There are many steps in the passport application process, from finding out how much it costs to knowing how to renew and figuring out how long it will take.
One of the trickiest parts of the application is the passport photo itself.
There are a set of strict rules about what type of picture is suitable to be submitted.
The HM Passport Office warns: “Your application will be delayed if your photos don’t meet the rules.”
Each application requires two identical photos and you must get new photos taken each time you renew your passport.
What size do passport photos have to be?
Photos must measure 45mm high by 35mm wide, which is the standard size used in photo booths in the UK.
You cannot cut down a version of a larger picture.
The Passport Office added: “If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45 mm high by 35mm wide.”
Within the photo, the length of the crown of your head to your chin must measure between 29mm-34mm high.
What are the other passport photo requirements?
Your photos must be of appropriate quality, which includes:
- 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
Your photos must be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders with no other objects or people and be in clear contrast to the background.
The Passport Office advises you to:
- 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
Sunglasses are not permitted but reading glasses are allowed, as long as your eyes show fully through the clear lenses with no glare.
Do you need to get your passport photos signed?
You’ll need to get someone else to sign your application form and passport photo if you need the following:
- first adult passport
- first child passport
- replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport
- renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 or under
- renewal of a passport if your appearance has changed and you can’t be recognised from your existing passport
If your application fits into one of these categories, there are specific requirements for who your countersignatory must be.
Who can be a countersignatory?
According to the passport office, that person has to meet these criteria:
have known the person applying (or the adult who signed the form if the passport is for a child under 16) for at least two years
be able to identify the person applying, e.g. they’re a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows them professionally)
be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession
The counter-signatory can’t be related by birth or marriage. They also can’t be in a relationship with or live at the same address as the applicant.
They can’t work for the HM Passport Office and can’t be a doctor, unless they know you well.
Can you use a digital passport photo?
The Passport Office’s new online passport renewal process allows you to submit a digital photo for your application.
This will be cropped for you, but you still have to abide by strict requirements.
Photos must:
- include your full head, shoulders and upper body
- have lots of clear space around your head and shoulders
- be taken against a plain background (for example, light grey or cream)
- not have any shadows on your face or behind you
In your photo you have to:
- be facing forward and looking straight at the camera
- have a plain expression and your mouth closed
- have your eyes open and visible
- not have hair covering your eyes
- not have any headwear (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
The Passport Office advises the quality of your digital photo must be:
- in focus without any shadows
- in colour without any effects or filters
- at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
- at least 50kb and no more than 10mb
