Standards for passport photos

The photographs must be:

• Recent — taken within the last month.
• 44 millimetres high x 35 millimetres wide.
• Taken against an off-white, cream or light grey plain background so that your features are clearly distinguishable.
• 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 32mm and 36mm high.

The photographs must also:

• Be in sharp focus and clear
• Have a strong definition between the face and background.
• 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.
• Nothing covering your face. Please make sure nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose or mouth.