You can print a passport photo at Walgreens using in-store kiosks, the Walgreens app, or by ordering prints online for pickup or shipping. Walgreens offers both self-service and staffed options that follow standard passport photo requirements for size, background, and dimensions. This guide explains how to prepare your photo, where to place your order in-store or online, likely turnaround times, and typical costs, so you can complete compliant passport photos without visiting a separate passport acceptance facility.
What makes a passport photo compliant
Passport agencies and acceptance facilities require specific content and technical qualities. While exact rules can vary slightly by issuing agency, the fundamentals focus on identification, neutrality, and print quality. Use these rules as a checklist when you prepare or upload images at Walgreens.
- Plain background: usually off-white or white without patterns, shadows, or objects.
- Head-on composition: face centered and looking straight ahead with a neutral expression.
- No glasses or accessories: unless for medical or religious reasons, with supporting documentation.
- Size and margins: exact measurements (usually 2x2 inches or 51x51 millimeters) with defined margins around the head.
- Quality standards: sharpness, contrast, and absence of digital alteration that obscures likeness.
Typical printed passport photo specifications
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) | US Department of State guidance |
| Head size | 1 to 1.375 inches from chin to top of head | US Department of State guidance |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns | US Department of State guidance |
| File format | JPEG or TIFF preferred at 300 dpi | Common printing and passport agency guidance |
Options to print passport photos at Walgreens
Walgreens supports multiple workflows, from walk-in kiosks to app-based ordering. You can use in-store passport photo kiosks, ask pharmacists for printed passport photo services, or place an online order for pickup or delivery. Choose based on urgency, volume, and whether you prefer to review a physical print before finalizing.
In-store kiosk workflow
- Locate a Walgreens with a passport photo kiosk (use store details or app filters).
- Follow on-screen prompts to capture or upload a compliant image.
- Review prints, approve corrections if offered, and pay at the register.
- Receive instant prints and a confirmation if the store can serve as a passport acceptance agent.
In-store printed photo service
If a kiosk is unavailable, ask staff about printed passport photo services. A pharmacist or photo department associate may accept an image file or smartphone capture and produce compliant prints on the spot. Confirm whether the location can also certify your passport application, if needed.
Online ordering and pickup or shipping
Through the Walgreens website or app, you can order passport photos for home delivery or in-store pickup. Upload compliant digital images, select quantity and finish, then choose a location or delivery option. This is useful when you need multiple identical copies or want them delivered to your door.
Pricing and turnaround time at Walgreens
Prices and turnaround vary by location and service type. In-store kiosks and immediate printing are often higher per unit, while online orders placed for pickup may offer lower per-unit pricing. Confirm current pricing at the specific location or online before submitting your photo.
Cost and turnaround comparison
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Single printed photo (in-store) | $5 to $15 | Includes convenience and immediate print; price varies by location and kiosk operator. |
| Multi-pack online order (pickup or shipping) | $10 to $30 for 2 to 5 prints | Lower per-unit cost; shipping fees may apply. |
| Turnaround (in-store kiosk or same-day service) | 15 to 30 minutes | Immediate prints when equipment and staffing are available. |
| Turnaround (online order with pickup) | Same day to next business day | Depends on location processing times and your distance to store. |
How to check technical quality before submitting
Small mistakes often cause delays. Before you finalize prints at Walgreens, review the image against basic passport criteria. If you are using a kiosk, use any preview and correction features. If you are handing a file to staff, confirm the following with the printer or pharmacist.
- Eyes are open and clearly visible, no sunglasses unless for religious or medical reasons with documentation.
- Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, no smiling or exaggerated expression.
- Head is square to the camera, no tilting or rotation beyond allowed limits.
- Lighting and contrast show clear separation between face and background, no shadows on face.
- Image resolution supports printing at 300 dpi without visible pixelation.
Where to submit your printed passport photo
Not every Walgreens location can accept passport applications or serve as a passport acceptance facility. If you need a signed acceptance form (DS-11, or for renewals), check with the specific store or use official locator tools for acceptance agents near you. You can bring your compliant prints and application forms to a designated acceptance site, which may be a post office, clerk of court, or regional passport agency.
Alternatives and additional tips
If you want more control over compliance or need a passport acceptance on the same visit, consider dedicated shipping photo services, post office locations, or regional passport acceptance centers. Pharmacies, shipping stores, and some libraries often provide both printing and acceptance in one trip. Keep an extra copy of your signed application and any receipts or tracking numbers in case follow-up is required.