You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.

You need either printed or digital photos if you're applying online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

The size of your printed photos

You need to provide 2 identical photos.

They 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 printed photos

Your photos must be:

• printed to a professional standard
• clear and in focus
• in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• without any creases or tears
• unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
• unaltered by computer software

What your printed photos must show

Your photos must:

• be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
• contain no other objects or people
• be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
• be in clear contrast to the background
• not have 'red eye'

In your photo, you must:

• be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
• have a plain expression and your mouth closed
• have your eyes open and visible
• 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 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 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

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

Good and bad examples of printed photos

Posting your photos

When sending your application, your photos must be:

• separated from each other
• left loose and not attached to your application form

You need either digital or printed photos if you're applying for a passport online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

How to get a digital photo

To apply for a passport online with a digital photo, you can:

• take a photo during your application - you'll need someone to help you and a device that takes digital photos
• go to a photo shop before you apply and get a digital photo (some shops can also give you a code to add the photo to your application)
• use a photo booth before you apply and get a code to add the photo to your application (not all photo booths offer this service)

Rules for digital photos

The quality of your digital photo

Your photo must be:

• clear and in focus
• in colour
• unaltered by computer software
• at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
• at least 50KB and no more than 10MB

What your digital photo must show

The digital photo must:

• contain no other objects or people
• be taken against a plain light-coloured background
• be in clear contrast to the background
• not have 'red eye'

If you're using a photo taken during your application, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you.

In your photo you must:

• be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
• have a plain expression and your mouth closed
• have your eyes open and visible
• 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 shadows on your face or behind you

Good and bad examples of digital photos