Info on getting Passport Photos

Composition Requirements

Passport photos must be in color with a plain white or off white backdrop. A recent photo — taken in the last 6 months — is required. When it comes time to update your passport, bring or take a new photo. Look straight into the camera when taking your photo. Your expression should be neutral — no smiling — and eyes open.

The photo color should accurately represent skin and hair tone. Photos with too many shadows or that are over-exposed are not acceptable for passports. No shadow should be visible on the background. Too much light will cause shine on the skin, which is not appropriate for your passport.

Clothing Requirements

Photos should depict you in casual clothing without head adornments except for those required for religious purposes. Exceptions include glasses. However, the glasses should not create a glare that makes it difficult to view the irises and pupils of the eyes. Even if you wear glasses on a daily basis, you can remove them for your passport photo.

Style your hair so that it doesn’t obscure any part of your face. All head coverings should be styled so that they do not cast shadows on your face.

Passport Photos for Infant

It may be difficult to take a photo of a child, especially an infant, that perfectly meets these requirements. A child’s eyes may not be fully open, a child may smile or a seat may appear in the background. However, it’s best to encourage children to meet adult passport photo requirements.

Because of these requirements, many people opt to use the services of a professional photographer, especially one who is experienced with passport photos to expedite the process.

Price: $21.79 with tax

Requirments for UK passport and UK visa photos

You need 2 identical UK passport and UK visa photos for a passport application.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance hasn’t changed.

Your application will be delayed if your photos don’t meet the rules.

The size of your photos

Your photos 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

The quality of your photos

Your photos must be:

• printed to a professional standard
• taken within the last month
• in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• taken against a plain cream or light grey background
• clear and in focus
• without any creases or tears
• unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
• unaltered by computer software

What your photos must show

Your photos must:

• be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
• contain no other objects or people
• be in clear contrast to the background

In your photo, you must:

• be facing forward and looking straight at the camera
• have a neutral expression and your mouth closed
• have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
• 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 ‘red eye’
• not have any shadows on your face or behind you

The size of your image

The image of you – from the crown of your head to your chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

Children under 6 don’t have to be looking directly at the camera or have a neutral expression.

Children under one don’t have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Where to get your UK passport and UK visa photos

Nick Felkey Photo Services

We are Located at: