When do I need a countersignature for a UK passport photo?

A countersignature is required if you are applying for your first adult passport, applying for a child under 16, or your appearance has changed significantly since your last passport. The countersignatory must be a British citizen who has known you for at least 2 years.

UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — 1-Month Rule, Size & HMPO Specs

Q: What is a photo code for UK passport renewal?

A short alphanumeric code provided by certified UK photo services (Timpson, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielmann) that you enter on the passport renewal portal instead of uploading a file. The studio transmits your photo directly to HMPO.

Q: What are the digital photo requirements for UK online passport renewal?

JPEG only. Minimum 600×750 pixels. File size 50 KB to 10 MB. Light grey or cream background. Taken within the last month. No filters or editing. Must be an original digital file — not a scan of a printed photo.

Q: What size is a UK passport photo?

35 mm wide by 45 mm tall for printed photos. For digital online applications: minimum 600×750 pixels, JPEG format, 50 KB to 10 MB.

Critical: 1-month recency rule. UK passport photos must be taken within the last month — not 6 months like most countries. This was tightened in September 2025 (HMPO Photo Standards v47). If your photo is 5 weeks old, it will be rejected. Always take a fresh photo within a few days of applying.

Quick Reference

	Printed (paper application)	Digital (online)
Size	35×45 mm	Min 600×750 pixels
File format	—	JPEG only
File size	—	50 KB – 10 MB
Background	Light grey or cream	Light grey or cream
Head height	29–34 mm	Same
Recency	Within 1 month	Within 1 month
Glasses	Not permitted	Not permitted
Photos required	2 identical	1 upload

Full Photo Specifications

HMPO Official Specs

Photo size	35 mm × 45 mm (width × height)
Head height (chin to crown)	29–34 mm
Background	Plain light grey or cream — NOT white
Expression	Neutral — no smile, no frown, mouth closed
Eyes	Both open, clearly visible, looking at camera
Head position	Straight, no tilt
Hair	Must not cover any part of the face
Glasses	Not permitted (ban since November 2022)
Head coverings	Religious/medical only — full face visible
Makeup	Everyday makeup OK; theatrical not permitted
Retouching	Not permitted — filters, beauty mode detected
Recency	Within the last 1 month

Background: light grey or cream — not white. This is the most common mistake from applicants who have had photos taken for US, Indian, or Canadian applications (all of which use white backgrounds). HMPO explicitly requires light grey or cream. Photos with white backgrounds are rejected.

Digital Photo for Online Renewal

The UK passport online renewal portal (passport.service.gov.uk) requires a digital JPEG upload. Specific digital rules:

Format	JPEG only — no PNG, HEIC, or other formats
Minimum dimensions	600 × 750 pixels
File size	50 KB to 10 MB
Must be	Original digital file — not a scanned print
Editing	No filters, retouching, beauty mode, or alterations
Recency	Within the last month

The portal has an automated photo checker, but passing the checker does not guarantee acceptance by HMPO. Manual review happens after submission. Roughly 1 in 5 online applications face delays due to photo problems.

Where to Get Passport Photos in the UK

Option	Price	Notes
Post Office	£13.50	Most reliable; compliant equipment; UK-specific settings
Timpson	~£8–10	Widespread; good quality; offers photo code for online renewal
Snappy Snaps	~£10–14	Professional quality; photo code available
Max Spielmann	~£9–12	Good value; photo code available
Tesco / Morrisons kiosk	~£5–7	Self-service; variable quality
PixID + Tesco print	~£5 total	✓ Digital file + print at Tesco Photo for ~£0.15

For the cheapest compliant option: create your photo at PixID ($4.99 ≈ £4), download the JPEG, upload to Tesco Photos (tesco.com/photos) and print as a standard 6×4 print (~£0.15). Cut to 35×45 mm. Total: ~£4.15. HMPO compliant.

Photo Code — What It Is and Why It Matters

Many UK photo services (Timpson, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielmann) offer a photo code — a short alphanumeric code you enter on the passport online renewal portal instead of uploading a file. The studio transmits the photo directly to HMPO's system.

PixID does not generate photo codes. For paper applications and for online applications where you upload your own file, PixID's JPEG meets all HMPO technical requirements. If you specifically need a photo code for online renewal, use Timpson or another certified provider.

Child and Baby Passport Photos

Same 35×45 mm size and light grey/cream background. Additional rules:

Under 1 year: eyes do not need to be open; mouth can be slightly open
Under 5 years: does not need to look directly at camera or hold strict neutral expression
No other person visible — no hands, arms, toys, or dummies
Photograph infants lying on a plain light grey or cream sheet to avoid shadows

Countersignature — When You Need One

A countersignature is required if:

You are applying for your first adult passport
You are applying for a child under 16
Your appearance has changed significantly since your last passport

The countersignatory must be a British citizen who has known you (or the child) for at least 2 years and can confirm your identity. They sign the back of one of the two printed photos.

Common Rejection Reasons

According to HMPO data, roughly 1 in 5 online passport applications face delays due to photo problems.

Photo too old

Taken more than 1 month before submission — most common reason.

Background wrong

White instead of light grey or cream.

Glasses

Not permitted since November 2022.

Non-neutral expression

Even a subtle smile causes rejection.

Head size wrong

Outside 29–34 mm chin-to-crown range.

Hair covering face

Fringes must be pinned back.

Shadows on face or background

From poor lighting setup.

Digital editing detected

Filters, smoothing, beauty mode.

Scanned print submitted

Must be an original digital file for online.

Get Your UK Passport Photo — $4.99

Light grey background · 35×45 mm · HMPO compliant JPEG · 100% money-back if rejected

Create UK Passport Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

How recent must a UK passport photo be?

Taken within the last month. This is the strictest recency rule globally — most other countries allow 6 months. Photos taken more than 4 weeks before submission will be rejected.

What colour background does a UK passport photo need?

Plain light grey or cream — not white. This is the most common mistake for applicants from the US, India, or Canada (which use white backgrounds). HMPO explicitly requires grey or cream.

Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?

No. HMPO banned glasses in November 2022. The only exception is documented medical necessity with a doctor's written confirmation. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited.

What is a photo code for UK passport renewal?

A short code from certified UK photo services (Timpson, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielmann) that you enter on the passport renewal portal. The studio transmits your photo directly to HMPO. PixID does not generate photo codes.

Can I use PixID for UK passport renewal?

Yes — for paper applications and for online applications where you upload your own file. PixID generates a JPEG meeting HMPO digital specifications. For photo code generation, use Timpson or another certified UK provider.

What are the digital photo requirements for UK online renewal?

JPEG only. Minimum 600×750 pixels. 50 KB to 10 MB. Light grey or cream background. Taken within the last month. No filters or editing. Original digital file — not a scanned print.

Can I wear a hijab in a UK passport photo?

Yes. Religious head coverings are permitted. Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead, with no shadows on the face from the covering.

When do I need a countersignature?

For your first adult passport, for a child under 16, or if your appearance has changed significantly. The countersignatory must be a British citizen who has known you for at least 2 years.

What size is a UK passport photo?

35 mm wide × 45 mm tall for printed photos. For digital online: minimum 600×750 pixels, JPEG, 50 KB to 10 MB.