Photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using your own device.

Get a photo with a code from a photo booth or shop

Before starting your application, get a digital passport photo from a photo booth or shop. Choose the option to get a code with your photos.

You’ll be asked to enter the photo code during your passport application and your digital photo will be added to your application.

Take a photo using your own device

You’ll need someone to help you take a photo during your application.

Rules for digital photos

The quality of your digital photo

Your photo must be:

clear and in focus

in colour

unaltered by computer software

at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall

at least 50KB and no more than 10MB

What your digital photo must show

The digital photo must:

contain no other objects or people

be taken against a plain light-coloured background

be in clear contrast to the background

not have ‘red eye’

If you’re using a photo taken on your own device, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you.

In your photo you must:

be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera

have a plain expression and your mouth closed

have your eyes open and visible

not have hair in front of your eyes

not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)

not have anything covering your face

not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to do so. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must make sure your eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above.

2. Printed photos

You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.

You need digital photos to apply for a passport online.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

You can get help with your passport photos if you’re disabled.

The size of your printed photos

You need to provide 2 identical photos.

They must:

measure 45 millimetres mm high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)

not be a cut down version of a larger picture

If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.

The size of your image

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

The quality of your printed photos

Your photos must be:

printed to a professional standard

clear and in focus

in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border

without any creases or tears

unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)

unaltered by computer software

What your printed photos must show

Your photos must:

be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders

contain no other objects or people

be taken against a plain cream or light grey background

be in clear contrast to the background

not have ‘red eye’

In your photo, you must:

be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera

have a plain expression and your mouth closed

have your eyes open and visible

not have hair in front of your eyes

not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)

not have anything covering your face

not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to do so. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must make sure your eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Posting your photos

When sending your application, your photos must be:

separated from each other

left loose and not attached to your application form