Rules for Printed Photos for British Passports

You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

They must:

Measure 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK).

Not be a cut down version of a larger picture.

If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.

Your photos 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.

What your printed photos 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.

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.

A printable version of the whole guide for digital and printed photos can be found at the Government website.