Passport Photos in Chicago: Prices, Locations and Digital Options
In Chicago, you can get a compliant U.S. passport photo at pharmacies like Walgreens (~$16.99) and CVS (~$17.99), shipping stores like FedEx Office (~$15.95) and UPS Store (~$20), big-box stores like Walmart (~$7.64, usually the cheapest in-store option), or a local photo studio (often $15–$20+).
Quick Answer
In Chicago, you can get a compliant U.S. passport photo at pharmacies like Walgreens (~$16.99) and CVS (~$17.99), shipping stores like FedEx Office (~$15.95) and UPS Store (~$20), big-box stores like Walmart (~$7.64, usually the cheapest in-store option), or a local photo studio (often $15–$20+). Most require an appointment and give you two printed 2×2" photos. If you'd rather skip the trip, upload a selfie to PhotoOmni: the AI automatically resizes, cleans up the background, and checks compliance, with a human expert reviewing the result — often for less than the in-store price, with no appointment or line.
Where to Get Passport Photos in Chicago
| Location Type | Examples | Typical Price | Appointment Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box retailer | Walmart | ~$7.64 for two prints | Usually no |
| Pharmacy | Walgreens, CVS | $16.99–$17.99 | Usually yes |
| Shipping/print store | FedEx Office, UPS Store | $15.95–$20 | FedEx: no · UPS: yes |
| Local photo studio | Independent studios around the city | $15–$20+ | Yes |
| Online / AI service | PhotoOmni | Typically under in-store pricing | No — do it from home |
Pharmacies
Walgreens and CVS both offer in-store passport photos, but nearly always require booking a photo appointment slot first, and not every location has the service — worth calling ahead if you're on a tight schedule.
FedEx Office and UPS Store
FedEx Office locations across Chicago generally don't require an appointment — you can walk in, and photos are typically ready within minutes for about $15.95 for two 2×2" prints or a digital copy on a USB drive. UPS Store locations usually ask you to book online first.
Walmart
Walmart is usually the cheapest in-store option in Chicago, often around $7.64 for two prints, though photo counter availability and hours vary more than at dedicated pharmacies or shipping stores.
Local Photo Studios
Independent studios can offer a more personal experience and sometimes same-day appointments, but tend to cost more than retail options — often in the $15–$20+ range, occasionally higher for rush service.
Photo Location vs. Where You Actually Apply — Don't Mix These Up
It's worth being clear about something most "passport photos Chicago" guides gloss over: a place that takes your photo is not necessarily a place that accepts your application. Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office, and Walmart photo counters only produce the picture — none of them are passport acceptance facilities, and none can submit your paperwork to the government. If you're a first-time applicant or need to replace a lost/damaged passport, you still need to separately visit a designated acceptance facility — commonly certain post offices, public libraries, or clerks of court in the Chicago area — with your completed form, proof of citizenship, and your photo in hand.
A related wrinkle: coverage of AAA and Costco passport photo services in Chicago is inconsistent across guides. Some AAA offices offer free or discounted photos for members but not the general public, and availability varies by branch; Costco generally does not offer a dedicated passport photo service in-store, though some locations can print a photo you've already made elsewhere onto a photo-sized sheet. Call your specific branch before making a special trip for either.
Digital Passport Photos in Chicago
If you're applying online or through a service that accepts a digital upload, you don't need to physically go anywhere in Chicago at all. A digital passport photo needs to meet the same core specification as a printed one — 2×2 inches (51×51mm), square aspect ratio, plain white or off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses glare. PhotoOmni handles this from your phone: upload a selfie, and the AI crops, resizes, and background-corrects it automatically, with a human expert checking the result before you download it — so you can submit the same day without leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest place to get a passport photo in Chicago? Walmart is typically the lowest-priced in-store option, but doing it yourself online with a tool like PhotoOmni is usually cheaper still, since you skip the retail markup on printing.
Do I need an appointment for passport photos in Chicago? It depends on the location — Walgreens and CVS usually require booking ahead, FedEx Office typically doesn't, and Walmart varies by store. Calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
Can I use a passport photo from Chicago for a visa application too? Not always — passport and visa photo specs can differ by country and document type, so confirm the exact size and requirements for what you're applying for before using the same photo for both.
How fast can I get a passport photo in Chicago? Walk-in options like FedEx Office typically have photos ready in a few minutes. An online tool like PhotoOmni can be just as fast, or faster, since there's no drive time or line involved.
Will a Chicago pharmacy guarantee my photo is accepted? Most retail locations use standard software that checks size and basic composition, but not all offer a true compliance guarantee or human review. PhotoOmni includes a human expert check before delivery, which catches issues like glasses glare or head positioning that automated tools can miss.
Skip the Trip Across Chicago
No appointment, no drive to a pharmacy counter — try PhotoOmni from your phone. Upload a selfie, let AI and a human expert handle the sizing and compliance check, and download your passport photo in minutes.