Can you return passport photos?

Complain to the manager of the store.

Hmm. I happen to work for the same corporation you reference, though in a different area. Our photo personnel are not directed to tell you how to express yourself for passport photos. The only requirements are; full-face, no hats or sunglasses. And they make it the correct size.

Politely (emphasis on polite) ask to speak with a manager.
You will get free re-takes.

*edit
You aren’t paying for a great photo, you’re paying for the exact acceptable template.
I had a friend take a lovely pic for my passport but it was unacceptable and I ended up paying the passport office $30 to get an acceptable photo.

I agree that you should take it to the manager. But if that doesn’t work, you can always get your bank or credit card company to reverse the charges. If it comes to that, emphasize that another Walgreens employee (@Blueroses counts!) told you after the fact that you had been given false instructions, and that the manager refused to make it right despite the employee error.

I actually can speak for Walgreens policy. You will get your re-takes.
Just be nice when you ask for it. You get your wish, regardless, but your attitude makes a big difference in any (I hate the word “complaint”) request for adjustment.

Thanks! Worth a shot.!

@chelle21689 If they don’t make you happy, please let me know.

If you do get exactly what you want, please take a moment to do the stupid survey on the bottom of your receipt.

Lol @Blueroses promise!

You aren’t meant to smile because it changes your face shape, and can affect the recognition (don’t ask me, I was told this)
And don’t worry about how your pic turns out, they are always horrible, but it is worth asking for a refund/retake, like @Blueroses said

I’ve heard it stated that if you look like your passport photo, you’re probably to sick to travel.

I made sure I went to a passport photo place that did it with a digital camera and they would let me see it before printing. I drove 35 minutes for it, when there was another place ten minutes from me.

I was told I couldn’t smile also when I did my last renewal.

Go back and ask the store for a redo. If they say no, ask the manager. If you get nowhere pay the money and get it redone at a place that will let you ok the photo before printing. I think Walgreens will retake the photo.

If they won’t, get the photo elsewhere and write corporate Walgreens about your experience and disappointment if you want to take the time to do it.

You live with the photo ten years, it’s nice not to hate it.

I was told not to smile also.

So I looked at the guidelines and there’s no rule you can’t smile.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html
My main issue is, is that I paid $13–14 for an ugly photo when I could have done it for $5…heck even for free from my cousin for a nicer picture.

My local passport office also processes other official govt IDs. The woman working was pretty grumpy when she rejected my personal photo (she listens to people bitch and moan all day long), which I took as a personal challenge to make her smile by cracking jokes and being a smartass.

She took 3 digital photos for me, rejecting the 1st, non-smiling one, as “It doesn’t look like you at all”. So, yes. You are allowed to smile for your passport!

@chelle21689, it says ‘neutral expression’ or ‘natural smile’ meaning that they prefer you not to smile like you won the lottery or there is an extremely cute puppy in the room, or it is school photo day, rather just a relaxed face

They let me return it no issue @Blueroses the guy was really nice about it. I wasn’t given a receipt for a survey though

I am glad @chelle21689.

We all aim for good customer experiences, and usually get that.
It’s unfortunate that corporate puts so much emphasis on surveys. Happy people just move on with their lives. Crabby people take time to complain.

We’re measured by “delight” score, which doesn’t represent the majority. So, just as a favor, can I ask you to take a minute to call the manager and say “thanks” for making it right?

All corporate drones will appreciate a small token from a satisfied customer.

@Blueroses Sure because you asked nicely! lol