Passport photo rules: a complete guide for UK travellers

Where can I get a passport photo?

You can get a passport photo at various locations across the UK. Large supermarket chains like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's often have in-store photo services or booths. These provide printed photos for paper applications and a code for uploading them with an online application. Photography stores, such as Snappy Snaps or Max Spielmann, also specialise in taking passport photos. Plus, most post offices offer a ‘check and send’ service, where they can take your passport photo and review your application for an additional fee. If you’re unsure where to go, simply search online for "passport photos near me" to find options nearby. 

Can you take passport photos at home?

Yes, you can take passport photos at home using a personal device, such as a smart phone or a digital camera. You'll need someone to take the photo for you and follow the rules for passport photos which we’ve highlighted below for both paper and online applications. 

In your photo, you must:

• Be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera 

• Have a plain expression and your mouth closed 

• Have your eyes open and visible 

• 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 shadows on your face or behind you 

For paper applications, you need to print and provide two identical photos which must be:

• Printed to a professional standard 

• Clear and in focus 

• In colour on plain white photographic paper with no border 

• Without any creases or tears 

• Unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned) 

• Unaltered by computer software

Your printed photo must: 

• Be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders 

• Contain no other objects or people 

• Be taken against a plain cream or light grey background 

• Be in clear contrast to the background 

• Not have 'red eye' 

For online applications you’ll need to upload a digital photo. During your application you’ll be told whether it will likely be accepted (please note this is not the final decision, just for your guidance).

Your photo must be:

• Clear and in focus 

• In colour 

• Unaltered by computer software 

• At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall 

• At least 50KB and no more than 10MB 

Your digital photo must: 

• Contain no other objects or people 

• Be taken against a plain light-coloured background 

• Be in clear contrast to the background 

• Not have ‘red eye’ 

• If you’re using a photo taken on your own device, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo – it will be done for you. 

For examples of the above, click here. 

If your photo isn’t approved for any reason, you’ll receive an email notifying you so you can upload a new one. Don’t worry – you won’t have to start over! 

What size is a passport photo in the UK?

As mentioned above, when supplying a digital photo for the online application, you don’t need to worry about the size as this is done for you when you upload. 

 But if you’re completing a paper application, and you’re printing the photos yourself, the photo must measure 45mm high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK) and not be a cut down version of a larger picture. The image of you – from the crown of your head to your chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high. 

Do you need a new photo to renew a passport?

Yes. When you get a new passport, including renewal, you must supply a new photo – even if you’re appearance hasn’t changed. 

Can you wear glasses in your passport photo?

Yes, if you need to, you can wear glasses in a UK passport photo, but there are strict rules: 

• No glare or reflections: Make sure the lenses don't reflect light or obscure your eyes. 

• Clear view of your eyes: The frames should not cover any part of your eyes. 

• No tinted or dark lenses: Sunglasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not allowed. 

If your glasses interfere with these rules, it's best to take them off for the photo. 

Can you wear makeup in a passport photo?

Yes, you can wear makeup in a UK passport photo as long as it doesn’t drastically change your appearance. The goal is for the photo to reflect how you look in everyday life. Subtle, natural makeup is ideal, but heavy makeup or dramatic styles that obscure facial features might lead to your photo being rejected. 

Can you smile in passport photos? 

No, you must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. This means no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. 

Can you have a fringe in a passport photo? 

Yes, you can have a fringe in a UK passport photo, as long as it doesn’t cover your eyes. The rules require your face to be fully visible, including your eyes. If your fringe obstructs any of these features, you might be asked to retake the photo. If your fringe is long, pin it back or sweep it to the side to ensure clear visibility. 

Can you wear earrings in passport photos?

Yes, you can wear earrings as long as they don’t obscure your face or create shadows. The focus should be on your entire face, so avoid large, flashy earrings that might distract or block any part of your features. Simple studs or small hoops are generally fine.

Who can sign passport photos? 

You only need a signed passport photo if you are applying for your first passport, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or if your appearance has changed significantly, making you unrecognisable from your previous passport photo. If any of these apply, the person signing needs to:  

• Have known you for at least two years 

• Be able to identify you on a personal level, i.e a friend, neighbour, or colleague 

• Be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession (a list can be found here).  

• Live in the UK 

• Have a British or Irish passport 

For more information, visit the gov.uk website here.