Your digital photo
Prepared by our team
What is a UK passport photo code?
A UK passport photo code is a unique code that links your digital passport photo to your online passport application. Instead of uploading a file yourself, you enter the code on GOV.UK and your photo is added automatically. We email you your photo code and your digital photo, ready for your application.
PHOTO CODE
AB12/cd/e3f4g5
Your photo code
Emailed to you
Photo added
automatically
You enter the code on GOV.UK and your photo is added to your application.
How to Take Your Photo (It’s Easy)
- Use your phone, at home, with any background
- Look straight at the camera with your shoulders in the picture
- Ask someone to take it for you if you can
- Upload it. We take care of the rest
Use your phone
At home, with any
background
Face the camera
Keep your shoulders
in the picture
Ask someone
to take it for you
if you can
Upload it
We take care of
the rest
That is all you need to do.
Any photo. Any background.
Just take it on your phone. We do the rest.
Every Photo Checked by a Real Person
A real person looks at every photo, fixes what needs fixing and checks it against the GOV.UK rules before you get your code. If something can’t be fixed, we’ll tell you and help you send a better photo.
Every photo checked by a real person
We fix what needs fixing and check it
against the GOV.UK digital photo rules.
Checked against GOV.UK rulesFree redo if not accepted
If something can’t be fixed, we’ll help you send a better photo.
London’s Trusted Professional Passport Photo Studio
100% Guaranteed Compliance
Located in the heart of London, our studio specialises in quick, high-quality passport and visa photos. We meticulously review every detail—lighting, background, biometrics, size, and facial expression—to match official HM Passport Office and international embassy rules. Walk out with government-approved photos in minutes, stress-free.
Your photo, done right or your money back
100%REFUND
Money-back guarantee
If HM Passport Office rejects your photo, we refund your fee in full.
Checked by a real person
Our team reviews every photo against the UK rules. Not AI.
10K+photos prepared for our customers
1 hourto get your photo code by email
100%refund if your photo is rejected
UK Passport Photo Code Online: Get Your Digital Passport Photo from Home
Applying for a UK passport online? You will need a digital passport photo, and the simplest way to get one that works is a UK passport photo code. At Passport Photo Digital, you upload a photo taken on your phone, our team prepares it to meet UK passport photo requirements, and we email you your digital passport photo and photo code. When the GOV.UK passport application asks for your photo, you enter the code and your photo is added to your application automatically. There is no photo booth to find, no queue to stand in and nothing to print. Whether you are renewing an adult passport, applying for a first UK passport, replacing a lost passport or photographing a baby, you can get your passport photo online from home in a few minutes. Below, we explain how a passport photo code works, what the official GOV.UK photo rules say, how to take a good photo on your phone, and how to avoid delays to your application.
What Is a UK Passport Photo Code?
For more detail, read our guide to getting a photo code for a UK passport.
A UK passport photo code is a unique code that links a digital passport photo to your online passport application. Instead of uploading a picture file yourself and hoping it passes the checks, you enter the code during your application and the photo is retrieved and added for you. GOV.UK describes this option for people who get their photo from a photo booth or shop. Before you start your application, you get a digital passport photo and choose the option to receive a code with your photos. Then, when you are asked to enter the photo code during your passport application, your digital photo is added to the application. A photo code from an online service like ours works in the same way: you receive the code by email, enter it in your application and carry on. People search for this service in many ways, including "passport photo code", "digital passport photo code", "UK passport photo online" and "passport photo with code". They all mean the same thing: a digital passport photo you can use straight away in the official online application, without attaching a file yourself.
Do You Need a Digital Passport Photo to Apply Online?
Yes. According to GOV.UK, you need a digital photo to apply for a passport online. You can get a digital photo in one of two ways: from a photo booth or shop before you apply, or by taking one on your own device during your passport application. If you take the photo on your own device during the application, you will need someone to help you. GOV.UK also points out an important difference between the two routes: photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using your own device. That is the main reason people choose a passport photo code. The photo is prepared and checked before you start your application, so you are not trying to take a perfect picture while the application form is open in front of you. There are three more points from GOV.UK to know before you begin:
- You must get a new photo every time 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.
That last point matters most. A rejected photo does not just mean a retake; it can hold up your whole application. Getting the photo right the first time is the quickest way to move forward with your passport.
How to Get Your UK Passport Photo Code Online in 4 Steps
Getting your photo code from Passport Photo Digital takes only a few minutes. You do not need to install an app, and it works on a phone, tablet or computer.
Step 1: Take a photo with your phone
Stand facing a plain, light-coloured wall in even light, with your shoulders visible and a neutral expression. Ask a friend or family member to take the photo from a short distance, at eye level. Avoid a selfie held at arm's length, because it can distort your face. Do not upload a scan or a photo of a printed photo.
Step 2: Upload it and choose your delivery option
Upload your photo on this page, enter your name and email address, and choose what you need: a digital photo and photo code by email, or a digital photo, photo code and six printed copies delivered to a UK address. Tick the box to confirm that the photo is a recent picture of the person applying.
Step 3: We prepare and check your photo
Our team reviews your photo and prepares it for your application. We resize and crop it to the correct dimensions and check it against the UK passport photo requirements. Every photo is handled by a real person, not generated by AI. If your photo cannot meet the rules, for example because your eyes are closed or your face is in shadow, we will tell you what to change so you can upload a better one.
Step 4: Enter your code on GOV.UK
We email you your photo code and your digital passport photo. Start or continue your application on the official GOV.UK passport application website and, when you are asked for your photo, choose the photo code option and enter your code. Your photo is added to your application automatically and you can carry on with the rest of the form.
We email you your photo code and your digital passport photo. Start or continue your application on the official GOV.UK passport application website and, when you are asked for your photo, choose the photo code option and enter your code. Your photo is added to your application automatically and you can carry on with the rest of the form.
UK Passport Photo Requirements: The Official GOV.UK Rules
The rules below come from the official GOV.UK guidance on digital passport photos. Our job is to help your photo meet them, but it helps to understand what is being checked.
The rules below come from the official GOV.UK guidance on digital passport photos. Our job is to help your photo meet them, but it helps to understand what is being checked.
Photo quality
According to GOV.UK, your digital 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
Because a passport photo must not be altered by computer software, we do not use filters, retouching or beauty effects. Your face is never changed. Please do not apply filters, beauty modes or portrait effects on your phone before you upload.
What your passport 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" 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 is for religious or medical reasons
- not have anything covering your face
- not have any shadows on your face or behind you
If you use a photo taken on your own device, GOV.UK says to include your head, shoulders and upper body and not to crop the photo yourself, because it will be done for you.
Glasses in a passport photo
Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must make sure your eyes are not covered by the frames or by any glare, reflection or shadow. For most people the simplest solution is to take glasses off for the photo.
How to Take a Passport Photo on Your Phone: Tips That Prevent Rejection
A good phone photo makes the biggest difference to whether your digital passport photo passes. Use these tips before you upload:
- Use natural, even light. Stand facing a window during the day so light falls evenly across your face. Avoid strong sunlight from one side, and avoid overhead lights that cast shadows under your eyes or nose.
- Use a plain, light wall. Stand a short distance in front of it so you do not cast a shadow behind you. Make sure there are no pictures, furniture or other people in the frame.
- Keep the phone at eye level. Hold the camera straight, not tilted, and ask someone else to take the photo.
- Look straight at the camera. Keep your head upright and facing forwards, with your eyes open and visible.
- Keep a neutral expression. Close your mouth, do not smile and do not raise your eyebrows.
- Move hair away from your face. Your forehead, eyebrows and eyes should be clearly visible, with no hair in front of your eyes.
- Remove glasses, hats and anything covering your face. The exception is a head covering worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Show your head, shoulders and upper body. Leave space around your head and do not crop the picture yourself.
- Switch off filters and beauty modes. Your photo must be unaltered by computer software.
- Use the rear camera if you can. It usually gives a sharper image than a front-facing camera.
Take several photos and upload the best one. If you are not happy with the photo you choose, you can reset the upload and try again before you pay.
Baby and Children's Passport Photos
See our guide on taking a baby passport photo at home.
Children's passport photos have a few special rules, and babies can be the hardest people of all to photograph. GOV.UK sets out the following:
- 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.
- Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet, and the photo should be taken from above.
Baby passport photos
Lay your baby on a plain light sheet and photograph from above
- 1Plain, light-coloured sheetUnder your baby, no creases
- 2Photo taken from aboveHold the camera over your baby
- 3No toys or dummiesYour baby on their own in the picture
- 4Your hand must not showIf you support their head
Babies under one do not need to have their eyes open.
To photograph a baby, choose a time when your baby is calm and alert, such as after a feed or a nap. Lay a plain white or cream sheet on a flat surface, place your baby on their back and take the photo from above. Check that no toys, dummies, hands or creases in the sheet appear in the frame. Daylight works better than flash. Take plenty of photos and upload the clearest. For toddlers and older children, sit them in front of a plain, light-coloured background, make sure no parent or other person is visible, and take the photo when they are relaxed. We prepare photos for newborns, babies, toddlers, children and adults, so the whole family can use one service. If a child's photo needs a retake, we will explain why so you know exactly what to change.
Why Use a Passport Photo Code Instead of Uploading a Photo Yourself?
You can take a photo during your application, but there are good reasons to get a photo code first.
- A better chance of approval. GOV.UK says photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than photos taken on your own device. Our service prepares and checks your photo before you start the application.
- Less pressure. You are not trying to take a perfect photo and complete a long application at the same time.
- Checked by a real person. Your photo is reviewed against the UK passport photo requirements by a person, not leZ to an automated tool.
- Free redo. If your photo is not accepted, we will redo it free of charge.
- Fast and convenient. No travel, no queues and no photo booth. Everything is done from your phone or computer.
- Two things in one. You receive both a digital passport photo and a photo code, so you have what you need for your online application.
Digital Photo, Photo Code or Printed Photos: Which Do You Need?
If you are applying for your passport online, you need a digital photo, and the easiest way to submit it is with a photo code. Our standard option gives you a digital passport photo and a photo code by email. If you also want printed passport photos, for example as a backup, you can choose the option with six printed copies delivered to a UK address. GOV.UK explains the printed passport photo rules separately. Not sure which to choose? If you are applying online, choose the digital option with a photo code. You can also message us on WhatsApp before you pay and we will help you decide.
If you are applying for your passport online, you need a digital photo, and the easiest way to submit it is with a photo code. Our standard option gives you a digital passport photo and a photo code by email. If you also want printed passport photos, for example as a backup, you can choose the option with six printed copies delivered to a UK address. GOV.UK explains the printed passport photo rules separately. Not sure which to choose? If you are applying online, choose the digital option with a photo code. You can also message us on WhatsApp before you pay and we will help you decide.
Common Reasons Passport Photos Are Rejected and How to Avoid Them
Read what to do if your UK passport photo is rejected for further guidance.
Most passport photo problems are small and easy to avoid. The most common issues include:
- Shadows on the face or behind you. Stand away from the wall and use soZ, even light.
- Not looking straight at the camera. Keep your head upright and look directly at the lens.
- Smiling or an open mouth. Keep a plain expression with your mouth closed.
- Glare or reflections on glasses. Take your glasses off if you can.
- Hair covering your eyes or face. Move your hair back so your eyes and face are clear.
- The wrong background. Use a plain, light-coloured background with clear contrast between you and the wall.
- An old photo. Your photo must have been taken in the last month.
- A blurry or small image. Your photo must be clear and in focus, at least 600 by 750 pixels, and between 50KB and 10MB.
- Filters and editing apps. Your photo must be unaltered by computer software, so switch off beauty modes and filters.
We check these points before we send you your photo code, so you can continue your application with more confidence.
Renewing a UK Passport: Do You Need a New Photo?
Yes. GOV.UK says you must get a new photo whenever you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed. Because the photo must also have been taken in the last month, an older photo cannot be reused. This applies whether you are renewing an adult passport, applying for a first passport, applying for a child's passport or replacing a passport. If you are applying online, a photo code from Passport Photo Digital gives you a fresh, correctly prepared digital passport photo for your application.
Help for Disabled Applicants and Special Circumstances
GOV.UK explains how to get help with passport photos if you are disabled. If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, the rules allow it, but your face must not be covered and your eyes must be visible. If you are unsure whether your situation affects your photo, email us at info@passportphotodigital.com or message us on WhatsApp and we will point you in the right direction.
GOV.UK explains how to get help with passport photos if you are disabled. If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, the rules allow it, but your face must not be covered and your eyes must be visible. If you are unsure whether your situation affects your photo, email us at info@passportphotodigital.com or message us on WhatsApp and we will point you in the right direction.
Passport Photo Service in London, Middlesex and Across the UK
Passport Photo Digital is based at 756F Bath Road, Cranford, Middlesex TW5 9TY, close to Heathrow, Hayes, Hounslow and West London. Most customers use our service online from anywhere in the UK, so you can get your UK passport photo code without leaving home. If you need printed copies, the printed option is delivered to your UK address. If you are a British citizen living overseas, we also provide UK passport photo codes for customers in Australia and the USA. Visit our dedicated pages for those countries, and check GOV.UK for how to apply from abroad.
Digital passport photo: the basics
at least 750 px tall
at least 600 px wide
- At least 600 × 750 pxWidth × height
- 50KB to 10MBFile size
- In colour and in focusNo filters or beauty modes
- Plain, light backgroundClear contrast with you
- Head, shoulders, upper bodyDo not crop it yourself
Based on GOV.UK digital photo rules
Your Photo and Your Privacy
Your passport photo is personal. We use your photo and details only to prepare your passport photo and photo code and to contact you about your order. If you have any questions about how your information is handled, email us at info@passportphotodigital.com before you order.
UK Passport Photo Code: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UK passport photo code?
A UK passport photo code is a unique code that links your digital passport photo to your online passport application. You enter it when GOV.UK asks for your photo, and your photo is added to the application automatically.
How do I use my passport photo code?
Start or continue your application at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. When you reach the photo section, choose the option to enter a photo code, type in the code we email you and continue with your application.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone?
Yes. A phone photo is fine as long as it is clear, in focus, in colour and taken against a plain light-coloured background. Use our online passport photo service to upload it and we will prepare it for your application.
How recent must my passport photo be?
GOV.UK says your photo must have been taken in the last month. You must also get a new photo whenever you get a new passport, even if you look the same.
Do I need a new photo for a passport renewal?
Yes. A new photo is needed every time you get a new passport, including renewals.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
No. GOV.UK requires a plain expression with your mouth closed. Children under 6 do not have to have a plain expression or look directly at the camera.
Can I wear glasses?
You should not wear glasses unless you have to. If you must, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by any glare, reflection or shadow.
What size is a digital passport photo?
GOV.UK says a digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, and between 50KB and 10MB. We resize and prepare your photo for you.
Can you provide a passport photo code for a baby?
Yes. We prepare photos for babies, toddlers and children as well as adults. Babies should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet and be photographed from above, with no toys, dummies or visible hands.
What if my photo is rejected?
If your photo is not accepted, we will redo it free of charge. Contact us by WhatsApp or email and we will sort it out.
Can I get printed passport photos as well?
Yes. Choose the option with six printed copies delivered to a UK address.
Do you use AI to edit passport photos?
No. Your photo is reviewed and prepared by a real person. We do not use filters or retouching, and your face is never changed.
Is Passport Photo Digital part of GOV.UK or HM Passport Office?
No. We are an independent photo service. You apply for your passport on the official GOV.UK website, and we help you prepare your photo and photo code.
Get Your UK Passport Photo Code Today
Do not let a photo hold up your passport application. Upload your photo above, choose the option you need and pay securely by card or PayPal. We will prepare your digital passport photo, email you your photo code and help you get your application moving, with a free redo if your photo is not accepted. Have a question first? Message us on WhatsApp or email info@passportphotodigital.com and we will be happy to help. Passport Photo Digital is an independent photo service and is not affiliated with HM Passport Office or GOV.UK. Passport photo rules are taken from GOV.UK guidance and may change, so always check the latest rules at gov.uk/ photos-for-passports.