Rules for passport photos

Rules for passport photos

You need 2 identical photos for a passport application.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance hasn’t changed.

Your application will be delayed if your photos don’t meet the rules.

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

The size of your photos

Your photos 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 45 mm high by 35mm wide.

The quality of your photos

Your photos must be:

• printed to a professional standard
• taken within the last month
• in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• taken against a plain cream or light grey background
• clear and in focus
• without any creases or tears
• unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
• unaltered by computer software

What your photos must show

Your photos must:

• be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
• contain no other objects or people
• be in clear contrast to the background

In your photo, you must:

• be facing forward and looking straight at the camera
• have a neutral expression and your mouth closed
• have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
• 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 ‘red eye’
• not have any shadows on your face or behind you

You can’t wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. You can wear reading glasses but your eyes must show fully through clear lenses without glare or reflections.

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.

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 don’t have to be looking directly at the camera or have a neutral expression.

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

Photo dos and don’ts

Posting your photos

When sending your application, your photos must be:

• separated from each other
• left loose and not attached to your application form