Passport photos
The standards for passport
photos
The photographs must be:
identical;
recent (taken within the last month);
45 millimetres (mm) high x 35 millimetres (mm) wide (please
do not trim your photographs to meet this condition);
taken against an off-white, cream or light
grey plain background so that your features are clearly distinguishable
against the background;
printed on low-gloss, plain white photo-quality paper (with
no watermarks, embossing or printing on the back);
undamaged, for example, by creases from
paperclips;
of you on your own (no toys, dummies or
other people visible);
a close-up of your head and shoulders so
that your head, from the bottom of your chin to your crown
is between 29mm and 34mm high; and
clear of writing on the front and back.
The photographs must also:
be in sharp focus and clear;
have a strong definition between the face and background;
and
be printed professionally. Photographs printed at home are
not likely to be of an acceptable quality.
The photographs must show:
no shadows;
you facing forwards, looking straight towards
the camera;
a neutral expression, with your mouth closed;
your eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or heavily
tinted glasses, and no hair across your eyes);
no reflection or glare on your glasses, and
the frames should not cover your eyes (you may find it easier
to remove your glasses);
your full head, without any head covering,
unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons; and
nothing covering your face. Please make
sure nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose or mouth.
Please see the links below for more detailed information:
Full guidelines
are available for members of the public by clicking here (pdf,
301kb, new window)
Download
our guide for professional photographers as a pdf, (pdf, 61kb, new window)
Back to previous page
This link requires Javascript - please use your browser toolbar to return
to the previous page
