Same-Day Passport Photo: How to Get One Right Now

Digital photo in 5 minutes or physical print in under 1 hour — here's exactly what to do based on how much time you have.

Right now (under 5 minutes)

Use our free tool below. Upload a photo, download a compliant JPEG. Done. Perfect for online passport renewal, Global Entry, and visa applications.

Within 30 minutes

Go directly to the nearest CVS or FedEx Office — both print passport photos while you wait, in under 10 minutes. No appointment needed.

Within 1 hour

Use our free tool, order a print online at Walgreens or CVS (1-hour pickup), or go in person to any pharmacy. All of these are done within the hour.

It's after 9 PM

Use our tool for an instant digital download. For a physical print, find the nearest 24-hour CVS — their photo associates can print while you wait even late at night.

Start here — create your photo in under 5 minutes

No travel, no wait. Upload → crop → download. Compliant for US passports, online renewal, Global Entry, and all visa portals.

Fastest Same-Day Options — Ranked by Speed

All options below produce government-compliant passport photos. Choose based on how much time you have.

Our free tool (digital)Fastest
Under 5 minutes
Hours: Available 24/7
Cost: Free
Best for: Instant — no travel
CVS Pharmacy24/7 available
Under 10 minutes
Hours: Many open 24/7
Cost: $16.99
Best for: Fastest in-store with print
Walgreens
15–30 minutes
Hours: Most open until 10 PM
Cost: $15.99
Best for: 9,000+ locations
FedEx Office
Under 10 minutes
Hours: Extended hours, some 24/7
Cost: $14.99
Best for: Walk-in, very fast
UPS Store
Under 10 minutes
Hours: Mon–Sat, closes by 7 PM
Cost: $11.99–$14.99
Best for: Fast but limited hours
Walmart Photo CenterCheapest
~1 hour
Hours: Photo Center: ~9 AM–7 PM
Cost: $7.44
Best for: Cheapest, but not instant
USPS Post Office
~10 minutes
Hours: Mon–Fri, Sat AM only
Cost: $15.00
Best for: Submit passport same visit

Step-by-Step for Each Situation

If you only need a digital photo (online renewal, visa upload)

Fastest option — no printing needed, done in 5 minutes from wherever you are now.

1
Take a photo right now with your phone — white wall, face a window, rear camera, no flash.
2
Upload it to our tool using the button above.
3
Adjust the crop so your face is centered.
4
Download the JPEG file.
5
Upload to your government portal (mytraveldoc.state.gov, ttp.cbp.dhs.gov, my.uscis.gov, etc.).

If you need physical prints today (CVS or Walgreens)

Walk in, photo taken and printed in under 15 minutes. Open 24/7 at many locations.

1
Find the nearest CVS or Walgreens (search 'CVS passport photo near me' or 'Walgreens passport photo near me').
2
Confirm they offer in-person passport photo service — most do, but call ahead if uncertain.
3
Walk in to the photo counter. No appointment needed.
4
Associate takes your photo against a white background.
5
Printed photos ready in under 15 minutes. Cost: $15.99 (Walgreens) or $16.99 (CVS).

If you need physical prints cheaply (online order + same-day pickup)

Create the photo free, print at a pharmacy for under $0.30. Takes about 1 hour total.

1
Create your photo with our free tool (5 minutes).
2
Go to walgreens.com or cvs.com → Photo → Standard Prints → upload your 4×6 layout file.
3
Select 'Same-day pickup' and choose your nearest store.
4
Pick up your 4×6 print in 1 hour. Cost: $0.19–$0.29.
5
Cut into 4 individual 2×2 inch photos with scissors.

Photo Center Hours by Store

Hours vary by location. These are typical ranges — always check your specific store before going.

StoreTypical Hours
CVSVaries — many 24/7
WalgreensMost until 9–10 PM
FedEx Office7 AM–midnight (some 24/7)
UPS StoreMon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–5 PM
Walmart Photo Center~9 AM–7 PM (inside store)
USPS Post OfficeMon–Fri, Sat AM only
AAABusiness hours only

Warning

Walmart Photo Centers and USPS post offices are the most commonly missed — both close significantly earlier than people expect. Walmart's Photo Center usually closes at 7–8 PM even though the main store is open 24 hours. If it's past 7 PM, go to CVS or Walgreens instead.

Note

If you're getting the photo for a passport appointment happening today, bring the photo with you even before printing — show up at CVS or Walgreens first, get the photo, then go to your appointment. A 10-minute CVS stop is faster than discovering your appointment location doesn't take photos.

What Makes a Same-Day Photo Compliant

Speed doesn't change the requirements. Your same-day photo still has to meet all standard rules.

2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
Plain white or off-white background
Taken within the last 6 months (30 days for USCIS)
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open, looking at camera
No glasses
No hat or head covering (except religious)
No shadows on face or background
Printed on photo paper (not copy paper)
No filters or edits beyond crop/resize

Tip

If you're going to a store, wear a dark or mid-toned top — not white (it blends into the background). Remove glasses before you walk in. These two steps save you from having to retake the photo and wait again.

Create Your Passport Photo Right Now — Free

Under 5 minutes · digital download instant · print at any pharmacy · 100% compliant

Start Creating Your Photo

Free to try • Pay only for HD download

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get a passport photo same day?

The fastest same-day options are: (1) Our free online tool — create and download a compliant photo in under 5 minutes, then pick up a print at any pharmacy in 1 hour. (2) CVS — walk-in, photo taken and printed in under 10 minutes, open 24/7 at many locations. (3) Walgreens — same as CVS, 1-hour turnaround, most locations open until 10 PM or 24 hours. (4) FedEx Office — walk-in, prints in under 5 minutes, extended hours. (5) Walmart Photo Center — 1-hour turnaround, open until Photo Center closes (usually 7–8 PM).

How fast can I get a passport photo?

If you use our free online tool: you can have a compliant digital photo in under 5 minutes. If you also need a physical print, add 1 hour for a pharmacy kiosk order or under 10 minutes if a CVS or Walgreens associate takes and prints it while you wait. The absolute fastest option is creating the digital photo with our tool right now — no travel, no wait.

What is the fastest place to get a passport photo near me?

For physical prints: CVS and FedEx Office are the fastest — both print in under 10 minutes while you wait. CVS has the most locations and is often open 24 hours. Walgreens is similarly fast. Walmart takes about 1 hour. For digital-only needs (online renewal, Global Entry): our free tool is instant — no travel required.

Can I get a passport photo after 9 PM?

Yes. Many CVS and Walgreens locations are open 24 hours and offer passport photos throughout the night. FedEx Office also has late-night hours at many locations (open until 10 PM or midnight near business districts and airports). Walmart Photo Centers typically close by 7–8 PM. For an instant option any time of night, use our free tool and print at a 24-hour CVS kiosk.

Do I need an appointment for a same-day passport photo?

No. All major pharmacy and print center options (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, FedEx Office, UPS Store) offer walk-in passport photo service — no appointment needed. Simply show up during their photo center hours. Call ahead if you're going to a Walmart to confirm their Photo Center is staffed — some locations require an associate to be present.

How do I get a passport photo same day at home?

Use our free tool: take a photo with your smartphone (white background, natural light), upload it, download the compliant JPEG in under 5 minutes. If you need a physical print, email the file to a nearby CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart Photo kiosk and pick it up in 1 hour. If you only need a digital upload (online passport renewal, Global Entry), you're done immediately — no printing needed.

Is a same-day passport photo compliant for US passport applications?

Yes — as long as the photo meets all US State Department requirements: 2×2 inches, white or off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. There is no rule against same-day photos. In fact, taking the photo the same day as your passport appointment is ideal — it guarantees the photo is as fresh as possible.

What if I need the photo for a passport appointment today?

Create the photo with our free tool right now (5 minutes), then either: (1) Upload the digital file for an online application, or (2) Order an online print at Walgreens or CVS for same-day pickup in 1 hour. If your appointment is in the next 30 minutes, go directly to the nearest 24-hour CVS — they print while you wait in under 10 minutes.

Can I print a same-day passport photo at a pharmacy kiosk?

Yes. If you create and download your photo with our free tool, you can upload it to a pharmacy kiosk and print a 4×6 sheet for $0.09–$0.29. Order online at walgreens.com or cvs.com for 1-hour pickup, or walk into the store and use the in-store kiosk directly. Each 4×6 print contains 4 passport photos.