UK Passport Photo Online

UK Passport Photo Requirements: Overview

If you are applying for a UK passport, an essential requirement is a passport picture. For this image, the applicant must follow the standard British passport photo requirements to make sure it’s accepted by the UK Passport Agency.

The UK passport photo rules help officials easily identify the passport holder and prevent anyone from trying to cheat the system. The crucial rules to look out for are the photo size/dimensions, background colour, and applicant’s head size.

Let’s explore each requirement in detail below:

Size and Dimensions

The UK passport photo size is 45 millimetres high by 35 millimetres wide, or about 1.77 inches by 1.38 inches. Your biometric passport application may be rejected if your picture doesn’t match these dimensions.

Head Position and Facial Expression

The applicant’s head in the UK passport photo should be centred. Ensure that it is a head-and-shoulders close-up. The measurement of your face, from the top of your head to your chin, should be between 29mm and 34mm.

Furthermore, the applicant must face the camera when taking a passport picture. Look straight into the lens, maintaining a neutral expression without smiling. It is better to keep the lips slightly pressed and eyes fully open.

Background Color

The passport pictures should be taken against a plain cream or light grey background, free from prints, patterns, textures, or reflections. There should be no objects in front of the camera that can obscure or cast shadows on the applicant's face, affecting recognition.

Quality and Print Specifications

Photos must be printed on a high-quality matte or glossy finish with a minimum print resolution of 600 pixels per inch. The photo should be in colour, free of creases or tears, and not digitally altered.

Attire and Accessories

As per the rules for passport photos, applicants are advised to wear their everyday clothing, avoiding uniforms, costumes or camouflage attire. Glasses, headgear, and earrings are permissible under certain conditions:

• They should not hide any of your facial features.
• They should not cause glare or reflection.
• They should not obscure the face.
• Sunglasses or tinted glasses are now allowed.

The guidelines are specific to ensure that nothing detracts from the face's visibility.

Editing and Retouching Rules

Any image editing that changes your appearance is prohibited. Avoid photo filtration or correction, such as removing blemishes, changing the hair colour, or editing facial features. The photo must be an accurate representation of yourself.

Use a Passport Photo Checker

To ensure your image meets UK passport photo requirements, consider using an online tool like Pixelied. The tool quickly analyses your photo, automatically adjusting the background and eliminating reflections, ensuring it complies with official standards.

Passport Photo Examples

Bad Passport Photos

Acceptable Passport Photos

Digital Passport Photo Specifications

When submitting digital passport photographs, it is crucial to adhere to the specific requirements set by the UK government. These specifications ensure the digital image is suitable for official documentation and can be accurately processed.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding digital passport photo guidelines:

1. Resolution: The photo must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall. It ensures adequate detail for identification without being excessively large.
2. Format: The photo should be in JPEG format. It is accepted due to its balance of quality and file size.
3. File Size: The photo’s file size must range from 50KB to 10MB, allowing for a high-quality image that is not too large for uploading.
4. Colour Depth: The photo must be in colour, with a 24-bit depth, accurately representing natural skin tones.
5. Lighting and Shadows: The photo should be evenly lit, with no harsh shadows or overexposure, ensuring that facial features are clear and visible.
6. Background: Use a light grey or plain cream background without patterns or objects.
7. Focus and Clarity: The photo must be sharp and clear, without blurry or pixelated.
8. Avoid Digital Alterations: Any form of digital manipulation, such as facial features or removing red-eye, is prohibited. The photo must be an accurate representation of the person.

Note: The guidelines for passport-style photos in the UK are maintained to guarantee that these images meet high-quality standards and are appropriate for identification purposes. Digital passport photos play a crucial role in online applications. Therefore, when submitting an online passport photo, it's imperative to ensure that it is of exceptional quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in UK Passport Photos

Whether you are submitting a passport renewal photo or applying for the first time, avoiding common mistakes is crucial for a successful passport application:

1. Incorrect Background: Avoid coloured, patterned, or textured backgrounds. Stick to plain white or off-white.
2. Inappropriate Attire: Don't wear uniforms, costumes, or clothes resembling them. Choose everyday attire for a passport-size photo.
3. Facial Obstructions: Remove your glasses when you take a photo for a passport application. Hats and head coverings should be avoided if not for religious purposes.
4. Poor Quality Photos: Blurry, overexposed, or underexposed photos are unacceptable. Ensure the picture is clear and well-lit.
5. Wrong Size or Crop: Adhere strictly to the specified dimensions and head size requirements.
6. Editing or Filters: Do not use digital alterations or filters on the photo.

How to Take Passport Photos at Home

Taking passport photos at home can be convenient and cost-effective, but you must adhere to the passport picture requirements.

Taking a Compliant British Passport Photo

Follow these steps for taking a passport photo that adheres to government standards:

1. Set up in a well-lit area with natural light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause shadows. Use soft, diffused lighting to illuminate your face evenly.
2. Use a plain white or light grey background. Ensure it's free from patterns, textures, and other distractions.
3. Position the camera at eye level, approximately 1.5 meters away. It helps maintain the correct head size and proportion in the photo.
4. Sit or stand straight with a neutral expression. Your mouth should be closed, and your eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
5. Before taking the photo, double-check the UK passport photo requirements to ensure your setup aligns with the guidelines.
6. To avoid a camera shake, use a timer or have someone else take the photo. Alternatively, take multiple shots and choose the best one.
7. Review the pictures to ensure compliance with all requirements, such as lighting, background, and facial expression.

On a side note, you can also submit a passport picture online for UK passport applications using the official web page using photo codes provided by supermarkets and pharmacies. But remember that in the UK, digital passport photos should be at most one month.

Where to Get Passport Photos Taken in the UK?

If taking passport photos at home is not an option, there are several alternatives:

1. Passport Photo Booths: A common sight in shopping malls and train centres, passport picture kiosks offer a quick solution for people who want to get a passport photo quickly. They also provide pictures for student cards, visa photos, bus passes and more.
2. Professional Photographers: Some photographers specialise in taking photos for passport applications and are familiar with the UK's specific requirements. They are usually available by appointment, making them an optimal option for individuals with busy schedules or toddlers.
3. Postal Offices: Certain government-authorised post offices may also offer passport photo services.
4. Online Services: There are online platforms, like Pixelied, where you can upload a photo and have it formatted to meet passport standards. These platforms make passport photos a breeze as you don’t have to leave home.

Pro Tip: You can also acquire a print from a printing facility if you have digital photos for passport application. Use Google Maps to locate the nearest printing shop.

Special Considerations for Baby Passport Photos

Photographing children and babies for passport photos has specific requirements and allowances to accommodate their age and developmental stages.

Here's a detailed breakdown:

UK Passport Picture Requirements for Infants

1. Head Support and Posture: Babies can lie down for their photo. Any supporting hands or objects should not be visible.
2. Facial Expression and Eyes: Babies do not need a neutral expression. Smiling and other expressions are acceptable. Infants under one year old can have their eyes closed, but older children must have them open.
3. Background: Use a white or off-white blanket or sheet as a background if the baby is lying down. Ensure no shadows are cast on the baby’s face.
4. Clothing: Plain clothing is preferred. Avoid bright patterns or logos that might be distracting.
5. No Other People in the Photo: Ensure that no part of another person (e.g., holding the baby) is in the photo.

UK Passport Photo Specifications for Toddlers (Ages 1-5)

1. Head Size: Similar to adults, the child's head should measure between 29 mm to 34 mm of the entire photo size, i.e., 35 mm by 45 mm.
2. Facial Expression: If the child cannot stop smiling, it is okay to submit a smiling picture.
3. Posture: Children should be sitting upright unassisted. If support is needed, it should not be visible in the photo.
4. Background and Lighting: A plain cream or light-grey background with no shadows. The lighting in the photo should be even.
5. Attire and Accessories: Everyday clothing is appropriate. Hats and head coverings are prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons.