How to take a digital passport photo at home

Use this guidance to take a digital photo that meets the passport and civil aviation photo rules, using an iPhone or any other smartphone, a digital camera, or a tablet. 

The device must be able to take pictures in high resolution. Ask someone to take a photo of you. 

Photos for adults

Your photo must be:

  • in full colour
  • clear and good quality
  • unaltered by computer software
  • a jpg or jpeg file
  • at least 100KB and no more than 10MB
  • Your photo must have been taken in the last month

Photo Background

  • use a plain light-coloured background – white or another neutral colour like grey
  • no textures or patterns on the backwall
  • no objects behind you
  • make sure the person in the picture is in sharp contrast with the background
  • wear dark clothing

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Even lighting and no shadows

  • there must be no shadows in your photo. No shadows on your face, shoulders, or the background
  • if there are any shadows anywhere, the passport office will reject it.
  • it is the best to use natural lighting. Mornings are the best. If natural lighting is not available, use a lamp

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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
  • Body posture – stand straight in front of the camera, look directly into the lens.

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Plain expression and face in full view

  • face front on to the camera
  • don’t smile, frown or grimace – eyes open and mouth closed
  • your photo should be a good likeness and taken in the last month
  • Facial expression must be neutral
        • Do not smile
        • Your mouth must be closed
        • Your head must be straight, do not tilt

No headwear

  • unless it’s for religious or medical reasons – it must not cover your face
  • hair must be tied back or loose. Hair must not cover any part of your face
  • ears, eyebrows and eyes must be clearly visible

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Eyes fully visible

  • hair must be away from your face and eyes
        • take your glasses off (if possible) – if you need to keep glasses on:
  • then your eyes must be open and visible (especially your irises) without any glare or reflections
  • there must be no “red eye” effect in the photo
  • no sunglasses or tinted glasses are allowed
  • no hair over your eyes, a fringe must be pushed to the side