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
Passport Photo For Official Use with Smartphone iD – What you will 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 an ePhoto code
In addition to the option of six photos, our application also offers a photo template with four official images, associated with a unique ePhoto code. You can create a photo for your driver’s license with an ePhoto 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
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). In general these are the rules, but you can read more in detail about the format here.
- 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 10MB.
Below you will find the main mandatory standards for passport photo in all countries to be able to travel. Take not that your passport photo must be less than 6 months old when submitting and resemble you the best way possible.
1. 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 be high contrast, with no shadow on the face or in the background. A color photo is required.
2. PHOTO QUALITY
The photo must be of high quality (clear, without traces or folding 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.
3. What color should be the background of UK passport photo?
The background should be in plain color. The HM Passport Office only allows light grey backgrounds.
4. Are you allowed to cover your hair in 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 on 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 little make-up is allowed because it can affect computerized as well as human facial recognition capabilities.
5. EYE DIRECTION AND HEAD POSITION
The subject must face the lens, hold head straight and look directly into the lens. A neutral expression must be maintained with closed mouth. There should be no hair in front of the eyes.
6. FACE AND EYES
Face must be clear. Eyes must be open. The aim is to recognize you as much as possible.
7. GLASSES
Thick frames are prohibited on an id photo. Glasses must not obscure the eyes, therefore tinted glasses are prohibited. Note that there should be also no reflection on the glasses. Due to high number of refused photos, we kindly ask you to remove glasses when taking your photo with the Smartphone iD app.
8. BODY
Wearing clothes is mandatory and it 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 download the app on your phone, take a picture with your rearview camera, and you will get your passport 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 get 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 amazing 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 photoshops
Passport photo shops are available very close to your streets 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 offer different photo services including printing digital passport photos. You can either get your boot passport photograph produced in the store or you can make a general passport photo template at home-based using smartphone iD and take it to your waders shop to take it produced in postage stamp dimension.
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, Thompson, 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’.
Here’s the step to take the UK passport with the app:
Follow these 6 steps to successfully take certified Passport photos now:
1. Download ‘Smartphone iD’ on compatible phones, available on iOS and Android
2. Take a photo using the app, ‘Smartphone iD’ will guide you through the process
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 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 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 + 7/24 support low price) All you need to do is download the app and let it do the reset.
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.
