As natural as it may be to flash a grin no sooner than a camera is pointed at your face, in passport photos smiling is forbidden. Instead, the rules state that your expression should remain neutral with your mouth shut. However, this rule does not apply to children beneath the age of 6 who are permitted to show facial expression.
Digital Passport Photo Rules
With Her Majesty’s Passport Office clearing the way for online applications, many people are using apps to take passport photos at home. Whenever you apply for a new passport, you will need a new passport photo.
Smartphone iD can be used to assist in capturing your best look in accordance with government regulations. There are actually several rules to consider, all of which are good to know if you’re taking your passport picture DIY-style.
If your photo does not comply with the rules, the application process will be delayed.
Please note that you do not have to take your digital photo at home, and there are IDCP compliant photographers around the country that can assist citizens with the process. Furthermore there are several support structures available to disabled citizens on request. That being said, here are some things to keep in mind if you are taking the picture yourself.
UK Digital Photo Size Requirements
- 10MB – 50KB
- In focus and sharp
- 600 pixels in width x 750 pixels in height
- Not digitally manipulated in any way by computer software
Biometric Photo Standards for the UK
- Face the camera head on with eyes open (no redeye)
- Feature the face, shoulders and upper torso
- Clearly contrast a plain, light background
- Have no other people or objects in it
- Be uncropped (it will be cropped later)
- Show a neutral expression with the mouth shut
- Only include a head covering for medical/religious reasons
- Not have any shadows on the face or in the background
- Only include glasses if necessary (so long as they are not shaded, and there is no glare caused by reflections)
Special Photo Rules for Babies and Children
- Babies beneath the age of one should be placed on a plain fabric of a light colour. The photo can be taken from above and the eyes do not have to be open. You may support the baby’s head with a hand but the hand cannot be seen in the photograph. No toys or dummies permitted!
- Children beneath the age of 6 are not required to look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
