requirements · verified

UK Passport Photo Requirements

A UK digital passport photo needs a plain light-coloured background, balanced lighting, a clear front-facing likeness and the quality specified by HM Passport Office. The current applicant-facing rules state that the photo must be unedited. Use the live GOV.UK instructions for the final decision because digital and paper application requirements are presented separately.

Country	Document	Size	Background	Verification	Checked

Rules explained

The applicant-facing GOV.UK page controls this record. Examiner guidance should not be used to promise acceptance.

Common mistakes

Editing the photo, visible shadows, objects behind the applicant and poor focus.

Steps

Capture against a plain light background.
Keep the image unedited.
Review lighting and focus.
Upload through the official application flow.

FAQ

Does this page guarantee acceptance?

No. The issuing authority makes the final decision.

How are updates handled?

Rules are changed only after an official source is checked and recorded.

Official sources

GOV.UK rules for digital passport photos — verified, checked 2026-08-04

Last reviewed 2026-08-04 by IDPhotoTool Editorial. Status: verified.