Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Michelle Krause
Passport photo rejected | If your passport photo was rejected, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This happens to many people, and the good news is that there are a few things you can do to remedy the situation.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if your passport photo gets rejected and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We’ll also provide some tips on taking passport photos that meet the requirements. Read on to find out what to do.
Key Takeaways
- There are a few passport photo requirements that people often overlook, which can result in their photos being rejected.
- Be sure your photo complies with the requirements set out by HM Passport Office.
- Retake your photo and resubmit the new, compliant photo within the stipulated timeframe.
- You may consider using a professional photo shop/ booth to avoid rejection.
- If you want to make sure that your passport photo is accepted the first time, it’s a good idea to use an experienced professional passport company. Click here to renew your British passport from abroad with MyBritishPassport.
Passport Photo Rejected
If your passport photo is rejected, the first thing you should do is check the requirements. Make sure that your photo meets all of the requirements for passport photos, including size, background, and lighting.
For UK passport photos, the passport office is very particular about the measurements of digital passport photos.
- Your digital photo must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in length.
- The passport photos should be at least 50KB in size and should not exceed 10MB.
In addition to the physical measurements of the photo, there are other aspects to take note of.
- The image of your face (ie. from the crown of your head down to your chin) should measure between 29mm and 34mm in height. If you find that you are having difficulty ensuring that these measurements apply to your digital photo, it might be a good idea to visit a camera shop. Most of them are well-versed in British passport photos and this could save you a lot of hassle!
- Your digital photo should be a clear close-up of your entire head plus upper shoulder area.
- There should not be any other people or objects present in the photo and it should be taken against a light grey or cream screen or background.
- It is also important that the digital photo is in focus, not blurry and a clear contrast to the background.
- The passport office does not accept photos where the individual has “red eye” as your true eye color should be visible.
- When taking your photo, make sure that you are sitting up straight and facing directly forwards. Look directly into the camera and try and avoid smiling – neutral expressions with your mouth gently closed are best.
- The flash of the camera often causes people to blink but try your best not to as the passport office requires that your eyes are fully open.
Most Common Reasons Passport Photos Are Rejected
There are a few passport photo requirements that people often overlook, which can result in their photos being rejected. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make:
- Wearing sunglasses or tinted contact lenses
- Having reflections in your glasses
- Wearing headgear that covers your face (unless you have a valid reason)
- Having a photo that is too dark or too bright
- Having a photo that is blurry or out of focus
- Having red eye in your photo
- face is in the wrong position
- an improper facial expression
- shadows
- wearing eyeglasses
- wearing prohibited attire/clothing
- poor color balance
- an unacceptable background
- submitting an edited or retouched photo
- incorrect photo size
Use A Photo Shop/ Booth
Depending on where you are located, passport photos can be taken at most photo shops or photo booths within retail centres. There are often photo booths at local pharmacies.
When you go to take your passport photo, make sure that the shop or booth meets certain requirements. The passport photo should be taken in a passport photo booth that:
- has a controlled lighting system
- a plain white or off-white background
- a clear glass pane in front of the camera to prevent any reflections
- takes passport photos that measure 35mm x 45mm
Want to know how to renew your British passport from the USA? Click here.
Take Your Own Passport Photo
If you can’t get to a passport photo booth or shop, you can take your own passport photo. This is a good option if you’re short on time or live in a remote area.
You will need to make sure that you have the right equipment and know how to set up your camera correctly, so that your photo meets the requirements listed above.
What to do next – Use A Professional Passport Company
If your passport photo has been rejected, you will be notified and you will need to re-submit a compliant photo within a specified time frame.
If you want to make sure that your passport photo is accepted the first time, it’s a good idea to use an experienced professional passport company.
A passport company will have experience with passport photos and will be able to ensure your photo meets all of the requirements.
About MyBritishPassport
MyBritishPassport is an experienced British passport company that can help you through every step of your UK passport application from abroad. We have a team of passport experts that can help you ensure your passport photo is compliant.
We offer a range of other passport services, such as passport renewals, replacements, and applications. Our team of professional British Passport liaison consultants will guide and support you through the entire passport application process from start to finish.
If you have any questions about passport photos or need help with your passport application, please contact us today. We’re here to help!
Their service is outstanding! From the time I applied online until the time I received my new passport was a total of THREE weeks. I cannot believe how efficient and speedy they were. I dealt with Carla and she was amazing! I can happily recommend them! – Dalton Hartley. Read more verified reviews here.
FAQs Answered
Do you have to pay again if your passport photo is rejected UK?
There is a possibility you would lose your money if you don’t submit by the date given for re-submission, and you would have to start again.
What happens if they reject your passport photo UK?
You will be notified if your passport photo has been rejected. You will need to submit a new passport photo that meets the requirements.
What happens if my passport application is rejected UK?
If your passport application is rejected after attempting to complete the application alone, it is a good idea to make use of a professional British Passport service. MyBritishPassport has a team of expert UK passport consultants to assist you with every step of your application, reducing delays and any chance of rejection. HM Passport Office does not issue any refunds for rejected passport applications.
Will a fair passport photo be accepted UK?
A ‘fair’ graded passport photo is usually accepted by HM Passport Office, although this is not always the case. You will be advised upon review whether or not your passport photo has met the requirements.
Conclusion: Passport Photo Rejected
If your passport photo has been rejected, don’t worry – there are still options available to you. We recommend using an experienced passport company to help you with the process, ensuring that your new passport photo meets all of the requirements so that it will be accepted.
Renewing your British passport in South Africa? Click here.
