Last Update: July 01, 2025
A successful UK passport application begins with a compliant photograph. Every year, thousands of applications are delayed or rejected due to photos not meeting official standards. This comprehensive guide covers all up-to-date UK requirements for both digital and printed passport photos, so you can avoid common mistakes and submit your application with confidence.
Essential UK Passport Photo Rules
When applying for a UK passport, your photo must follow precise standards regarding size, composition, background, and image quality. Both digital and printed photos are accepted, and each has its own specifications.
Photo Age and Recency
- Your photo must be taken within the last month.
- A new photo is required for every application, regardless of whether your appearance has changed.
Where to Take Your Passport Photo
Traditionally, applicants have turned to professional photo booths or high-street photography shops for passport photos. These locations often use automated systems to help ensure compliance with government rules.
Today, you have more flexible options. InstaIDPhoto, an innovative UK-based startup, uses a combination of advanced AI and expert human review to help you create a fully compliant passport, visa, or driving license photo from the comfort of your own home. Whether you use your smartphone or camera, InstaIDPhoto makes sure your photo matches every detail of official UK standards, giving you peace of mind—no appointment, no travel, and no guesswork required.
Digital Passport Photo Requirements
Planning to apply for your passport online? Your digital photo must meet the following specifications:
Image Properties
- Minimum size: 600 x 750 pixels
- File size: Between 50 KB and 10 MB
- Format: JPEG or JPG only
- In color, sharp, and in focus
Composition
- Your photo must show your full head, shoulders, and upper body.
- The background must be plain and light-colored (light grey or cream), with good contrast and no patterns.
- Do not crop your own photo—the UK passport service will crop it as needed.
Face and Expression
- Face forward, looking straight at the camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- Hair should not cover eyes or eyebrows
- No head covering except for religious or medical reasons
- No glasses unless medically required (frames must not cover eyes, no glare)
- No shadows on your face or background
Editing
- The image must not be digitally altered, filtered, or retouched.
You can take a digital photo using your own device or visit a photo booth or shop. While government guidance notes that booths and shops may be more likely to produce compliant images, InstaIDPhoto now provides a fast, guided, and fully digital alternative that leverages the latest AI technology and expert review—ensuring your photo meets every requirement without you needing to leave your home.
Printed Passport Photo Requirements
For paper applications, you must provide two identical printed photos that meet all UK standards.
Size and Quality
- 45 mm high x 35 mm wide (UK standard)
- Head height (chin to crown): 29–34 mm
- Printed on high-quality white photo paper, with no border
- No creases, tears, marks, or damage
- No digital alterations or editing
Photo Composition
- Close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- Plain cream or light grey background, with clear contrast
- No other people or objects visible
- No red-eye, shadows, or uneven lighting
How to Print Your Passport Photo
Most applicants print photos at local shops, supermarkets, or use the in-store booths. As a modern alternative, InstaIDPhoto lets you order print-ready photos that have been formatted to UK government standards, or receive high-quality physical prints delivered directly to your door—ensuring complete accuracy and convenience.
Baby and Child Passport Photo Requirements
- Children must be photographed alone—no toys, dummies, or hands visible.
- Children under 6 years don’t need a neutral expression or to look directly at the camera.
- Babies under 1 year don’t need their eyes open.
- To photograph a baby, lay them on a plain light-colored sheet and take the photo from above. If supporting the baby’s head, make sure your hand is not visible.
For parents concerned about getting everything right, InstaIDPhoto offers step-by-step guidance and automated checks, helping you capture a fully compliant photo of your child without stress or multiple retakes.
Full Compliance Checklist
- Be taken in the last month
- Be in color, sharp, and high resolution
- Show only you, with a neutral expression
- Have no other objects or patterns in the background
- Show your full face and shoulders, centered and facing the camera
- Be free from digital editing, red-eye, glare, and shadows
- Meet the specified dimensions (digital or print)
- For printed: be professional quality with no marks, borders, or damage
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Shadows or poor contrast
- Wrong size or incorrect cropping
- Smiling, visible teeth, or an incorrect expression
- Busy or dark backgrounds
- Glasses, hats, or head coverings without valid reason
- Outdated photos or digital alterations
If you’re unsure about any step, remember that services like InstaIDPhoto combine the precision of artificial intelligence with expert human checking, so every detail is reviewed before you submit. Just press "Take Your Photo" button at the bottom to start a wonderful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new photo if I haven’t changed much since my last application?
Yes, every passport application requires a new photo, taken in the last month.
Can I use a selfie for my passport photo?
Selfies are accepted if they meet all official criteria, but most rejections are due to issues with angle, lighting, or cropping. InstaIDPhoto guides you to get it right the first time.
What is a passport photo code?
Some photo booths and shops can provide a code linking your photo directly to your online application. While this is not yet available for all online photo services, a compliant digital upload is accepted. InstaIDPhoto is actively developing this feature for future releases.
Can I wear glasses?
Only if absolutely medically necessary. Avoid frames over the eyes and any glare, as these are common reasons for rejection.
How do I print my photo at the correct size?
You can use a print template or order professionally formatted prints from InstaIDPhoto, ensuring full compliance with government dimensions.
Summary
Complying with UK passport photo requirements is critical to avoid delays and guarantee a smooth application process. Whether you use a booth, a shop, or your own device, be sure to follow the official standards above.
If you want peace of mind, InstaIDPhoto offers a modern, AI-and-expert-driven solution for UK passport, visa, and driving license photos—allowing you to create, verify, and print your compliant photo entirely online, wherever you are.
