tips before going to the Walgreens store.

Dress Code

There are no specific requirements on what to wear as long as you look decent. It is suggested to wear dark-colored clothes that contrast with the white background. Only your head and upper shoulders would be captured. Therefore, vests or off-shoulder tops are not recommended. If you do feel confused, just wear a casual T-shirt, shirt, blouse, or jacket. Never wear uniforms, camouflage outfits or clothes with shiny accessories. A veil is acceptable for religious reasons, but you must not cover your face. Otherwise, any headgear or head coverings are banned for passport photos. You just need to ensure your face is recognizable instead of looking fashionable or unique.

Accessories & Decorations

When it comes to eyeglasses, it has been prohibited in biometric photos in the US since 2016 unless for medical reasons. If you do have to wear it, please present a statement signed by a certified doctor to the authority and make sure it has clear lenses in case of obscures your eyes.

Jewelry is not explicitly prohibited, but we still advise you to remove your earrings, piercings, hair clips and necklace because they might reflect light and generate flare, which adds to the risk of being rejected.

Makeup

Light makeup makes you look more refreshed, which is acceptable. However, the guide to passport photo makeup should comply with the following principles.

  • Don’t change your skin color, which foundation color tone should be close to your original skin color.
  • Don’t alter the look of your eyes, nose, lips and face contour.
  • Don’t use a reflective base/sunscreen or oily skin.
  • Don’t put on too much eye shadows and lipsticks.
a blonde woman on a passport photo maker

Walgreens Passport Photos Alternatives

Besides Walgreens, other large chain stores in America also provide similar photo services, such as Walmart, CVS, UPS, AAA, etc. Moreover, as technology develops, applicants can also make this official required photo at home with the help of an AI passport photo editor, such as AiPassportPhotos. Here is a comprehensive comparison among them. Please note that the costs and opening hours could vary depending on specific locations. Please contact before visiting the store.

AlternativesWalgreensWalmartCVSUPSAAAAiPassportPhotos
Number of stores7,000+4,500+9000+5,000+1000+Anywhere Online
Price$16.99$7.44$16.99$11.99$15.000 to a few cents
Opening Hours9:00 am – 8:00 pm8:00 am – 8:00 pm9:00 am – 7:00 pm9:00 am – 6:00 pm9:00am – 6:00 pm24/7
Processing timeWithin 1 hour10-15 minutes10-15 minuteswithin 24 hoursA few minutesA few seconds (digital version)
Home deliveryYesYesNoYesYesNo
Compliance CheckYesYesYesYesYesYes
Online or on-siteOn-siteOn-siteOn-siteOn-siteOn-siteonline
Appointment requiredNoNoNoNoNoNo
PhotographeremployeesemployeesemployeesemployeesemployeesYou/friend/family
International photo templatesNoNoNoNoNoYes

Summary

After reading this passage, you must have been clear about Walgreens passport photos. As there are so many stores spreading around the country, you can find the nearest one and walk into the store without an appointment. If you find the cost of passport photos at Walgreens too high or there are no Walgreens branches around you, you have a variety of alternatives, such as Walmart, CVS, UPS, AAA or even passport photo makers at home.

By Erin Lo

My passion lies in the intersection of technology and storytelling, and I'm thrilled to explore the world of AI and its impact on passport photography. I strive to make complex concepts easy to grasp for readers, sharing the wonders of AI in our everyday lives. Beyond writing, I find inspiration in art, diverse cuisines, and outdoor adventures. Contributing to AiPassportPhotos' innovative approach is an exciting journey, making passport photos and more creative pictures simpler and more efficient through the power of AI.