Does Walmart Take Passport Photos In 2022? (Price + More)
The short answer is – yes, Walmart does take passport photos in 2022! At locations with a photo center, you can get passport photos taken care of for just $7.44.
As an experienced Amazon seller, I‘m always looking for ways to save money and time on business expenses. So when it came time to renew my passport, I researched the most affordable options for getting new passport photos taken.
Walmart emerged as a clear winner based on price and convenience. In this detailed guide, I‘ll share everything I learned about getting passport photos at Walmart.
How Do Walmart Passport Photo Prices Compare?
At my local Walmart in Phoenix, AZ, passport photos cost $7.44 for two 2×2 prints. That comes out to just $3.72 per print.
Here‘s how Walmart‘s pricing compares to other popular places to get passport photos:
- Walgreens – $14.99 for two prints ($7.50 per print)
- CVS – $14.99 for two prints ($7.50 per print)
- Costco – $7.49 for two prints ($3.75 per print)
- Rite Aid – $21.99 for two prints ($11 per print)
- AAA – $9.95 for two prints ($4.98 per print)
- FedEx – $15 for two prints ($7.50 per print)
- USPS – $15 for two prints ($7.50 per print)
As you can see, Walmart offers the lowest price by far, undercutting even Costco. For a frequent traveler like me, those savings add up quickly!
Walmart‘s DIY Passport Photo Option Can Save You Even More
Here‘s a little-known money-saving tip: You can take passport photos yourself at Walmart for only $0.25 per print!
Just use your own smartphone or camera to take a headshot that meets the official requirements. Then bring your digital file or printed photo to the Walmart photo center and they‘ll print it on the correct paper for $0.25.
I put this to the test and easily saved over $7 on my last passport photos. However, If you don‘t have a steady hand or good editing skills, the quality may not turn out as professional.
Walmart Passport Photos Meet All Official Requirements
Some travelers are hesitant to use big chain stores over professional passport photo services. But Walmart guarantees that all passport photos taken at their photo centers meet U.S. requirements for visa and passport photos.
Their passport photo dimensions, print quality, backgrounds, and framing adhere to the specifications issued by the U.S. Department of State.
When I received my printed Walmart passport photos, I carefully measured and inspected them. The size, print quality, image positioning, and paper stock were spot on.
When To Get Passport Photos at Walmart
One perk of using Walmart for passport photos is getting it done any day of the week.
Most Walmart locations with a photo lab are open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM. It took less than 10 minutes for me to have my passport photos taken and printed during a lunch break.
If you want to guarantee your Walmart store‘s photo center will be open, you can check operating hours on the store finder page.
You can also use Walmart‘s online passport photo tool to upload a photo for printing and pickup in store. Your edited prints will be ready at your chosen photo center within 1 hour.
Passport Photo Requirements To Keep In Mind
To avoid any issues or rejections, there are some key passport photo rules everyone should know:
- Neutral facial expression (no smiling or frowning)
- Eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Plain white or off-white background
- Normal street attire (no uniforms, costumes, or military clothing)
- No accessories like sunglasses or hats
- Head positioned straight (no tilting or turning)
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
The Walmart photo staff will guide you through positioning during the shoot. But being prepared with proper clothing and grooming will also help your photos turn out perfect for passport approval!
5 Tips To Look Your Best In Passport Photos
Let‘s be honest – no one claims passport photos are flattering! But a few simple steps can help you look polished and professional:
1. Groom facial hair: Shave or neatly trim any stubble or long beards. Any facial hair should be clean and tidy.
2. Apply matte makeup: Use concealer and powder to combat oily skin or shine in photos. Add subtle eye makeup and lightly colored lipstick or gloss for accentuation. Avoid glittery products.
3. Style manageable hair: Get a fresh haircut or style tidy hair off your face. Natural hair colors photograph best.
4. Wear solid colored clothing: Darker neutrals contrast the white background best without being distracting.
5. Practice your expression: A slight closed-mouth smile or relaxed neutral expression reads well on camera.
How Walmart Compares For Passport Photos
From a cost perspective, Walmart is one of the best options for quick, affordable passport photos. The availability at over 3,500 stores with photo centers provides added convenience.
Other stores like Costco, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid charge significantly more for the same service. Dedicated passport photo businesses also tend to be pricier.
The only potential downside of Walmart passport photos is the mixed reports on quality and staff training. But personally, I‘ve always had a smooth, professional experience.
Get Passport Pictures Handled Along With The Rest Of Your Errands
One-stop shopping is Walmart‘s specialty, so you can knock out passport photos along with the rest of your to-do list.
After getting fresh passport pictures, you can pick up travel-sized toiletries, neck pillows, snacks for the plane, and any other trip essentials. Don‘t forget to grab stamps at the self-checkout to mail your new passport application!
I hope this guide provided you with everything to know about getting quick, affordable passport photos at Walmart. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
