How to take a digital passport photo

Photos for adults

• Use a plain light-coloured background
• no texture or patterns
• no objects behind you
• Even lighting and no shadows
• balanced light - no shadows on your face or behind you
• it’s best to use natural sunlight, for example facing a window
• Stand in the right position

stand 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) away from your background (this reduces shadow) the person taking the photo should stand 1.5 metres (5 feet) from you include your head, shoulders and upper body in the photo don’t crop your photo - it will be done for you

• Plain expression and face in full view
• face front on to the camera
• don’t smile or frown - eyes open and mouth closed
• your photo should be a good likeness and taken in the last month
• No headwear unless it’s for religious or medical reasons
• Eyes fully visible
• hair away from your face and eyes

Family details

We need to ask for parents’ details to help confirm your identity.

If you can’t provide these details, you’ll need to tell us why and it may delay your application.

In most cases we won’t contact your family - if we do, we’ll ask your permission first. Their details won’t appear on the new passport.

Select ’Me’ if you’re helping an adult to apply, for example:

• They are your child, and they are 16 or over
• They are not confident doing things online