Are you planning to travel soon? If you are, it’s important to ensure your passport is ready. Whether you need to renew your old passport or get a brand new one, having a passport photo that meets all the rules is a must. Good news! Walgreens is here to help you with that. They make it easy and won’t cost you too much money.
In this guide, we will talk about all you need to know for getting your passport photos at Walgreens in the year 2024. This way, you can be all set for your exciting trip!
In this article:
Does Walgreens Take Passport Photos?
Yes, Walgreens offers excellent service for people who need quick passport photos. All their stores across the United States have special photo centers where trained professionals work.
These experts are good at ensuring your passport photos meet all the current rules set by the government. If you need your passport photo on the same day, you can go to any Walgreens store, and they’ll help you!
What to Know Before Taking a Passport Photo?
Before you go to your Walgreens appointment for a passport photo, it’s good to know a few essential things. Remember, you only need an appointment for this sometimes.
When your passport photo is taken, it has to meet specific rules set by the U.S. Department of State. Here’s what your photo should be like:
Taking a passport photo might seem simple, but following specific rules is essential to accept your photo. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand these rules:
- Freshness Matters: Your passport photo must be recent. This means it should be taken within the last six months. This helps make sure your photo looks like you do now.
- Clear and Sharp Image: Your photo should be clear and not blurry. It should also be printed on good-quality photo paper. You can use either matte or glossy paper.
- Size it Right: The size of the photo is really important. It should be 2 x 2 inches, which is about the size of a small sticky note.
- Background Basics: The photo’s background should be plain white or off-white. Make sure there are no shadows or patterns behind you.
- Face Forward: Your whole face should be seen clearly in the photo. You should look straight at the camera with a regular expression – no big smiles or funny faces!
- Headwear Restrictions: Usually, you shouldn’t wear hats or head coverings in your passport photo. But, if you wear them for religious or medical reasons, you can, but you’ll need to have documents that explain why.
- Digital Do’s and Don’ts: Some places let you send a digital photo, but not all. It’s a good idea to check the rules first. Also, don’t use any digital filters or editing on your photo because that might cause your photo to be rejected.
Remember, following these rules helps ensure your passport photo will be accepted without problems!
Everyone applying for a U.S. passport, even babies, must follow these photo rules. But if you’re renewing your passport and look the same as before (like you’ve just gotten older or changed your hair color), you might not need a new photo.
The main times you would need a new one are if you’ve undergone a significant change, like changing your gender, gaining or losing a lot of weight, having major facial surgery, or getting noticeable tattoos or piercings.
In-Store Photo Services vs. DIY Printing
Getting a passport photo can be easy and inexpensive if you know how to do it! Many people go to stores like Walgreens to get their passport photos taken. It’s convenient to do it there, but it costs some money. Usually, if you get your passport photos at Walgreens, they will charge you about $16.99, and you’ll get two pictures for that price.
But there’s another way to do it that can save you some money. You can take a photo of your passport at home! This means you can ensure the image looks just how you want it. After you take your photo, you can print it at Walgreens.
Printing it there is much cheaper than having them take the photo for you. This way, you can keep some extra money in your pocket and still have a great passport photo!
How Much Does it Cost to Get Passport Photos at Walgreens?
At Walgreens, there are two ways you can get your passport photos:
- In-person service: When you choose this, you go to a Walgreens store, and for $16.99, a Walgreens employee will take your passport photo. You’ll get two photos that are 2×2 inches and follow all the rules for U.S. passports. This is a fast and straightforward choice. Plus, you won’t have to wait long – you can get your photos in less than an hour!
- Self-service printing: If you already have a passport photo you took and it follows all the rules, you can print it at Walgreens. It’s cheap – only $0.35 to print your photo.
Important Note: If you choose to print your photo, make sure it meets all the U.S. Department of State requirements. If your photo needs to be corrected, it could cause delays with your application. So, check everything carefully before you print it at Walgreens.
Walgreens Passport Photo for $0.38 (Shh, it’s a Secret!)
Here’s a helpful tip for travelers who want to save money: Did you know you can take a photo of your passport? It’s easy and can save you some cash! First, you need a digital camera or a smartphone.
Make sure to take the photo following all the rules we discussed. Once you have your photo, you can put it on a USB drive. If you don’t have one, you can also use a photo kiosk at a store like Walgreens.
The next step is to print your photo. It should be 2 inches by 2 inches, and good-quality photo paper should be used for printing. Guess what? Printing one photo usually costs only about $0.38. That’s a lot cheaper than having it done at a store!
But there’s something significant you need to know: Not every country accepts passport photos that you upload digitally. So, before you use your photo, check if the country you’re going to allows it. This way, you can be sure your passport photo is just right!
How do you print your passport photos at Walgreens?
Printing your passport photos at Walgreens is a simple process. Let’s go through it step by step, making it easy to understand:
Step 1: Get a Digital Passport Photo
First, you need a digital passport photo. You can easily take this photo with your smartphone. Some services are available that help you take your photo and ensure it’s the right size and style for a passport. Think of it like a selfie but with specific rules to follow.
Step 2: Prepare Your Photo for Printing
Once you have your digital photo, it must be ready for printing. Most online services that help you take the passport photo will also prepare it for you. They usually make a small photo sheet, about 4 inches by 6 inches. This sheet will have two passport photos, each 2 inches by 2 inches.
Step 3: Order Your Prints Online
Now, it’s time to print your photos. You can do this online with Walgreens. When uploading your photo, make sure to upload the 4″ x 6″ sheet, not the small 2″ x 2″ photos.
Step 4: Pick Up Your Photos
After you’ve ordered your prints, Walgreens will let you know when they’re ready. You can go to the store to pick them up. Sometimes, they can even deliver them to you, but they might charge extra.
Step 5: Cut Out Your Photos
Your photos will come on a more extensive sheet, so you must cut them out. Use a good pair of scissors or a paper cutter to carefully cut out the two 2″ x 2″ passport photos from the 4″ x 6″ sheet.
And there you have it! You’ve got your passport photos all ready for your passport.
Essential Tips for DIY Passport Photos
Taking your passport photos can be a great way to save money, but it’s essential to ensure they meet the rules set by the U.S. Department of State. Let’s go through some essential tips to help you get it right, especially for younger readers in the 5th or 6th grade.
Background: Your photo needs to have a simple background. It should be either plain white or a light off-white color. This helps ensure you, the most important part of the photo, stand out clearly.
Facial Expression: When taking your photo, keep a neutral expression. This means no big smiles or frowns. Your mouth should be closed. It’s like taking a serious but relaxed photo.
Attire: What you wear for your passport photo is also essential. Choose clothes that are simple and modest. It’s best to avoid clothes with lots of patterns or bright colors. If you wear headwear for religious reasons, that’s okay; otherwise, your head should be uncovered.
Jewelry: If you’re wearing noticeable or shiny jewelry, it’s a good idea to take it off for the photo. You want to make sure nothing distracts from your face.
Hair: Your hair should be styled so it doesn’t cover your face. You want to ensure the photo makes your entire face visible and apparent.
Eyeglasses: Normally, you shouldn’t wear glasses in your passport photo. If you need them for medical reasons, you can wear them, but ensure no glare on the glasses and your eyes are visible.
Remember, following these tips will help make sure your passport photo is just right and meets all the requirements. It’s like creating the perfect picture of yourself where everything has to be just so.
Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Perfect Passport Photo:
Step 1: Capture the Image: Use a digital camera or smartphone with good resolution. Ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows on your face or the background.
Step 2: Find the Right Lighting: Natural daylight is ideal. Avoid harsh overhead lights that can create shadows. Opt for a well-lit room with diffused light.
Step 3: Dress for Success: Solid colors like blue or green often photograph well. Avoid wearing white or clothing with busy patterns that might blend into the background.
Step 4: Perfect Your Pose: Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed. Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
Step 5: Maintain a Neutral Expression: Avoid smiling, frowning, or making any exaggerated expressions. Aim for a natural and relaxed look.
Bonus Tip: Take multiple photos to ensure you capture the best one.
By following these tips and utilizing the resources offered by Walgreens, you can acquire a passport photo that meets all the requirements and secures your place on your dream adventure.
What should you bring to Walgreens for passport photos?
When you go to Walgreens for a passport photo, it’s straightforward! You don’t have to bring any papers or forms with you. The people working there will take a picture of you. After that, they will print the photos. These are the pictures you will use with your passport application. Isn’t that simple?
Do I Need an Appointment for Passport Photos at Walgreens?
At Walgreens, you can get your passport photos taken without making an appointment first. But it’s a good idea to call your local Walgreens store before you go.
This way, you can ensure they can take your passport photo when you arrive. You can also ask them how long you might have to wait. This helps you plan your visit better!
What to Expect at Walgreens?
Walgreens has photo technicians who are really good at ensuring your passport photos meet all the rules set by the U.S. Department of State. When you go there, a staff member will take your photo. They’ll ensure you’re standing or sitting just right so your picture turns out perfectly and is accepted for your passport.
The best part is that it’s super quick! In about an hour, you’ll be able to leave with two passport photos that are just the right size and look very professional. This makes getting your passport photos at Walgreens a great choice!
See also: What time is Walgreens Lunch Break?
Final Verdict
Walgreens has a convenient service for getting passport photos that meet all the rules. When you go there, the people working in the store can take a picture of you just right for a passport. They know all the official requirements, so you don’t have to worry about your photo not being accepted.
What’s excellent about Walgreens is that you don’t need an appointment; you can walk in whenever it is convenient. They’re also pretty fast at getting your photo ready. So, when you’re getting ready to apply for your passport, remember that Walgreens can make the photo part easy!
Relevant:
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Does Walgreens Convert VHS To DVD?
FAQs
Can I get digital copies of my passport photos at Walgreens?
No, Walgreens currently only provides printed passport photos.
How much does it cost to get passport photos at Walgreens?
The price for passport photos at Walgreens is $16.99.
Do I need an appointment to get passport photos at Walgreens?
No appointment is necessary to get passport photos at Walgreens; however, calling your local store beforehand can help you avoid wait times.
Can I upload my photo to Walgreens for passport printing?
Yes, you can upload your own digitally captured photo using a service like Vital Docs’ Passport Photo Creator app. However, Walgreens is the only authorized printing location for these photos.
What is the best color to wear for a passport photo?
It’s best to avoid wearing white, which can blend into the background. Solid colors like blue, green, or another contrasting shade generally photograph well. Opt for clothes that don’t have busy patterns that might clash with the background.
What size passport photo does Walgreens take?
Walgreens and all passport photo services should adhere to the standard passport photo size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
Does CVS take passport photos?
Yes, CVS locations typically offer passport photo services similar to Walgreens. They will take your photo and ensure it meets government size, background, and facial expression regulations.
Where is the best place to get a passport photo?
There are several convenient options for getting a passport photo, each with its advantages:
- In-store Photo Service: Locations like Walgreens, CVS, FedEx, and AAA often offer passport photo services. This is a quick and easy solution, with trained staff ensuring your photo meets government guidelines.
- Professional Photographer’s Studio: Professional photographers can capture a high-quality passport photo, especially if you have specific requirements or concerns. This might be a good choice if you need a digital photo for online applications.
- DIY at Home: If you’re comfortable with digital photography, you can take your photo at home following the government’s specifications. This can be a cost-effective option, but ensure you meet all the requirements before printing.
