Passport photo requirements
Your photo must meet these requirements whether it is digital or paper. It needs to be taken within the last 6 months.
Technical requirements
For our online passports system, the photo must be
- a portrait photo with a 4:3 aspect ratio, or 3:4 on a smartphone
- in jpg or jpeg format
- between 250KB and 10MB
- between 900 and 4500 pixels wide and 1200 and 6000 pixels high
Scanned photos are not acceptable for our Online Passport Service.
For paper photos you will need:
- 2 identical photos, printed on photo quality paper
- 35mm x 45mm in dimension
Photo requirements
Taking photos using a Samsung or iPhone
If you are taking your photo using a Samsung or iPhone have a look at our guide videos to make sure you get it right, first time
Samsung
YouTubeTranscript of 'How to take a passport photo - Samsung' (txt 7kb)
Take a passport photo using a Samsung phone Guide
iPhone
YouTubeTranscript of 'How to take a passport photo - iPhone' (txt 7kb)
Take a passport photo using an iPhone Guide
No background shadow or uneven lighting on the face
Stand slightly away from the background.
Ensure that the light source is balanced, natural lighting is best.
True Likeness
The image must be a true likeness and not be altered or distorted in any way.
Have someone else take the photo, and ensure the camera is:
- 1.5m back from the face
- At eye level
If the camera is too close to the face, the nose and forehead may appear larger and the ears less visible.
Gap around the head
Your head must be centred with a clear gap around the sides and top of the head.
It helps if you can show part of the shoulders or the upper chest.
Strong contrast between image and background
Use a plain, light coloured background that is not white and does not contain objects or other people.
Face in full view
Face front on to the camera.
Hair should be off the eyes and sides of the face.
Eyes are clearly visible
You can wear glasses in your photo.
- They cannot be sunglasses, tinted or thick-framed.
- There can be no glare or flash reflection on the lenses.
There must be a clear gap between your eyes and the frames.
Neutral expression
Have a neutral expression with the mouth closed.
No hats, hoods, headbands or headscarves
No head covering or headband should be worn in the photo, unless you must wear either for religious or medical reasons.
In this case you will need an endorsement in your passport.
Selfies
No selfies as it can distort the face.
For babies
We recommend you lay the baby flat on a plain coloured sheet, that has been firmly fixed to a base or the floor.
The photo should be taken above the baby with them facing front on with their eyes open, face in full view and no objects or people in the background.
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