Rejected passport photos: 7 UK examples & what happens next

Rejected passport photos aren’t uncommon in the UK, so you’re definitely not alone here. Fortunately, this means we know exactly what will happen next. 

When a passport photo is rejected, HMPO will notify you by email or post. This notification should explain the reason your photo was rejected, so you’ll know exactly where you went wrong. 

Instead of starting your passport application all over again, your application will be put on hold for a specified timeframe. All you have to do is submit a new photo during this window, and your passport photo will then proceed as normal, without costing any additional fees. 

This is a much easier process when applying for passports online, since you can immediately upload your new digital passport photo without having to post anything. If you miss the deadline, HMPO will cancel your application without a refund, so you’ll have to start from scratch and pay again in full. 

To make sure your passport photo isn’t rejected again, we recommend using a professional passport photo service or passport photo booth, just to make absolutely sure HMPO will accept your photo this time. 

According to government data, a huge number of passport photos are rejected simply because people are putting their faces too close to the camera. This is a big issue when people take their own passport photos at home, since it’s far too easy to stand too close when trying to take a clear photo of yourself. 

The Passport Office again has very particular rules here, so getting the measurements exactly right can be tricky. In short, your head must measure between 29-34mm high, from your crown to your chin. 

Anything outside of these measurements will mean your passport photo is rejected. Whether your head is too big or too small, you’ll need to stand closer or further away to get the measurements just right! 

You always need to take your passport photo somewhere with adequate lighting. Your face needs to be clearly visible and can’t be under or over-exposed, but you also need to make sure there aren’t any shadows either on your face or behind you. 

Shadows are a big no-no because they can obscure your features, and you also can’t use any filters or effects to get rid of them. Taking passport photos in natural light is the best option at home, but we recommend getting professional passport photos in a shop or booth where the lighting conditions are perfect. 

Alright, so you want to look good in your passport photo, but make too many changes to your appearance and there’s a good chance your passport photo will be rejected. The most important thing is that your passport photo looks like you. 

For example, going too heavy on the make-up or dramatically changing your hairstyle for a passport photo might make you unrecognisable. This also means you can’t use any filters or editing tools to enhance your appearance, the photo has to be 100% natural. 

Don’t worry, though, we’ve got a full guide on how to take good passport photos right here, so you can still make sure you look your *best*. 

Your passport photo needs to be a clear, unobstructed photo of your head and shoulders. So, as much as you might love them, this means you can’t wear any hats, spectacles, sunglasses, headbands, hair ribbons or any other fashion accessories on your head. 

Head coverings can only be worn for religious or medical reasons, but only if your face remains fully visible. 

Loads of passport photos are rejected simply because they’re too blurry, pixelated or low resolution. Passport photos need to be sharp, clear and in-focus, but you’d be surprised at how many people submit really poor-quality images they’ve taken on their phones at home. 

When sending printed passport photos for your application, they need to be in perfect shape - without any rips, creases, marks or any other damage. 

Before you ask: no, you can’t smile on your passport photo. You shouldn’t frown or pout either, for that matter. 

Your expression needs to remain totally neutral, with a closed mouth and eyes looking straight at the camera. It sounds incredibly simple, but inappropriate facial expressions are still a major reason passport photos get rejected, so make sure you get this totally right! 

Passport photos can be rejected for many reasons, but these are the most common issues you’re most likely to encounter:

• Background is unsuitable - this always needs to be white and plain (so no textures or patterns)
• Head measures more than 29-34mm high, because you’re standing too close to the camera
• Image file size is too big or too small - it needs to be between 50KB and 10MB
• “Red eye” in the photo, so your natural eye colour isn’t visible
• Wearing prohibited fashion accessories, such as hats or headbands
• Photo is too dark, too bright, or simply out of focus
• Facial expression doesn’t meet the requirements
• Photo has been retouched with filters or other editing software

Taking your own passport photo at home might seem like the quickest and easiest option, but it’s also the riskiest. Even once you’ve read through all the Passport Office rules, it’s far too easy to miss something and make a mistake, which means your passport photo will be rejected and your application delayed. 

For total peace of mind, we recommend getting professional passport photos in Max Spielmann shops or one of our photo booths. It’s really quick and easy, you’ll get high-quality photos and, more importantly, our professionals always check your photos will be accepted by HMPO. 

You can find our passport photo services all over the UK, and we’ll make sure you never have to worry about rejected passport photos ever again!