How to Get Your Passport Photo Taken at Walgreens

Walgreens takes passport photos in-store, and you can book an appointment online or walk in

Walgreens offers passport photo services at most of its locations. You can schedule an appointment through their website or the Walgreens app, or you can walk into a store and ask the photo department to take your photo same-day if they have availability. The photo meets U.S. State Department requirements for passports, visas, and other federal documents.

The cost is typically around $15 for two printed copies, though prices vary slightly by location. You'll receive physical prints the same day or within a few hours, and Walgreens can also email you a digital copy if you need it for other purposes.

Key Takeaways

• You can book a passport photo appointment online through Walgreens.com or the mobile app by selecting your store and choosing an available time slot.
• Walk-ins are accepted at most Walgreens photo departments, though wait times vary and appointments may provide faster service.
• Bring a valid ID and wear solid-colored clothing with a plain background; Walgreens will position you against their backdrop.
• You'll receive printed copies the same day or within hours, and can request a digital file for your records or to print elsewhere later.
• If your photo is rejected by the State Department, Walgreens will retake it at no charge within 30 days.

How to book an appointment online

Go to Walgreens.com and select "Photo" from the main menu. Choose "Passport Photos" from the options. Enter your zip code or city to find nearby locations, then select the store you prefer. The system will show available appointment times for the next several days.

Click the time slot that works for you and follow the prompts to confirm. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, store address, and phone number. Most appointments are available within 24 to 48 hours of booking. If you prefer to use the Walgreens mobile app, the process is identical — tap the Photo icon, select Passport Photos, and choose your store and time.

What to bring and wear

Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You don't need to bring anything else — Walgreens provides the backdrop and handles the photo setup. Wear solid-colored clothing that contrasts with your skin tone; avoid busy patterns, logos, or clothing with text. White, light blue, and dark colors all work well.

Do not wear hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. Your expression should be neutral, and your eyes should be open and looking directly at the camera. If you wear glasses, make sure there's no glare on the lenses — the photographer may ask you to remove them if reflection is an issue.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive a few minutes early. The photo associate will verify your ID, confirm the purpose of the photo (passport, visa, or other federal document), and position you in front of the backdrop. They'll take multiple shots to ensure at least one meets State Department standards.

The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once they've captured acceptable photos, you'll see a preview on a screen. You can approve the image or ask for another shot if you're not satisfied. After approval, prints are typically ready within a few hours, though some locations can print them immediately while you wait.

Receiving your photos and digital copies

You'll receive two printed 2x2-inch photos, which is the standard size for U.S. passports and visas. Ask the associate if you need additional copies — Walgreens can print extras for a small fee per pair. You can also request a digital file on a USB drive or have it emailed to you, which is useful if you need to print photos elsewhere or submit them online for visa applications.

Keep your receipt and any digital files you receive. If the State Department rejects your photo for any reason, bring your receipt back to the same Walgreens location within 30 days and they will retake the photo at no charge.

Walk-in service and wait times

If you don't have time to schedule an appointment, most Walgreens photo departments accept walk-ins. Wait times depend on how busy the store is — early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than evenings and weekends. Call the store's photo department directly to ask about current wait times before you go.

Walk-in service follows the same process as appointments, and you'll pay the same price. However, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times, whereas an appointment guarantees you'll be seen at your scheduled time. If you're in a hurry, booking ahead is the safer choice.

What to do if your photo is rejected

The State Department has specific rules about passport photos: your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the frame, your eyes must be open and visible, and the background must be plain white or off-white. Walgreens photos are designed to meet these standards, but occasionally a photo is rejected due to lighting, expression, or other factors beyond the photographer's control.

If rejection happens, contact the State Department or the agency that rejected your photo to find out the specific reason. Common issues include red-eye, shadows on the face, or an expression that's too serious. Bring the rejection notice and your original receipt to Walgreens, and they will retake your photo at no charge. The 30-day window gives you time to resubmit to the government agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Walgreens passport photo for a driver's license or state ID?

Most state DMVs have their own photo requirements and prefer photos taken at their offices or approved vendors. Contact your state DMV before using a Walgreens passport photo for a driver's license. However, Walgreens passport photos do meet federal standards and may work for some states — it's worth asking.

How long does it take to get my printed photos?

Most Walgreens locations print passport photos the same day, often within a few hours of your appointment. Some stores can print them while you wait. Ask the associate for a specific timeframe when you finish your appointment, or call the store's photo department to check on your order.

What if I need more than two copies?

Walgreens will print additional copies of your photo for a small fee per pair. You can order extras at the time of your appointment or return later with your receipt and order more. Digital files can also be reprinted at any Walgreens location if you have the file saved.

Do I need to dress up for a passport photo?

No. Passport photos require only solid-colored clothing and a neutral expression. You don't need to wear formal clothing — a plain t-shirt or casual top works fine as long as it contrasts with the white background and your skin tone.

Can someone else pick up my photos if I can't return to the store?

Yes, but they'll need your receipt or order number. Call the store's photo department ahead of time to let them know someone else will be picking up your order, and provide that person with your receipt or order details so they can retrieve the photos without delay.