Retailer alternative
Passport Photo at Walgreens
Walgreens lists passport photos at $16.99 for two printed 2x2 photos and says a free digital copy can be sent by email with purchase. Walgreens passport photos are in-store only, no appointment is needed, and Walgreens is not a passport acceptance facility. PassportSnapper costs $8 and lets you validate your own photo before online renewal or local printing.
Official-rule shortcut
Requirements Summary
| Photo size | 2 x 2 inches for printed U.S. passport photos |
|---|---|
| Head position | Centered face with head sized 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture, lines, or objects |
| Lighting | Even light with no harsh shadows, washout, blur, grain, or pixelation |
| Expression | Face the camera directly with eyes visible and mouth closed |
| Digital changes | Original photo only, with no filters, retouching, background replacement, or AI changes |
Reviewed against U.S. State Department passport photo guidance. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.
Fast workflow
How to get it done
- Decide whether you want Walgreens to take the photo in store or whether you want to validate your own photo first.
- If using Walgreens, go to the photo counter at a participating location; Walgreens says passport photos are in-store only and no appointment is needed.
- Ask for the emailed digital copy if you also need a digital file; Walgreens says it is free with passport photo purchase.
- Before leaving, inspect the printed photo for head size, centering, background, lighting, glasses, expression, blur, and shadows.
- If using PassportSnapper first, upload the original photo, check it against U.S. State Department rules, then download a digital file or 4x6 print-ready sheet.
- Submit the passport application through the correct State Department process because Walgreens does not issue passports or accept applications.
Rejection risks
Common mistakes
- Assuming you can order Walgreens passport photos online. Walgreens says passport photos are only offered in store.
- Forgetting to ask for the free emailed digital copy if you need a digital photo for online renewal.
- Assuming Walgreens can accept your passport application. Walgreens says it is not an acceptance facility and does not issue passports.
- Leaving with photos that have glare, shadows, wrong head placement, non-white background, glasses, or an open-mouth expression.
- Using the emailed copy after adding filters, retouching, AI changes, compression, screenshots, or background replacement.
- Not confirming whether the nearby Walgreens photo counter is open and able to take passport photos.
Decision table
Walgreens passport photo vs PassportSnapper
| Option | Current cost | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens in-store photo | Walgreens lists two printed 2x2 passport photos at $16.99. | Useful when you want a store associate to take the photo and a nearby Walgreens photo counter is available. |
| Walgreens emailed digital copy | Walgreens says a free digital copy can be sent by email with passport photo purchase. | Useful if you need the store-taken photo as both prints and a digital copy. |
| PassportSnapper | $8 for a compliant digital file or print-ready sheet. | Useful when you want to validate your own photo before online renewal or local printing. |
Quick answers
FAQ
How much is a passport photo at Walgreens?
Walgreens currently lists passport photos at $16.99 for two government-compliant printed 2x2 photos.
Does Walgreens include a digital passport photo?
Yes. Walgreens says a free digital copy can be sent by email with the purchase of a passport photo. It also says a digital copy on a USB drive may be available for an additional fee.
Can I order a Walgreens passport photo online?
No. Walgreens says passport photos are only offered in store. Go to the photo counter at a participating Walgreens location.
Do I need an appointment for a Walgreens passport photo?
No. Walgreens says no appointment is needed. Store hours and photo counter availability can still vary, so check your local store before going.
Can I submit my passport application at Walgreens?
No. Walgreens says it is not an acceptance facility and does not issue passports or other travel documents. You still need to submit through the correct State Department process.
Can Walgreens take baby passport photos?
Walgreens says it offers passport photos for all ages, including babies and children. For infants, make sure no parent, hand, toy, pacifier, blanket, or car seat pattern is visible in the final photo.
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