How to Transfer a Prescription to Walgreens 2026

💊 PRESCRIPTION TRANSFER GUIDE | Updated: Sep 2026 | Verified by Reynolds

Switching to Walgreens pharmacy? Here’s exactly how to transfer your prescription — online in minutes, by phone, or in-store — and what to expect at each step.

⚡ Three Ways to Transfer:

Online: walgreens.com/pharmacy — fastest, no phone call needed
By phone: Call your local Walgreens pharmacy directly
In-store: Walk in and ask the pharmacist to initiate transfer

⏱️ Time Needed:
5–10 Minutes

📅 Last Updated:
Sep 2026

✅ Verified by:
Reynolds

What You Need Before Transferring

Please have the following items ready before you begin, regardless of your chosen transfer method:

Prescription bottle from your current pharmacy. The label contains all necessary information.
Medication name, including the exact dosage (for example, Lisinopril 10mg).
Current pharmacy name and phone number. Walgreens will contact your pharmacy directly.
Prescribing doctor’s name, if requested.
Your date of birth for identity verification.
Your Walgreens account or myWalgreens number (if you have one).

You do not need to contact your previous pharmacy. Walgreens will manage the entire transfer and contact your current pharmacy. Please provide the information listed above.

Method 1: Transfer Online (Fastest)

Visit walgreens.com/pharmacy.
Sign in to your Walgreens account, or create one at no cost.
Select ‘Transfer a Prescription.’
Enter the medication name and dosage.
Provide your current pharmacy’s name and phone number.
Choose your preferred Walgreens pickup location.
Submit your request. Walgreens will contact your current pharmacy to complete the transfer.

Processing time: Most transfers are completed within 2 to 4 hours on the same business day if submitted in the morning. Requests submitted in the afternoon may be ready the next business day.

Method 2: Transfer by Phone

Locate your local Walgreens pharmacy number at walgreens.com/storelocator.
Call the pharmacy and request a prescription transfer.
Provide the pharmacist with the following information:
- Your name and date of birth.
- Medication name and dosage.
- Current pharmacy name and phone number.
- Prescription number from your current bottle label, if available.
The Walgreens pharmacist will contact your current pharmacy directly.
You will be notified when your prescription is ready for pickup.

Method 3: Transfer In-Store

Visit your selected Walgreens pharmacy location with your current prescription bottle.
Request a prescription transfer from the pharmacist at the counter.
The pharmacist will collect your bottle, record the required information, and contact your current pharmacy.
Wait times may vary. Transfers are typically completed within 30 to 60 minutes, or you may be asked to return later.

Tip: Bringing your prescription bottle in-store is the most reliable method. This allows the pharmacist to read all information directly from the label, which helps minimise errors.

How Long Does a Prescription Transfer Take?

Method	Typical Time
Online transfer	2–4 hours same day
Phone transfer	2–4 hours same day
In-store transfer	30–60 minutes at some locations, or next day

Factors That Affect Timing

Current pharmacy response times. Some pharmacies may be slow to release records.
Time of day. Transfers submitted late in the afternoon may not be processed until the following day.
Controlled substance prescriptions may take longer because of additional verification requirements.
High-volume periods, such as Monday mornings or holiday weeks, may delay processing.

Can All Prescriptions Be Transferred to Walgreens?

Most prescriptions are eligible for transfer, though some restrictions apply.

The following prescriptions cannot be transferred:

Controlled substances (Schedule II): Federal law does not allow the transfer of Schedule II prescriptions, such as Adderall, OxyContin, and Ritalin, between pharmacies. You will need a new prescription from your doctor.
Prescriptions with no refills remaining: Prescriptions without refills cannot be transferred. Please contact your doctor for a new prescription.

The following prescriptions can be transferred:

Non-controlled medications with refills remaining
Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances (these can usually be transferred one time)

Prescription insurance requirements:

Before transferring, confirm that Walgreens accepts your insurance. Visit walgreens.com/pharmacy/insurance or contact your local Walgreens for details.

Walgreens Prescription Transfer Incentives

Walgreens occasionally offers transfer incentives, such as discount coupons, bonus myWalgreens points, or gift cards, to customers who move prescriptions from other pharmacies.

Please visit walgreens.com or use the Walgreens app to review current transfer offers before starting your transfer, as promotions change frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my old pharmacy get notified when I transfer?

Yes, Walgreens will contact your previous pharmacy during the transfer process. By law, your old pharmacy must transfer your prescription to Walgreens when you request it.

Can I transfer back to my old pharmacy later?

You can transfer prescriptions between pharmacies. If you want to return to your original pharmacy, they can request a transfer from Walgreens, following the same rules for remaining refills and controlled substances.

Do I need my doctor’s permission to transfer?

No, transferring a prescription between pharmacies doesn’t usually require your doctor’s involvement. However, Schedule II controlled substances do require a new prescription from your doctor.

Will my prescription history transfer with my medication?

No, only your current active prescription will transfer. Your previous prescription history will remain with your original pharmacy. Walgreens will create a new prescription history starting from your transfer date.

Can I transfer multiple prescriptions at once?

Yes, you can request multiple prescription transfers during a single online session or phone call. Please list all medications you wish to transfer.

Are you transferring your prescription from CVS to Walgreens?

If you are transferring from CVS, the process is the same as with any other pharmacy. Walgreens will contact CVS directly to complete the transfer.

Related guides:

Change Log

Date	Update
Sep 2026	Added controlled substance restriction section
Sep 2026	Published – transfer steps verified against current Walgreens pharmacy process
Sep 2026	Confirmed online transfer available at walgreens.com/pharmacy

How To Transfer A Prescription to Walgreens