When applying for a passport, one of the most important steps is providing a passport photo that meets specific government requirements. A passport photo that doesn’t comply with the necessary guidelines can lead to delays in processing your application, or worse, outright rejection. But what exactly does a passport photo need to look like to be accepted?
In this article, we’ll break down the essential guidelines for how a passport photo should look, and how Passport Photo Online can help you get it right. Whether you choose to visit our in-house photo studio or take your passport photo at home using our free mobile app, we ensure your photo meets all the UK’s requirements. Plus, we offer same-day and next-day passport photo printing and delivery services, so you don’t have to wait long to get your photo.
How a Passport Photo Should Look: Essential Guidelines
1. Size and Dimensions
For UK passport photos, the dimensions must be 45mm by 35mm. The size of your head, from the crown to the chin, should be between 29mm and 34mm in height. The photo must also be a recent one, taken within the last month, and it must accurately reflect your current appearance.
2. Head Position and Expression
Your passport photo must show your full face, looking straight at the camera. The photo should be taken with your head in the center of the frame, and your entire face should be clearly visible, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. You should maintain a neutral expression—no smiling or frowning—keeping your mouth closed and eyes wide open.
3. Lighting and Background
Proper lighting is crucial in passport photos. The lighting should be even and well-distributed across your face, with no shadows on your face or background. The background must be plain, light-colored (preferably white or light grey), and free from any patterns or textures. Any shadows, overexposure, or underexposure will result in your photo being rejected.
4. Clothing and Accessories
Your clothing should be simple and avoid distracting patterns or bright colors. Uniforms should generally be avoided unless they are religious attire worn on a daily basis. Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, and even then, your face must be fully visible from the forehead to the chin.
Accessories like glasses can be worn in your photo, but only if they don’t obscure your eyes. If you wear glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and that your eyes are clearly visible. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.
5. Editing and Filters
The photo should be natural with no alterations. Passport photos must not be edited in any way—this includes filters, retouching, or any other digital modifications. The photo must also be printed in high resolution without any visible pixels or compression artifacts.
6. Eyes and Face Visibility
Your eyes should be fully visible, not obstructed by hair or glasses. Avoid photos where your hair covers part of your face or forehead. If you have long hair, tie it back to ensure your face is completely clear. Keep in mind that the UK passport office is very strict about eye visibility, so make sure your photo meets this requirement.
7. Multiple Photos
You will need to submit two identical passport photos with your application, which should not be cropped or altered in any way. They must be printed on high-quality photo paper and have no creases or marks on them.
How Passport Photo Online Can Help You Get a Perfect Passport Photo
At Passport Photo Online, we make getting a compliant passport photo quick, easy, and stress-free. Whether you want to visit our in-house photo studio or take your passport photo at home, we’ve got you covered.
1. Professional In-House Photo Studio
If you want professional assistance, you can visit our in-house photo studio, where we take passport photos for any country in the world. Our experienced photographers ensure that your photo meets all the necessary guidelines, including proper lighting, background, and head positioning. We also review every photo for compliance before it’s printed.
Our studio is open 7 days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays, so you can book an appointment whenever it’s convenient for you. Plus, if you’re based in London, we offer same-day photo printing and delivery, so you can get your photo as soon as possible.
2. Take Your Passport Photo at Home
For those who prefer the convenience of taking their passport photo at home, our free mobile app, Passport Photo app & Code, is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app allows you to take your own passport photo using your smartphone, and it provides helpful guidelines to ensure your photo meets all the necessary requirements.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Download the App
The first step is to download the Passport Photo app & Code from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It’s free and easy to use.
Step 2: Take Your Photo
Once you have the app, you can use your smartphone’s camera to take your passport photo. The app provides real-time instructions to help you position yourself correctly in front of the camera. You can take multiple photos until you’re happy with the result.
Step 3: Compliance Check
After you’ve taken your photo, the app uses advanced technology to check that your photo meets all the requirements for size, lighting, head position, background, and more. If the photo doesn’t comply with the guidelines, the app will prompt you to retake it.
Step 4: Choose Your Option: Digital or Print
Once your photo is verified, you can choose how you want to receive it:
- Digital Passport Photo Code: If you’re applying for a passport online, you can opt for a digital passport photo code. This code is generated and can be entered directly into the UK government’s online passport application form, saving you time.
- Physical Passport Photos: If you need printed passport photos, we offer same-day or next-day delivery anywhere in the UK. For customers based in London, we can even offer same-day delivery, so you can get your photos without any delays.
3. Guaranteed Compliance with UK Passport Photo Standards
Our service ensures that your photo meets all the UK passport office’s standards. Whether you choose to visit our studio or take your photo at home, we guarantee that your passport photo will be accepted by the passport office. If for any reason your photo is rejected, we offer a full refund or will retake your photo free of charge.
4. Fast and Reliable Delivery
We offer same-day passport photo printing and delivery services in London and next-day delivery throughout the UK. This means you won’t have to wait long to get your passport photos and submit your application. Our service is ideal for those who need their passport photo quickly, especially when applying for a passport at the last minute.
Why Choose Passport Photo Online?
At Passport Photo Online, we pride ourselves on offering a fast, reliable, and convenient solution for your passport photo needs. Here’s why we’re the best choice:
- Convenience: Take your passport photo from the comfort of your home or visit our professional studio for expert assistance.
- Fast Delivery: We offer same-day delivery in London and next-day delivery across the UK.
- Guaranteed Compliance: We ensure that your passport photo meets all the necessary guidelines, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Affordable: Our prices are competitive, and you don’t need to spend time or money traveling to a photo booth or studio.
- Available 7 Days a Week: Our services are available every day of the week, including weekends, so you can get your passport photo taken at your convenience.
Conclusion
Getting a passport photo that meets all the necessary requirements doesn’t have to be difficult. With Passport Photo Online, you can take your photo at home or visit our in-house studio for professional assistance. Our free mobile app, Passport Photo app & Code, makes it easy to take your passport photo from home, and our fast delivery services ensure that you get your photos quickly, whether you’re in London or anywhere else in the UK.
Download our app today or visit our website to get started. We’re here to help you with all your passport photo needs!
