Photo for British Passport
Prepare a perfect passport photo with guaranteed acceptance!
1M+
approved
ID photos
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance
acceptance
1M+
approved
ID photos
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance
acceptance
How does it work?
Perfect biometric photo within 3 minutes.
Check how simple and smart is it!
Take or upload a photo
That's the only thing you need to do. Take or upload a photo - we will take care of the rest.
AI prepares the photo
Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.
Expert verification
Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.
Digital photo or Photo prints
You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-3 days. Delivery is free!
Why?
Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home
You save time and money
Convenience
Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.
Professional service
Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 10 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.
Money-back guarantee
We give you a guarantee of acceptance by authorities or otherwise we will refund you double the price!
Satisfaction guarantee
Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.
How to take a photo?
Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.
Follow simple instruction to take a perfect ID photo.
1
Body-camera distance
The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.
2
Posture: Straight ahead
Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.
3
Lighting
Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.
British Passport Photo - Size & Requirements
Size
Width: 900 px
Height: 1200 px
Resolution
1 dpi
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Image definition parameters
Head height: 55 %
Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 15 %
Is it printable?
Yes
Background Color
Show more
Users about us
Very nice and helpful app for passport size photos
Quality passport photos, printed and posted promptly
I needed passport size pics urgent to upload and this app did 100%
Photo for a British passport - a guide
When taking a photo for a British passport, there are a few requirements that need to be fulfilled if the photo, and passport application, are to be accepted. These state:
- You need to make sure that you are looking straight into the camera when you’re taking your picture.
- You need to maintain a neutral facial expression and keep your mouth closed.
- Your eyes have to be open.
- Your photo needs to have a plain white background.
- Your face needs to be visible and not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, or hair.
- Prescription glasses should be removed wherever possible. If essential for medical reasons, they must not obscure the eyes or cause glare.
- No headwear is permitted, with the exception of headgear worn for medical or religious reasons.
- You must avoid showing ‘red eye’ in the photo.
- Make sure the photo doesn’t have shadows, either on you or in the background.
British passport photo dimensions and quality
Your passport photo should be in colour, clear and focused. In addition, if you plan on submitting a printed version, it should not be damaged in any way including tears or creases. It is also important to have a recent photo (taken within the last month) that is not digitally changed. Printed photos should measure 45 x 35 mm. If you’re planning to apply using a digital application, you will need to get a photo that is at least 600 x 750 px in resolution and between 50KB and 10MB in file size.
You must make sure that no other people or objects can be seen in the shot. Your photo needs to include your full head and shoulders. The image of your face has to be visible, from the top of your head to your chin - and it has to measure between 29mm and 34mm high.
The quality of your UK passport photo prints
Your photos need to be printed on high-quality, white photographic paper with no border. The image has to be clear and in focus. As mentioned above, you have to provide colour pictures without any creases or tears, taken on a clear and light background (preferably white or another neutral colour). Passport pictures must be unmarked on both sides unless a photo needs to be countersigned. Pictures must remain unaltered by computer software - no Photoshop!
How many printed passport photos do I need?
When applying for a British passport on paper, you should provide 2 British passport size photos. Every time you apply for a new document, you must take a new photo for your British passport. Even if not much time has passed since your previous application and your appearance has not changed at all. The photo must be taken within the last month, which is a very short period compared to the requirements for passport photos in other European countries. If you provide out-of-date photos, your application will be rejected by the UK passport service.
Posting your photos
If you send your photos by traditional mail, keep them separate from each other. You should leave them loose in the envelope - don't stick photos or staple them to your application.
Uploading your photos
If you are planning on sending digital photos, you should simply look for the command to upload them when filling out the online application form. Some passport photo providers offer codes to allow you to access digital versions of your biometric photos. This allows you to simply input the code onto the application form, and you’re ready to go!
How should you look in your passport photo?
British passport photo guidelines:
- The frame needs to cover your entire head, neck, and top of your shoulders.
- There must be no other people or objects in the photo.
- The photo must be taken against a bright clean background: white, cream or light grey.
- Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
- Prescription glasses should be removed wherever possible.
- Medically necessary glasses are allowed, but they must not obscure the pupils or shape of your eyes and there must be no glare on the lenses.
- The 'red eye' effect is not accepted.
- Your photo must be in colour, black and white photos will not be accepted.
How to pose for a British passport photo?
- Stand straight (face and body pointing forward) and look directly into the camera lens.
- Stand so that you are at least 40 cm away from the camera
- Have a neutral expression, with your mouth closed. Smiling should be avoided, as it may cause your photo to be rejected.
- Makeup is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. Do not wear glitter-based makeup that could cause a reflection in the photo.
- Make sure that your hair does not cover your eyes, eyebrows or other parts of your face. If you have a long fringe, brush it aside.
- Make sure that your face and jawline are visible.
- Eyes need to be open and visible (pupils and irises).
- You must remove any head covering you may be wearing (wearing a religious and medical head covering is allowed).
- Make sure there are no shadows on your face, shoulders or the background of the photo.
How long will the online British passport application take?
Applying for your British passport on-line is often quicker than applying on paper, and is £9.50 cheaper.
An online UK adult passport application usually takes around 6 weeks, but it can be longer in busier periods and timescales have been affected by Covid. Check the UK government website for up-to-date online processing times. Also, failure to provide all of the necessary information when filling out your application can lead to further delays. If you are applying for your first adult passport it is likely to take an extra week. Applying for a child passport should also take 6 weeks.
If you need a new passport urgently, you can consider using the Online Premium service (costing from £177) or 1 Week Fast Track service (from £142 for an adult passport and £122 for a child passport).
Requirements for minor passport photo
As with adult passport photos, children must be on their own in the picture. Avoid having toys or dummies in the shot when taking a passport photo for a baby. Children who are 5 years old or younger don’t have to look directly at the camera. Children younger than 1-year-old do not have to have their eyes open. In that situation, you can support the head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
Last update: 02/10/2022
About the document
UK Passport
The main official identity documents in the United Kingdom are your British passport and your driver’s licence. In order to be issued a driving license or passport, the government may wish to confirm your identity through the use of a number of other documents, such as a birth certificate or residency permit.
A UK Passport is a document that confirms the identity of the holder, used mainly for international personal identification. It can be used at any time as proof of identity or as a travel document.
Apart from the traditional form of applying for a British passport, i.e. through a printed form, there is also the option to obtain it online. In general, passport photos have common requirements across the European Union as well as in Great Britain, however, it is still a good idea to check the size and requirements on the official government website before applying for your UK passport.
Applying for a British passport
A British Passport is a travel document that can be issued to people holding British citizenship. UK passports are biometric. The document has three purposes: it allows you to travel to different countries, in accordance with visa requirements, it confirms the identity of the bearer and serves as proof of UK citizenship. Moreover, it enables the holder to obtain consular assistance from UK embassies around the world. British passports are issued by HM Passport Office, a branch of the UK Home Office.
How to apply for a UK paper passport?
- Complete a paper passport application.
- Provide 2 identical biometric images as required for printed passport photos.
- Find a ‘countersignatory’, which means someone who confirms your identity in the application.
- Attach supporting documents.
You can acquire a paper application form from either a branch of the Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service, or by using the Passport Adviceline. For a UK passport, you have the option to apply online, by mail or in person with the help of the Post Office’s ‘Passport Check and Send service’. Applying for a paper passport will cost £85 - you can pay through a credit or debit card, by a postal order or in cash (cash is acceptable in Passport Check and Send service only).
IMPORTANT: do not attach UK passport photos to the form permanently, send them loosely in the envelope.
Countersignatory for British passport
You have to find a countersignatory:
- When applying for your first British passport (adult or child).
- To replace a passport which has been lost, stolen or damaged (adult or child).
- When renewing a child’s passport (if the child is aged 11 or under).
- If you can no longer be recognised from the photograph in your current British passport.
A countersignatory is a person who can confirm your identity, that the data provided in the application is correct and that the photo is of you. They must not be related to you, either by birth or marriage (including in-laws or partners of family members) and must have known you personally for at least 2 years. In addition, it has to be a professional, living in the UK and holding a British or Irish passport. The countersignatory must sign and date one of the passport photos on the back, using the statement: 'I certify that this is a true likeness of” e.g. “Mr John Smith”.
IMPORTANT: you may need to undertake an interview to confirm your identity and that the passport application is yours.
Supporting documents you can use when applying for a British paper passport are:
- birth certificate,
- your current passport,
- naturalization or registration certificate (if applicable),
- your mother’s or father’s full UK birth certificate, or a certificate of registration or naturalization (if applicable),
- any foreign passport you are included on (if applicable).
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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Can I take my own passport photo UK?
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Yes, all you will need is a smartphone or a digital camera. Just get a friend to take a picture of you, upload it onto our website, or use our UK passport photo application, and it will automatically edit the image and generate a digital passport photo that meets all the official government requirements and is ready for you to attach to your UK passport application.
Does the background of a passport photo have to be white?
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Yes, the guidelines state that the background of your passport photo needs to be white or off-white in colour.
What should I wear in a passport photo?
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Although you are allowed to wear almost all kinds of attire, we recommend wearing clothing in line with your everyday outfits. It does not have to be a formal outfit; casual clothes will do fine.
What should I remember while taking a passport photo?
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While taking a passport photo:
- Make sure your hair isn’t covering your eyes.
- Your eyes should remain open and visible.
- Keep a neutral and relaxed facial expression and your mouth closed – avoid smiling.
- Sit straight, face forward, and look directly at the camera.
How can I take my own passport photo?
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You can easily take your own passport photo at home using your mobile phone. It’s very cheap, convenient and you’ll always receive a photo that meets your expectations. All you need to do is get your photo taken and upload it onto the passport-photo.online website. The passport photo generator will do all the work for you! In a matter of seconds, it will remove the background, edit, and crop the UK passport photo so it has the right dimensions and format. You can then review the finished digital passport photo and decide if you want to buy it. We offer a guarantee that the photo will be accepted by the relevant authorities, with a 200% refund in the unlikely event that your photo is rejected.
How can I crop a photo to passport size?
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You can simply upload your photo on passport-photo.online after selecting the type of document you are applying for, and our photo cropping tool will edit your British passport photo assuring it’s of the right size and meets all the official requirements.
How much does a passport photo cost?
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A passport size photo in the UK can cost £10 or more per set if you use an automated machine or visit a photo studio. If you’d like to save some money, consider using our fast and professional passport photo maker, or our passport photo app (the link is on the bottom of the page) that will prepare your digital passport photo in no time for only £6.95.
What are the rules for passport photos for children?
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The main rules for passport photos for children you will find below:
- Babies (under 1 year of age) are allowed to have their eyes closed.
- Children under 5 do not need to look at the camera or maintain a neutral facial expression.
- If you support the baby, you must not be seen in the photo.
- The photo should meet the rest of the standards for adult passports.
What are the rules for passport photos?
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- The photo’s size needs to be 45 mm x 35 mm.
- It should not be cropped from a larger photograph.
- You need to be looking straight at the camera, with your eyes open and your mouth closed.
- The height of your head in the picture should be between 29 and 34 mm.
- Your facial expression should be neutral.
- Unless medically necessary, remove your glasses in the photo.
- You can cover your head only for religious or medical reasons.
- There cannot be other people or objects in the photo.
- Nothing should cover your face.
- It should not have any “red-eye” effect.
- Make sure there are no shadows on the picture.
- The background should be plain and light-coloured.
- The photo should be sharp, clear, and taken no later than 1 month ago.
- The photo must remain unaltered by computer software - avoid using Photoshop or similar.
Is there an app for taking passport photos?
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Yes, there is, and it can definitely save you time and money. All you need to do is choose the travel document that you need a photo for and take a picture to upload to the website. Within 3 seconds, you will be able to see the result! We highly recommend using this UK passport photos app, since not only will it crop and reframe your photo, but the AI software, in conjunction with our human inspectors, will check to make sure that your pose and facial expression meet all the official passport photo guidelines.
What size is a British passport photo?
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A British passport photo needs to have dimensions of 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm). If you wish to apply for the UK passport online, you will have to submit a digital photo with a resolution of 900 x 1200 px.
Where can I get a passport photo taken?
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You can search for a photo shop or photography studio, a pharmacy or retail store where there are photo services offered or you can find a photo booth. Another option is to use post office branches that offer photo services. Our recommendation for preparing your British passport photo is to do it yourself using our professional passport photo maker. Choose the document you need a photo for, upload a picture of yourself and it will be reformatted into a digital passport photo that meets all the requirements.
What is the passport photo size?
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Every official document has requirements the photo has to meet in order to get accepted. The size is one of them. The size of a passport photo may vary depending on the country. In case of the UK passport photo size is 35mm x 45mm which is also the standard passport photo format in the European Union.
Can I wear makeup in a passport photo?
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Yes, you are allowed to wear makeup in a British passport photo, but make sure you don’t overdo it. You should remain recognizable and your facial characteristics, such as marks or wrinkles should be visible, as this will make you easier to recognise when you cross the border.
Can I wear sunglasses or tinted glasses in a passport photo?
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No. Sunglasses are not permitted in a passport photo, and neither are tinted glasses since they impede full facial recognition.
Where can I print my passport photo?
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You can print your British passport photo at home using a printer and some glossy or matte photo paper. You could also use a printing service that will deliver your photos by post or go to a local photo shop or studio to have the photos printed for you. Passport Photo Online even offer a service where they print your photos and mail them directly to you, which can save you a lot of time!
Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?
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You should avoid wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses in your passport photo, as these are not permitted. You will be allowed to wear other glasses if it is medically necessary, but your eyes must be visible without any reflection or glare.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
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In order to be accepted, passport photos need to meet several requirements, like the colour of the background or size of the photo. Hence, your phone camera alone might not let you take a valid passport photo, however, you can use a photo cropping tool or a passport photo maker that will edit your photo for you.
Where to take a British passport photo near me?
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There are many places where you can take a British passport photo. For example, you could opt to use a local professional photography studio, or one of the many photo booths that take UK passport photos, which can be found anywhere from train stations to shopping centres. In our opinion, the easiest and most effective way to get a photo for the UK passport is to use our passport photo maker website or mobile applications.