🇬🇧 UK Passport Guide · Last verified: February 2026
How to Take a UK Passport Photo at Home 2026
HMPO accepts self-taken photos for online applications when specs are met. Official reference: gov.uk — photos for passports.
Written by the pixid.studio team · February 2026 · Global standards: ICAO Doc 9303.
UK-specific rules
- Background: light grey or cream — not white (common mistake after US/EU guides).
- Recency: within 1 month of applying — stricter than many countries.
- No glasses (since Nov 2022).
- No portrait / beauty / AI blur — use flat Photo mode.
Step-by-step
- Use a plain light grey wall, sheet, or foam board.
- Face a large window for even light; avoid harsh shadow on the wall.
- Someone else holds the phone at eye level — not a selfie.
- Neutral expression, eyes open, hair off eyebrows, dark clothing vs grey.
- Take many shots; pick the best, then crop/check in PixID (UK → Passport).
UK vs US (home)
| UK | US | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Light grey or cream | White / off-white |
| Recency | 1 month | 6 months |
| Photo code | Optional (retail) | N/A |
Printing for post
Order a professional 6×4 print from a photo service; cut to 35×45 mm — see full UK specs.
HMPO-style JPEG from your home shot
Get My Photo — $4.99Frequently asked questions
Do I need a photo code?
No if you upload your own JPEG. Codes are optional from high-street providers.
White wall OK?
HMPO wants grey/cream for passport — use grey or let PixID replace background where appropriate.
Can I use portrait mode?
No — risk of rejection for digital manipulation.