How to take your passport photo for official use

Are you looking for a professional service to make your passport photos in line with the standards of the HM Passport Office and the ICAO? If yes, you are in the right place! We’ve compiled all you need to know about how to get passport photos in the UK in this article.

last update:2/16/2024

1 Passport photo for official use with Smartphone iD – what you will get?

2 What are the mandatory regulations for UK passport photos

3 Where to take a passport photo in the UK?

4 Where to take a passport photo near me in the UK?

5 How to get a digital passport photo?

6 Where to print passport photos in the UK?

7 Which services provide baby passport photos in the UK?

8 How to take a passport photo with your phone?

9 Summary

1 0 FAQ

Passport photo for official use with Smartphone iD – what will you get?

1. Photo template of 6 official passport photos

Our application allows you to create a photo template containing up to six official passport photos that fully comply with current standards.

2. Photo template of 4 official passport photos with a photo code

In addition to the option of six photos, our application also offers a photo template with four official images, associated with a unique photo code. You can create a photo for your driver’s license with a photo code (digital code). This feature facilitates secure digital use and meets modern identity data security requirements.

3. Acceptance guarantee

We are proud to offer an acceptance guarantee for photos taken with our application. We use a combination of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and human expertise, to carefully check each photo. This rigorous verification guarantees that the photos fully comply with the required identity standards. With our application, you can be sure to get high-quality identity photos that meet the strictest standards and are ready to be used with confidence in various official applications.

What are the mandatory regulations for UK passport photos?

1. UK passport photo size

Each country can decide on its own format, so make sure to take note of the requirements before taking a photo on your own. Additionally, some countries have different rules for printed and digital formats (including the United Kingdom).

Printed photos must be 45mm high by 35mm wide,
The face size should be between 29mm and 34mm high (from the crown of your head to your chin).
Digital photos should be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall,
at least 50KB and no more than 10 MB.

Below you will find the main mandatory standards for passport photos in all countries to be able to travel. Take note that your passport photo must be less than 6 months old when submitting and resemble you the best way possible.

2. Lighting/color

The photo should have a good balance between overexposure and underexposure, but should not be altered by computer software in any way. It should have high contrast, with no shadow on the face or in the background. A color photo is required.

3. Photo quality

The photo must be of high quality (clear, without traces or fold lines). If you submit it in digital format, make sure that the file size is not too big or too small and that it has the appropriate resolution and image depth. For the UK, this means that photographs should be 600 pixels in width while being 750 pixels in height.

4. What color should be the background of a UK passport photo?

The background should be a plain color. The HM Passport Office only allows light grey backgrounds.

5. Are you allowed to cover your hair in a passport photo?

In most countries, your head must be bare, without a hat, scarf, headband, or any other decorative object. However, in the UK, head coverings are permitted for medical and religious reasons, provided your hair is visible. No accessories should be noticeable in your official photo. That includes barrettes, elastic bands, and other extras. If your hair is bothering you, tie it in a ponytail behind your head. It will not be visible in the photo. Only a little make-up is allowed because it can affect computerized as well as human facial recognition capabilities.

6. Eye direction and head position

The subject must face the lens, hold their head straight, and look directly into the lens. A neutral expression must be maintained with a closed mouth. There should be no hair in front of the eyes.

7. Face and eyes

The face must be clear. Eyes must be open. The aim is to recognize you as much as possible.

8. Glasses

Thick frames are prohibited in an ID photo. Glasses must not obscure the eyes; therefore, tinted glasses are prohibited. Note that there should also be no reflection on the glasses. Due to a high number of refused photos, we kindly ask you to remove your glasses when taking your photo with the Smartphone iD app.

9. Body

Wearing clothes is mandatory, and they cannot be uniform. The photo must show only your head, neck, and shoulders.

Where to take a passport photo in the UK?

Many places in the UK offer both hard and soft copies of passport photos

Here are a few options:

1. Smartphone iD app

You can also get your passport photo directly from your smartphone. All you have to do is use the app on your phone, take a picture with your rear camera, and you will get your passport photo via email or by post. Rest assured, our experts will make sure it conforms with the ICAO’s mandatory standards.

2. Photo booths

You can find photo booths in shopping malls. It is very likely to find Photo-Me booths in most UK shopping centers. Also, you can get a standard passport photo from Max Spielmann, a photo booth company. In addition, you can get it from a local Tesco store, one of Max Spielmann’s partners. They also offer one of the best passport photo services in the UK.

How to find a passport photo booth near you?

There are numerous places to find a photo booth, and it’s quite easy to locate one in the UK. What makes passport photo booth machines unique is that they are usually located near railways, metro stations, or supermarkets. It is convenient because it’s easier to get your passport photo while going through your daily routine.

Location of passport photo booth in the UK:

Shopping malls
Timpson stores
Photo-me photo booth machines
Sainsbury’s phone center
Railway/metro stations

3. Passport photo shops

Passport photo shops are available very close to your street in the UK. Some of the most popular passport photo shops you can access in the largest city centers in the UK include Snappy Snaps, Timpson, Jessops, ASDA Photos, and Mayfair Fotos.

4. Post Offices

Post Offices are a convenient and affordable option for getting passport photos taken. They have photo booths in most branches, and you can book an appointment online or by phone.

Where to take a passport photo near me in the UK?

In the UK, you can get passport photos near you at pharmacies like Boots, some Post Offices, local photography studios, and print and copy shops. Alternatively, consider online services like Smartphone iD for convenience. Ensure your photos meet official requirements before applying.

How to get a digital passport photo?

You can get a digital photo either:

1. Smartphone-iD

You can also make use of the Smartphone iD app to take your digital passport photo. You just have to follow simple steps to get your passport photo. With the Smartphone iD app, you get photo validation by experts and delivery in digital format for a very low price on the market.

2. From a photo booth or shop

Before applying for your passport, a lot of shops offer photo services where you can get your digital passport photo taken. You can also access photo booths easily. They are found in train stations, shopping centers, and supermarkets, among others.

Where to print passport photos in the UK?

Print passport photo at Boots?

The answer is yes, Boots offers different photo services, including printing digital passport photos. You can either get your Boots passport photograph produced in the store, or you can make a general passport photo template at home using Smartphone iD and take it to your nearest shop to have it printed in passport size. You can also make use of the Smartphone iD app to get your passport photos printed professionally at a very low price.

Which Services Provide Baby Passport Photos in The UK?

Smartphone iD offers a convenient and professional solution for capturing the perfect images for your child’s passport application. Get approved baby passport photos from home with our app. We guarantee government approval or you’ll get a full refund. Our app saves you time, money, and hassle with your baby passport photos.
While several services provide baby passport photos in the UK, such as photo studios, photo shops like ASDA, Timpson, Post Offices, and photo booths like Max Spielmann, getting your baby to pose for a photo in these settings can be challenging.

How to take a passport photo with your phone?

If you don’t want to face the bustle of the UK Cities to get a UK Passport photo today, try out our app Smartphone iD Passport Photo Maker, available on Apple or Google Play Store. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes.

Here’s the step to take a UK passport photo with the app:

Follow these 6 steps to successfully take certified Passport photos now:

1. Use our Smartphone iD

3. Select which country you want to produce a photo for, the UK in this case

4. Select which document type you want the photo for (Passport, driving license, visa, etc.)

5. Receive photos digitally via email, as soon as our AI and experts approve them

Some tips will help you take your passport photos with your phone

Stand one meter from the wall to avoid the shadow.
Hold your arm straight at the level of your shoulders.
Use Smartpone iD app to fit your body within the lines for a valid face size.
Your back camera can produce a higher-quality picture.

Remember, if your iD photos are not accepted, the process of getting a passport or any other official document will be prolonged. So let our team make sure that your photo conforms with the national and ICAO standards, and spare yourself the unease about a possible refusal!

Summary

It is of great importance to get an appropriate passport photo for your official documents in the UK. Knowing the right places will give you less stress, and you will have the chance to choose whichever way suits you best to get your passport photos taken. However, if you are the type that wants to take your passport photo from the comfort of your home, you can use the Smartphone iD app. Smartphone iD is designed to collect all the features that you need (expert check + 24/7 support + low price). All you need to do is use the app and let it do the rest.

FAQ

Can I take a passport photo on my phone?

Yes, you can use your phone to take your passport photo. However, be sure to:

Use Smartphone iD to take your passport photo
Ensure proper lighting and a plain white background.
Have someone else take the photo for you (selfies are not allowed).
Check the photo against the official requirements using our passport photo validator to ensure it meets all the specifications.

How to convert a photo to a passport size?

To convert a photo to passport size, you need to use a passport photo size converter tool like the Smartphone iD app. All you need to do is upload your image to the app and wait a few seconds, so you can download your image in the right size.

Can you get a passport photo at the post office UK?

Yes, the Post Office can take your photo and help you fill in your application online. The files you need to take along depend on the type of application you are making.

How much are passport photos at Tesco UK?

The regular cost of a passport photo at Tesco is £6, but If you use their photo template, the price drops to 55p.

Has ASDA got a passport photo Booth?

Yes, there are in-store photo booths that can help you take your passport photo in ASDA branches.

Do Boots do passport photos?

The answer is yes. The only but is that you need to look for a plain white background where you can take your passport photos.

Does Sainsbury’s have a passport photo booth?

One of the many services Sainsbury’s offers in its stores is a photo booth that offers passport photos, id photos, and photo printing.

How much are passport photos at Timpsons UK?

You can get six quality photos for €9.99 at Timpson passport photos.

Does Tesco have a digital photo Booth?

Yes, you can get a digital passport photo from all of their photo Booths.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports/photo-requirements

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7e2f0140f0b62302689b37/Photoguidance_v7.pdf