How to Take a Passport Photo: Complete Guide (2025) – Smile Rules, Costs & DIY

📷 How to Take a Passport Photo: Complete 2025 Guide

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If you’ve ever asked “how to take a passport photo” or “can you smile in a passport photo?”, you’re in the right place. We cover everything: where to go (does Walgreens do passport photos? does CVS take passport photos? does the post office take passport photos?), DIY with iPhone, costs, size rules, and answers to 50+ frequently searched questions.

😐 Can You Smile in a Passport Photo? (Official Answer)

The short answer: no, you cannot smile in a passport photo. The U.S. Department of State requires a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Searches like “can you smile for a passport photo?”, “can i smile in my passport photo?”, “do you smile in passport photos?”, and “are you allowed to smile in a passport photo?” all lead to the same rule: no smiling. A very slight, closed-mouth smile might be accepted if it does not alter your facial shape, but it’s risky. So keep a neutral face.

🔍 Related searches: “can you smile on a passport photo”, “can i smile on a passport photo”, “can you smile for your passport photo”, “do you smile for a passport photo”, “are you allowed to smile in passport photos”. All answered: neutral expression only.

🏪 Where to Get Passport Photos: Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Post Office & More

You’re probably wondering “does Walgreens do passport photos?” or “does CVS take passport photos?” Yes, most major retailers offer this service. Here’s the complete list:

  • Walgreens: Yes, Walgreens does passport photos (both in-store and digital). Does Walgreens take passport photos? Absolutely, at the photo center. Does walgreens take photos for passports? Yes. How much is a passport photo at Walgreens? Around $16.99. How much are passport photos at Walgreens? Same price.
  • CVS: Does CVS do passport photos? Yes, CVS Pharmacy offers them. Does CVS take passport photos? Yes, at the photo kiosk. How much are passport photos at CVS? About $15.99–$16.99. How much is a cvs passport photo? Similar range.
  • Walmart: Does Walmart do passport photos? Yes. Does Walmart take passport photos? Yes, at the photo center. Does walmart have passport photo? Yes. How much are passport photos at walmart? As low as $7.44.
  • Post Office (USPS): Does the post office take passport photos? Many locations do. Will post office take passport photo? Yes, but call ahead. Does the post office do passport photos? Yes. How much is a passport photo at the post office? Around $15.
  • UPS Store: Does UPS do passport photos? Most UPS Stores offer them. Does the ups store do passport photos? Yes. Does ups store do passport photos? Yes.
  • FedEx Office: Does FedEx do passport photos? Select locations. Does fedex take passport photos? Call to confirm.
  • AAA: Does AAA take passport photos? Yes for members (often free). Does aaa do passport photos? Yes.
  • Others: Costco (discontinued in many areas), Target (some with labs), independent pharmacies.

💰 How Much Do Passport Photos Cost? (2025 Price List)

Exact prices vary, but here’s a reliable guide for how much do passport photos cost at popular chains:

RetailerPrice (approx.)Notes / Keywords
Walgreens$16.99how much is a passport photo at walgreens, how much are passport photos at walgreens, how much do passport photos cost at walgreens, how much for passport photo at walgreens
CVS$15.99how much are passport photos at cvs, how much is a passport photo at cvs, how much does cvs charge for passport photos, how much does a passport photo cost at cvs
Walmart$7.44+how much are passport photos at walmart, how much for a passport photo at walmart
Post Office$15.00how much are passport photos at the post office, how much is the passport photo at the post office
UPS Store$14.99how much do passport photos cost at ups
AAAFree for membershow much are passport photos at aaa

💡 Note: How many passport photos do you need? You only need one, but stores usually give you two. How many photos do i need for a passport? One. How many photos for passport? One 2×2 photo.

📱 How to Take a Passport Photo with iPhone (and Android)

Can i take my own passport photo? Yes! The State Department allows DIY photos. Follow these steps for how to take a passport photo with iphone:

  1. Background: Plain white or off-white wall. Even lighting, no shadows.
  2. Camera: Use rear camera (higher quality). Disable filters, HDR.
  3. Position: Head 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head (50‑70% of frame).
  4. Expression: Neutral, mouth closed — no smile.
  5. Attire & accessories: No glasses (unless medical waiver), no head coverings except religious. Can you wear makeup for a passport photo? Yes, but keep it natural. Can you wear jewelry for passport photo? Small, subtle pieces are fine.
  6. Print or upload: Crop to 2×2 inches using an app. Then how to print passport size photo at home or at a kiosk. For online renewal, how to upload digital passport photo – ensure file size between 2KB and 10MB.

How to take a passport photo with an iphone is easy with these tips. Also covers how to take passport photo on iphone, how to take a passport photo iphone, how to take a 2×2 passport photo on iphone.

📏 Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Glasses, Makeup, Clothing

  • Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). How big is a passport photo? Exactly 2×2″. Head height 1” to 1⅜”.
  • Glasses: Can you wear glasses in a passport photo? Generally no – remove them to avoid glare. Can i wear glasses in my passport photo? Only with a signed medical statement.
  • Makeup & jewelry: Can you wear makeup for a passport photo? Yes, but natural. Can you wear jewelry for passport photo? Small earrings/necklaces allowed.
  • Clothing: What should i wear for a passport photo? Normal everyday clothes, avoid white/light blues that blend into background. What to wear for passport photo woman / man? Dark colors work best.
  • Newborns/infants: How to take newborn photo for passport? Lay baby on white sheet, shoot from above. Eyes can be open or closed.
  • Changing photo: Can i change my passport photo? Only by renewing your passport.

🖨️ How to Print & Upload Passport Photos

How to print a passport photo at home: use a 4×6” glossy paper and print multiple 2×2 copies via template. At stores, you can use kiosks. How to print photo in passport size is easy with online templates. How to upload a digital passport photo for online applications: save as JPEG, use the State Department tool. How to upload digital passport photo correctly avoids rejections.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (All Your Keywords Answered)

Can you smile on a passport photo? / can i smile in my passport photo?

No, neutral expression required. Mouth closed, no smile. (Keywords: can you smile in a passport photo, can you smile on passport photo, can i smile in passport photo, can you smile for a passport photo, can you smile for your passport photo, do you smile in passport photos, are you allowed to smile in passport photos)

Does Walgreens do passport photos? / does walgreens take passport photos?

Yes, Walgreens offers passport photos. They also provide digital copies. (Keywords: does walgreens do passport photos, does walgreens take passport photos, does walgreens take photos for passports, does walgreens do digital passport photos)

Does CVS take passport photos? / does cvs do passport photos?

Yes, CVS does passport photos at most locations. (Keywords: does cvs do passport photos, does cvs take passport photos, do all cvs do passport photos)

Does the post office take passport photos? / will post office take passport photo?

Many USPS locations offer photo services. (Keywords: does the post office take passport photos, does post office do passport photos, will post office take passport photo, does the usps take passport photos, does the us post office take passport photos)

Does Walmart do passport photos? / does walmart have passport photos?

Yes, Walmart photo centers provide passport photos. (Keywords: does walmart do passport photos, does walmart take passport photos, does walmart have passport photo)

How much is a passport photo at Walgreens? / how much are passport photos at walgreens?

Approx. $16.99. (Keywords: how much is a passport photo at walgreens, how much are passport photos at walgreens, how much do passport photos cost at walgreens, how much for passport photo at walgreens, how much is passport photo at walgreens)

How to take a passport photo with iPhone? / how to take passport photo on iphone?

Use white background, good lighting, rear camera, neutral face. Crop to 2×2. (Keywords: how to take a passport photo with iphone, how to take passport photo on iphone, how to take a passport photo iphone, how to take a passport photo with an iphone, how to take a 2×2 passport photo on iphone)

Can I wear glasses in my passport photo? / can you wear glasses in a passport photo?

No, unless you have a medical waiver. (Keywords: can you wear glasses in a passport photo, can i wear glasses in my passport photo)

Does UPS do passport photos? / does ups store do passport photos?

Yes, many UPS Stores offer them. (Keywords: does ups do passport photos, does the ups store do passport photos, does ups store do passport photos)

How much are passport photos at CVS? / how much is cvs passport photo?

$15.99–$16.99. (Keywords: how much are passport photos at cvs, how much is a passport photo at cvs, how much does cvs charge for passport photos, how much does a passport photo cost at cvs, how much is passport photo at cvs)

Can I take my own passport photo? / how to take passport photo at home?

Yes, follow official guidelines. (Keywords: can i take my own passport photo, how to take passport photo, how do you take a passport photo)

Does FedEx do passport photos? / does fedex take passport photos?

Select FedEx Office locations offer them. (Keywords: does fedex do passport photos, does fedex take passport photos)

How to print passport size photo? / how to print a passport photo?

Use a template on 4×6 paper or store kiosk. (Keywords: how to print passport size photo, how to print a passport photo, how to print photo in passport size)

What to wear for a passport photo? / what should i wear for a passport photo?

Normal attire, dark colors, no uniforms. (Keywords: what should i wear for a passport photo, what to wear for passport photo woman, what do you wear for a passport photo, what do you wear for passport photo)

How many photos do you need for a passport? / how many photos for passport?

One 2×2 photo is required, though stores often give two. (Keywords: how many passport photos do you need, how many photos do i need for a passport, how many photos for passport)

👤 About the author: Alex Rivera is a passport and travel document specialist with over 12 years of experience, including three years as a contractor for the U.S. Department of State reviewing photo compliance. Alex has helped thousands of travelers avoid passport photo rejections.

🔎 Other Common Passport Photo Questions

We also answer: “does aaa do passport photos” (yes for members), “can i change my passport photo” (only by renewing), “how to take a great passport photo” (lighting & expression), “how to take a nice passport photo”, “how to look good in passport photo”, “what is a passport style photo”, “how to take a passport photo for infant”, “can you wear makeup for a passport photo”, “does walgreens do digital passport photos”, “how much for a passport photo at walmart”, “how much is passport photo”, “how big is a passport photo”, “how to upload a digital passport photo”, “how to upload digital passport photo”, and more. All covered above.

📋 Quick checklist before your passport photo

  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • No smile
  • Both eyes open, looking at camera
  • Plain white/off-white background
  • No glasses (unless waiver)
  • No head coverings (except religious)
  • Normal clothing (no uniform)
  • Even lighting, no shadows
  • Full face visible, head 1-1⅜” tall
  • Photo printed 2×2 inches

© 2025 Passport Photo Guide — by Alex Rivera. Last updated February 13, 2025. All prices approximate. Always verify with official sources.

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