How to Get Your Passport Photos Taken at Walgreens
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One element of applying for or renewing a passport that hasn't changed over the years is the photo: a small print of precise dimensions and particular rules. For travelers in need of a passport photo, it can be a challenge figuring out where to take — and to print — the picture. Thankfully, many national pharmacy chains provide this service, including Walgreens. At locations nationwide, Walgreens employees can take your passport photo and print the required 2 x 2 photos for $15.99 in less than an hour.
Related: The 28 Most Powerful Passports in the World
What to Know Before Taking a Passport Photo
The U.S. Department of State requires one photo for every passport application. They ask for the photo to be 2 x 2 inches large, in color, against a plain white or off-white background, and on glossy or matte photo-quality paper.
Travelers are instructed to wear normal clothes, take off glasses and headgear (unless you wear a hat or head covering for religious or medical reasons, in which case you can provide a signed statement to accompany your photo), and face the camera directly.
Your face can be neutral or with a "natural smile," but no grinning. Your eyes, unsurprisingly, need to be open. Photos must be taken no more than six months before the application is submitted.
Everyone applying for a U.S. passport is required to provide a photo — even infants. Once you have been issued a passport, however, you do not need a new photo if your appearance has changed in a superficial fashion (say, dyeing your hair or growing a beard) or due to normal aging (if that infant is now a toddler, for example).
Exceptions to this rule include passport holders who have made a gender transition, who have gained or lost a significant amount of weight, who have undergone extensive facial surgery or trauma, or have received numerous or especially prominent facial tattoos or piercing. So long as you and your picture are recognizably the same person, you're good.
Getting a Walgreens Passport Photo
Walgreens stores across the country can help you take and print your new passport photo. No appointment is necessary, but the pharmacy recommends calling your local store in advance to make sure they provide the service.
Certain Walgreens locations may even be able to provide you with applications for your passport, though they will not be able to process the completed application.
In less than an hour, travelers who visit a Walgreens for passport photos can have their applications ready for submission (assuming all other supporting documents are in order).
Uploading a Photo Online
While you cannot order a passport online through Walgreens, there is an option to virtually upload your photo yourself instead of having it taken in-store.
Vital Docs has a Passport Photo Creator app that allows you to take your own photo that you can then send to Walgreens and pick up within one hour. The software uses facial recognition compliance checks to adhere to the U.S. passport photo requirements.
You will have to print the photos at Walgreens — you cannot print, save, or email the photos to any other places.
