Perfect Passport
DES MOINES, IA · PASSPORT PHOTOS

Get Your Passport Photos in Des Moines, Iowa

Skip the lines and use Perfect Passport to take your compliant photo right at home.

Whether you prefer visiting one of the 15 local walk-in locations listed below or taking your picture from the couch, getting a passport photo in Des Moines is easy. Perfect Passport offers a convenient home option that saves you a trip to the pharmacy or studio.

See walk-in options in Des Moines ↓
Before
Passport-ready
Sample U.S. passport photo
RECOMMENDED · WORKS ANYWHERE IN DES MOINES

Why Taking Your Passport Photo at Home is the Smartest Choice

With Perfect Passport, you can take your picture from anywhere in Des Moines for just $7.95. Our software ensures your image meets all strict State Department compliance guidelines before you submit it. If you prefer physical copies, we can ship prints directly to your door for $12.95. Plus, we offer a full money-back guarantee if your photo is ever rejected.

Free to check · Pay only if it passes the spec check
HOME VS. WALK-IN

Why most applicants skip the trip.

Perfect Passport (home)Walk-in
Typical price$7.95 digital · $12.95 with prints$15 – $20 for 2 prints
Time required~2 minutes30 – 60 min round trip
WhereAnywhere with a phoneStore hours only
Compliance checkAutomatic, instantCashier judgement
RetakesFree, unlimitedPay again
Money-back if rejectedYesRare
WALK-IN OPTIONS

Where to get passport photos in Des Moines.

If you'd rather not take it yourself, here are the major chains and independent studios in Des Moines that accept walk-ins for U.S. passport photos. Hours and prices change — always call ahead.

National chains

CVS Photo

Chain

2303 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA

5.0 · 6 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

CVS location at 2303 Merle Hay Rd. Two 2×2 prints, ready in ~15 minutes

Hours
Mon 8a–10p · Tue 8a–10p · Wed 8a–10p · Thu 8a–10p · Fri 8a–10p · Sat 8a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 255-5233
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

3140 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA

4.5 · 10 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 3140 SE 14th St. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–11p · Tue 7a–11p · Wed 7a–11p · Thu 7a–11p · Fri 7a–11p · Sat 7a–11p · Sun 7a–11p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 282-5295
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

3030 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

4.4 · 29 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 3030 University Ave. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 8a–10p · Tue 8a–10p · Wed 8a–10p · Thu 8a–10p · Fri 8a–10p · Sat 8a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 279-3074
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

4600 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA

4.3 · 12 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 4600 86th St. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–12a · Tue 7a–12a · Wed 7a–12a · Thu 7a–12a · Fri 7a–12a · Sat 7a–12a · Sun 7a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 252-7355
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

1330 E University Ave Walgreens, Des Moines, IA 50316, USA

4.3 · 7 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 1330 E University Ave Walgreens. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 8a–10p · Tue 8a–10p · Wed 8a–10p · Thu 8a–10p · Fri 8a–10p · Sat 8a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 299-9791
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Walgreens Photo

Chain

12753 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325, USA

4.2 · 54 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 12753 University Ave. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 6a–12a · Tue 6a–12a · Wed 6a–12a · Thu 6a–12a · Fri 6a–12a · Sat 6a–12a · Sun 6a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 226-1786
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Walgreens Photo

Chain

15601 Hickman Rd Walgreens, Clive, IA 50325, USA

4.2 · 18 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 15601 Hickman Rd Walgreens. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–12a · Tue 7a–12a · Wed 7a–12a · Thu 7a–12a · Fri 7a–12a · Sat 7a–12a · Sun 7a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 987-6807
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

4555 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA

4.2 · 5 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 4555 Fleur Dr. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–11p · Tue 7a–11p · Wed 7a–11p · Thu 7a–11p · Fri 7a–11p · Sat 7a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 287-5575
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

1660 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

4.1 · 20 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 1660 22nd St. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–10p · Tue 7a–10p · Wed 7a–10p · Thu 7a–10p · Fri 7a–10p · Sat 7a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 223-9699
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

6200 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA

4.0 · 42 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 6200 SE 14th St. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 8a–9p · Tue 8a–9p · Wed 8a–9p · Thu 8a–9p · Fri 8a–9p · Sat 8a–9p · Sun 9a–9p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 309-5468
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

3501 Ingersoll Ave Walgreens, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA

4.0 · 5 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 3501 Ingersoll Ave Walgreens. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 8a–10p · Tue 8a–10p · Wed 8a–10p · Thu 8a–10p · Fri 8a–10p · Sat 8a–10p · Sun 8a–10p
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 271-5047
Visit listing →

Walgreens Photo

Chain

104 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA

3.6 · 10 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 104 E Euclid Ave. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon Open 24 hours · Tue Open 24 hours · Wed Open 24 hours · Thu Open 24 hours · Fri Open 24 hours · Sat Open 24 hours · Sun Open 24 hours
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 243-0601
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Walgreens Photo

Chain

4415 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA

3.6 · 7 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Walgreens location at 4415 Douglas Ave. Two 2×2 prints, ~10 minutes at the photo counter

Hours
Mon 7a–12a · Tue 7a–12a · Wed 7a–12a · Thu 7a–12a · Fri 7a–12a · Sat 7a–12a · Sun 7a–12a
Price
$16.99
Phone
(515) 279-4739
Visit listing →

Independent studios in Des Moines

Christian Photo

Local studio

6721 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA

4.8 · 89 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

Christian Photo is a local photography business in the Des Moines area that provides professional passport photo services. Walk-in customers can expect quick, compliant photos taken during regular business hours, Monday through Saturday. Those interested in the service should call ahead for current pricing.

Hours
Mon 10a–5p · Tue 10a–5p · Wed 10a–5p · Thu 10a–5p · Fri 10a–5p · Sat 10a–4p · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(515) 270-8030
Visit listing →

Polk County Recorder

Local studio

111 Court Ave #250, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

4.5 · 17 Google reviewsVerified May 2026

The Polk County Recorder is a local government office in Des Moines that provides official document services, including passport processing and photos. Walk-in customers can expect to have their passport photos taken during regular weekday hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please call for pricing and to confirm any specific requirements before your visit.

Hours
Mon 8a–4:30p · Tue 8a–4:30p · Wed 8a–4:30p · Thu 8a–4:30p · Fri 8a–4:30p · Sat Closed · Sun Closed
Price
Varies
Phone
(515) 286-3160
Visit listing →
URGENT TRAVEL · NEAREST PASSPORT AGENCY

Closest in-person passport agency to Des Moines.

Minneapolis Passport Agency

212 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · Approx. 245 miles north of Des Moines

This agency requires an appointment and is strictly for life-or-death emergencies or urgent international travel within 14 days.

FAQ

Passport photo questions, Des Moines edition.

Can I take my own passport photo in Des Moines?

Yes, you can easily take your own passport photo from your Des Moines home as long as it meets federal guidelines. You just need a white or off-white background, good lighting, and a friend or tripod to snap the picture instead of taking a selfie. Services like Perfect Passport can then verify the image to ensure it passes State Department checks.

What size and format does a U.S. passport photo need to be?

The U.S. State Department requires all passport photos to be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size. The image must be printed in color on high-quality photo paper, and your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Digital formats must also be uncompressed and free of any digital alterations or filters.

Can I wear glasses or a hat in my U.S. passport photo?

No, the State Department strictly prohibits wearing glasses in your passport photo, even if you wear them daily in Iowa. Hats and head coverings are also banned unless you submit a signed statement verifying they are worn daily for religious or medical reasons. In all cases, your full face must be visible without any shadows cast by headwear.

Are passport photos for babies and young children different?

The basic federal requirements are the same, but the State Department is slightly more lenient with infants and toddlers. For example, a newborn photographed in Des Moines does not need to have their eyes completely open, and you can lay them on a plain white blanket to take the shot. However, no other people, hands, or pacifiers can be visible in the final photo.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, federal rules require you to submit a new photo taken within the last six months when renewing your passport. Even if your appearance hasn't changed much since your last application, reusing an old photo will result in your renewal being delayed or rejected. Whether you visit a Des Moines pharmacy or use a home service, make sure the picture is recent.

How long does it currently take to get a passport?

Routine passport processing currently takes about 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These federal processing times do not include the time it takes for your application to travel by mail from Iowa to a passport facility. If you have upcoming international travel, it is best to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

Where is the closest U.S. Passport Agency to Des Moines?

The closest regional facility for urgent travel is the Minneapolis Passport Agency, located about 245 miles north of Des Moines. This agency only accepts walk-ins by appointment for travelers who have a life-or-death emergency or an international departure within 14 days. For routine processing, you should use a local acceptance facility like a post office or county clerk in Polk County.

Skip the drive. Make a passport photo in Des Moines from your phone.

Snap a picture. We size it to State Department spec, replace the background, and check every official rule. Free to try.