What is a passport style photo?

A passport-style photo is a specific type of photograph that meets the requirements set by governments for official documents like passports, visas, and other forms of identification. This type of photo must adhere to strict guidelines concerning size, background color, facial expression, and overall composition to ensure it is recognized as a valid form of identification worldwide.

In this article, we will explain what constitutes a passport-style photo, the rules you need to follow when taking one, and how our service, Passport Photo Online, can help you with high-quality passport photo printing and delivery anywhere in the UK. We will also show you how you can take your own passport photo from home using our Passport Photo app & Code, available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

What Is a Passport-Style Photo?

A passport-style photo is used not only for passports but also for visas, driving licenses, and other forms of official identification. The requirements vary slightly from country to country, but they all follow a common set of standards.

Key Characteristics of a Passport-Style Photo:

1. Size:
   The size of passport photos can vary depending on the country. For example, the standard passport photo size in the UK is 35mm x 45mm, while in the US, the size is 2 inches x 2 inches. It’s important that the photo meets the exact size requirements for the country of application.
2. Background:
   Passport photos typically require a plain white or light-colored background. No objects, patterns, or textures should appear in the background, as it must be entirely neutral.
3. Head and Face Position:
   The applicant’s head must be centered and occupy a specific portion of the frame. For instance, in a UK passport photo, the head must take up between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown. The face must be fully visible, and the photo should be taken in front view, with the head straight and eyes looking directly at the camera.
4. Facial Expression:
   A neutral expression is required. The person in the photo must keep their mouth closed and eyes open, without smiling, frowning, or showing teeth. This neutrality ensures consistency in recognition technology used by border control and other agencies.
5. Lighting:
   The lighting in a passport photo must be uniform. Shadows on the face or in the background are not acceptable. Harsh or uneven lighting can cause the photo to be rejected.
6. Clothing:
   The clothing in a passport-style photo should be simple and avoid busy patterns. Some countries do not allow uniforms or camouflage-patterned clothing in passport photos. Religious attire is usually permitted, provided it does not cover the face.
7. Headgear:
   In most cases, headgear is not allowed unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Even in those cases, the face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
8. Glasses:
   Glasses are generally not allowed in passport photos, particularly in the UK. Reflective lenses or eyewear with tinted lenses are prohibited as they can obscure the eyes. If glasses must be worn for medical reasons, the frame must not block the eyes.

How Passport Photo Online Can Help

At Passport Photo Online, we provide a simple, convenient solution for getting passport-style photos that meet the specific requirements of any country. Whether you’re applying for a UK passport, a US visa, or any other document, we ensure your photo is 100% compliant with all necessary regulations.

Our Passport Photo Printing and Delivery Service

Here’s how we can help:

1. Compliance with Government Standards:
   Passport photos for official documents need to adhere to strict standards. At Passport Photo Online, we guarantee that your photo will meet all the requirements for size, head position, background, and other specifications, regardless of the country you are applying to.
2. Convenient Delivery Across the UK:
   We offer a fast and reliable passport photo printing and delivery service throughout the UK. If you’re based in London, we even offer same-day printing and delivery service. For customers elsewhere in the UK, next-day delivery ensures you receive your passport photos quickly.
3. In-House Professional Studio:
   For those who prefer to have their passport photos taken by a professional, we have an in-house photo studio open 7 days a week, including weekends. Our trained photographers are familiar with passport photo requirements for all countries, ensuring a perfect result every time.
4. High-Quality Prints:
   We use high-quality printing technology to produce clear, professional-grade photos that meet the standards of passport offices and immigration authorities worldwide. Whether you need a single passport photo or multiple copies, we can fulfill your order quickly and efficiently.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo from Home Using Our Free Mobile App

Taking your own passport-style photo at home has never been easier, thanks to our free Passport Photo app & Code. Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, this app allows you to capture a photo that meets passport photo guidelines without leaving your home.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download the App:
   Search for “Passport Photo app & Code” on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app is free to download and designed for ease of use.
2. Choose the Right Background:
   Set up your photo environment at home by choosing a plain white or light-colored wall as your background. Make sure there are no shadows or patterns.
3. Position Yourself Correctly:
   Stand facing the camera, ensuring that your face is centered and your head is straight. Use the front or back camera on your phone to take the photo. The app will guide you on how to position yourself to meet the required standards.
4. Ensure Good Lighting:
   Make sure the room is well-lit with even lighting across your face. Natural light works best, but if you’re indoors, use lamps that provide soft, even lighting.
5. Take the Photo:
   Use the app to take the photo. It provides real-time feedback on whether your photo meets the requirements for lighting, head position, and background. If the photo doesn’t meet the standards, the app will prompt you to retake it.
6. Upload Your Photo:
   Once your photo is taken, upload it directly to the app. The app will automatically crop the image and adjust it to the correct size for your country’s passport or visa requirements.
7. Receive Your Photo:
   After your photo is processed, you have two options:

• Digital Passport Photo Code: If you are applying for a UK passport online, you can receive a government-approved digital code. This code can be used directly on the UK passport application website.
• Physical Passport Photo: You can order physical prints of your passport photo. We’ll print and deliver your photo to your address with next-day delivery. For customers in London, same-day delivery is available.

Why Choose Passport Photo Online?

• Guaranteed Compliance: We ensure that every photo meets the strict standards of passport offices and immigration authorities around the world. We are familiar with the rules for over 100 countries, so you can rest assured your photo will be accepted.
• Fast, Reliable Service: With next-day delivery across the UK and same-day service in London, you can receive your passport photo quickly, even on short notice.
• Easy-to-Use App: Our Passport Photo app & Code simplifies the process of taking your own photo at home. The app walks you through every step to ensure your photo is perfect before submission.
• Professional In-House Studio: If you prefer to have your photo taken by a professional, our in-house photo studio is open 7 days a week, providing high-quality, expertly taken photos for any country’s passport or visa application.

Conclusion

A passport-style photo is an essential part of any passport or visa application, and it must meet strict guidelines for size, composition, and background. With Passport Photo Online, you can take the stress out of this process. Whether you choose to visit our in-house studio, order online for fast delivery, or use our free Passport Photo app & Code to take your own photo at home, we’re here to make sure you get the perfect passport photo every time. Download our app today and let us help you with all your passport photo needs!