In 2022, the U.S. Department of State briefly tested an online application system, which is expected to be fully operational in 2023. This way, applicants would be able to complete renewals online just like it is done in the case of the Green Card today. However, this means that it would become necessary to provide digital passport photos.
In this article, we’ll see which services can provide a digital passport photo and how PhotoAiD®—an online tool mentioned by both National Geographic and Forbes—can help in taking your own digital passport photo.
In this post you’ll find:
- Where to get a passport photo with digital copy
- Can you get digital passport photos at Walgreens?
- Can you get digital passport photos at CVS?
- Does Staples do digital passport photos?
- Taking digital passport photos at home
Where to get a passport photo with digital copy
Since the U.S. State Department does not currently accept a digital photo for the application, many passport photo providers, such as Walmart, only offer hard copies. However, getting digital copies can be useful to have them ready for the next application and for any other documents you might need.
So, let’s see which ones of the most popular passport photo services allow customers to get a digital picture.
Can you get digital passport photos at Walgreens?
With more than 8,800 pharmacies in the U.S., Walgreens is one of the most common choices for Americans to get passport photos. They also provide a printing service that allows customers to upload files and pick up the prints at one of their locations. On Walgreens’ official website it is also stated that the photo centers can take pictures following the requirements of 30 countries, including the U.S.
However, Walgreens’ passport photo services are limited to printed copies as they do not provide a photo in digital format.
Learn more about Walgreens passport photos.
Can you get digital passport photos at CVS?
CVS has over 9,000 stores in the U.S. covering all 50 states. Just like many other similar businesses, they offer CVS passport photo services on site. The online service is restricted to regular pictures and other kinds of larger prints. Currently, CVS only provides 2 x 2 inch passport photos following U.S. standards.
When getting passport or ID photos from CVS, customers will only receive 2 (two) hard copies, the digital file is not included in the deal.
Interested in finding out more about CVS passport photos?
Does Staples do digital passport photos?
Staples has about 1,000 locations on U.S. territory, with the highest concentration on the East Coast. To have a passport photo taken, customers need to find a store participating in the photo service and just walk in.
Once done, users can opt to receive either printed copies or a digital file for $14.99 (note that Staples specifies that prices may be higher in the states of California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, and Virginia). Customers have to supply their own USB drive or buy one on site, as the staff cannot send the biometric photo file by email.
Staples’ official website also states that they take pictures following passport photo requirements for about 40 countries and that they can also accommodate children and babies.
Taking digital passport photos at home
Did you know that it’s possible to take digital photos for official documents at home? Any smartphone or digital camera with 5 megapixels or more will do great.
All users need to do is follow these steps:
- Find a room with plenty of natural light
Sunlight will ensure that the picture is properly exposed without creating shadows on the face. Just make sure that the light is not completely direct and you’re good to go. - Set the camera about about 3 feet away away
Officially, selfies are not accepted by the relevant authorities, so users have to take the photo from an appropriate distance. The camera can be set up on a tripod or handled by someone else. - Pose for the photo
According to the official requirements, the head needs to be centered and parallel to the lens. While smiling is allowed, the authorities still recommend applicants maintain a neutral facial expression. Other than that, make sure to take off any glasses or head coverings not worn for medical or religious purposes. - Take the picture and adjust it with a passport photo maker. After snapping the photo, it has to be adapted to digital image requirements. With the right tool, users can perfect their passport photo online without any effort.
Related reading:
- How to Take Passport Photo at Home
- How to Take a Passport Photo With an Android Phone?
- Taking Passport Photos with Your iPhone
Hassle-free digital passport photos with PhotoAiD®
With PhotoAiD®, you can prepare passport photos anywhere 24/7, as over a million users have done before. Our app is available for both iOS and Android.
Here’s how it works:
- The image gets adapted to the appropriate size and the background automatically turns plain white. Our customers don’t need any specific location to take passport photos—any place will be just like a photo booth.
- Both an AI system and one of our experts scan the picture. They can find even the smallest mistake. Our approval comes with a 100% guarantee of compliance with the requirements.
- Unlimited tries! The first shot doesn’t satisfy you? Just take another one at no additional cost. Works great for babies and children of all ages.
The photo in JPEG file format will be immediately sent by email. For those who need more than just the digital version, we can ship the prints on demand.
FAQ
Still have some questions? In the section below, we’ll address some of the most common questions about getting digital passport photos in the U.S.
What is a digital passport photo?
A digital passport photo, also known as a soft copy, is an electronic version of your U.S. passport photo that should be saved in the .JPEG format. Digital photos can be stored on the computer or other memory devices and used for online passport applications. U.S. citizens can also print them in any photography studio or printing shop.
Can I get a digital copy of my passport photo?
Technically, yes, but only a few places offer digital passport photos along with printed ones. Staples is one of them; however, you can also prepare your U.S. passport photos at home and get a digital copy sent immediately to your email address. Try PhotoAiD® to see how easy it is!
Does CVS do digital passport photos?
No, CVS only provides printed photos.
Does Walgreens give digital passport photos?
No, Walgreens does not offer an electronic copy of the passport photo.
Does FedEx do digital passport photos?
No, they only provide printed copies.
Does Costco take digital passport photos?
Not anymore, all Costco Photo Centers have been shut down.
Can I get digital passport photos at Walmart?
No, the store only offers printouts.
Where can I get digital passport photos taken in the U.S.?
Staples offers passport photos in both hard and soft copies. Alternatively, you can use PhotoAiD® and prepare digital pictures without having to go anywhere.
Can you take digital passport photos with your phone?
Absolutely! Just use PhotoAiD® and get a 100% guarantee of compliance with the requirements.
Wrap up
Not many stores offering photo services also provide customers with digital passport photos. Staples is one of the few that sell the file in addition to the hard copy. However, it is not as widespread as other larger chains and not all users are guaranteed to find one in the vicinity.
With PhotoAiD®, you can prepare for the passport office from anywhere 24/7. The perfect passport photo in digital format will be available immediately.
Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
