You can’t use photos that have been cut down from larger pictures.
The photos
Your photos must be:
- in colour on plain white photographic paper
- taken against a plain cream or light grey background
- identical
- taken within the last month
- clear and in focus
- without any tears or creases
- unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
- unaltered by computer software
The image of you
Your photos must show a close-up of your full head and shoulders. It must be only of you with no other objects or people. The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high (see example below).
Your photos may be rejected unless they show you:
- facing forward and looking straight at the camera
- with a neutral expression and your mouth closed
- without anything covering the face
- in clear contrast to the background
- without a head covering (unless it’s worn for religious or medical reasons)
- with eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
- with your eyes not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, glasses frames or hair
- without any ‘red eye’
- without any shadows in the picture
Photos of children
- Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.
- Children under 6 don’t have to be looking directly at the camera or have a neutral expression.
- Children under 1 don’t have to have their eyes open. If their head is supported by a hand, the hand mustn’t be visible in the photo.
Photos dos and don’ts
