UK Passport Photo
— Under 3 Minutes

Guidelines and regulations

UK Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines (2025)

Applying for or renewing a UK passport requires a compliant passport photo that meets strict guidelines. This applies whether you’re in the UK or abroad. Here’s a concise overview of the rules and considerations:

Photo Size and Dimensions

• Printed Photo Size: 45 mm high × 35 mm wide (for paper applications). The head height should be 29–34 mm.
• Digital Photo Size: At least 600 px wide × 750 px tall. Include head, shoulders, and upper body—no need to crop; the system does it automatically.
• Head Position: Head and upper shoulders visible, filling about 70–80% of the photo.

Background and Lighting

• Background: Plain, light-coloured (e.g., white, cream, light grey). No patterns or objects.
• Lighting: Even and natural. No shadows, no red-eye, no harsh contrast.
• Print Quality: High-quality photo paper, no borders. No home-printed inkjet photos recommended.

Pose and Facial Expression

• Face forward, head straight.
• Neutral expression, mouth closed.
• Eyes open, looking directly at the camera. Remove hair from face.

Glasses and Head Coverings

• Glasses: Best to remove them. If needed, no glare or reflection, no tinted lenses.
• Head Coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons. Face must be fully visible.

Digital Photo File Format

• Format: JPEG or PNG.
• File Size: 50 KB – 10 MB.
• Color: Must be in color, no filters or retouching.

Special Rules for Children and Babies

• Babies under 1 year old can have eyes closed and a relaxed expression.
• Children under 6 don’t need to look directly at the camera or maintain a neutral expression.
• No toys or pacifiers. No hands or props visible in the photo.

Printed vs. Digital Photo Submission

Aspect	Printed Photo	Digital Photo
Quantity	2 identical prints	1 digital file or photo code
Dimensions	45×35 mm (head: 29–34 mm)	At least 600×750 px, system auto-crops
Background	Light cream/grey, printed on photo paper	Plain light colour, good contrast
Quality	Clear, no creases or marks	Clear, in focus, no editing or filters
File Format	N/A (physical prints)	JPEG/PNG, 50 KB–10 MB
Submission	Attached to paper form (not stapled)	Upload file or enter code on application site

Digital Photo Codes: Optional but Helpful

• What is a photo code?
  A unique alphanumeric code linking to your digital photo, provided by some booths or photo services.
• Where to get it:
  Photo booths (e.g., Photo-Me in supermarkets, Boots) or professional photo services (e.g., Timpson, Snappy Snaps).
• How to use it:
  Enter the code in your online application to auto-retrieve the photo.
• Validity:
  Typically valid for 30 days. Meant for one-time use for your own application.
• Cost:
  Usually included with the fee for the photo service (around £8–£15 in most UK shops/booths).

Important: Photo codes are optional.

You can take your own photo (with a smartphone, following the guidelines) and upload the file directly in the online application. The code is just a convenience if you’d rather not take the photo yourself.

Final Tips

• Double-check your photo against the official UK guidelines before submitting.
• Use natural light, a plain light background, and avoid retouching.
• If you’re unsure, photo booths and professional services are a convenient option.
• Taking your own photo at home is perfectly fine as long as it meets the requirements.

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Sources:

• UK Government – Passport photo requirements
• UK Government – Taking a digital passport photo
• Photo-Me – Digital photo code services
• Timpson Passport Photo Service
• Reddit – User experiences with UK passport photo codes

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