You need to send in a passport photo that passes certain government criteria in order to apply for a UK passport. The photo is a key aspect of your application, and if it doesn’t fulfill the essential requirements, it can cause delays or even rejection of your passport request. You don't have to go to a professional photo booth or studio to get the perfect UK passport photo. You can do it right from your phone with PhotoGov.net.
You need to use the photo for your UK passport to prove who you are and for biometric reasons. It has to follow precise rules about size, background color, head position, and face expression. Your application could be delayed or turned down if the photo doesn't satisfy these standards.
But don't worry! You may be sure that PhotoGov.net will automatically review and change your photo to suit the exact UK Passport requirements, making the procedure easy and stress-free.
Creating the correct photo for your UK passport has never been easier. Don't worry about waiting in line or going to photo booths.
Take a Selfie:
Use your phone to take a clear picture of yourself in good light. Make sure that your face is clear and there are no distractions
Upload Your Photo:
Send your selfie to PhotoGov.net
Our AI Does the Work:
Our technology automatically crops, resizes, adjusts the backdrop, and guarantees your photo satisfies the required UK passport photo size
Get Your Photo:
You can download your photo after it has been processed and is ready to be printed or sent online
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect passport photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
Here’s a full overview of the technical requirements for your UK passport photo:
Dimensions (Width x Height) | 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (35 mm x 45 mm) |
Definition of an Image | Image is clear and sharp, with no glare or blur |
Height of head (up to top of hair) | 29–34 mm (around 70% of the height of the shot) |
Distance from top of photo to top of hair | 3–5 mm |
Background Color | Light gray or plain white |
Resolution (DPI) | 600 DPI |
Printable | Yes |
Appropriate for online submission | Indeed |
Articulation | Eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression |
Head Covers | Only for religious purposes |
Recency | Must have been taken in the last six months |
Format of the File | JPEG or JPG |
Taking a UK passport photo may seem easy, but there are typical blunders that can make the process take longer or get you turned down
Things you should not do are:
Wrong background: The background must be simple white or light grey, with no patterns or shadows
The picture must be exactly 35 mm x 45 mm in size
Bad lighting: Make sure your face is evenly lit and doesn't have any dark areas or shadows
Facial expression: Keep a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and eyes open
Glare on glasses: If you wear glasses, ensure sure there isn't any glare or reflection that gets in the way of your vision
With PhotoGov, we automatically rectify these typical problems for you, so your photo will always be compliant
Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos
This is why PhotoGov is the easiest and most trustworthy option to get a picture for your UK passport:
This tool automatically cuts your photo to the right size of 35x45 mm
Changes the size of your photo so that it fits the official UK passport size
This takes away any distracting background and replaces it with a solid, conforming color
Automatically changes the brightness, sharpness, and contrast of your picture to make sure it looks clear and professional
When taking pictures of babies and children for passport, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.
For slightly older babies:
Cheap: Get great results without having to pay a lot for a photo studio
Every Time Compliant: Our system makes sure that your photo meets all the requirements for UK passport photos
We offer both printable and digital formats, so you're ready for any way to submit
Can I take a selfie for my UK passport photo?
What should I wear for my photo for my UK passport?
Is it okay to smile in the picture?
How old should my picture be?
Is digital sufficient or should I have a printed photo?
Will PhotoGov change the background or lighting for me?
What occurs should my picture be turned down?
Other documents for the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
19 doc.