What Is a Passport Photo Code?
A passport photo code is a unique reference number linked to your digital passport photo. When you get a passport photo through an online service (like EasyPassportPhoto, a photo booth, or a high street shop), they store your photo digitally and give you an alphanumeric code.
When you apply for your passport on GOV.UK, you enter this code instead of uploading a photo file. GOV.UK then retrieves your photo directly from the service that created it.
How It Works — In 30 Seconds
You get a passport photo from an online service or photo booth
The service gives you a unique code (e.g. "EPP-A1B2C3D4")
On GOV.UK, you select "I have a photo code" during your application
You enter the code, GOV.UK fetches your photo — done
The advantage of using a code is simplicity: you don't need to worry about file formats, image dimensions, or file size limits. The service has already made sure your photo meets all GOV.UK requirements.
When Do You Need a Passport Photo Code?
You need a photo code (or a digital photo) when applying for a UK passport online through GOV.UK. This includes:
- First adult passport — applying for the first time as an adult
- Passport renewal — your current passport has expired or is about to expire
- Child's passport — applying for or renewing a child's passport
- Replacing a lost or stolen passport
- Name change — updating your passport after marriage or deed poll
You don't always need a new photo
If you're renewing and your appearance hasn't changed significantly, GOV.UK may allow you to reuse your existing photo. The application will tell you if a new photo is required.
You don't need a code if...
- Uploading a photo file directly — GOV.UK also lets you upload a JPEG file instead of entering a code
- Applying by post — postal applications require printed photos, not digital codes
- Using the GOV.UK photo tool — GOV.UK has its own (basic) photo tool that doesn't use codes
How to Get a Passport Photo Code
Option 1: Online service (fastest)
The quickest way to get a photo code is through an online passport photo service. You upload a selfie from your phone, the service processes it to meet GOV.UK requirements, and gives you a code — all within about 60 seconds.
Take a selfie or upload a photo
Use your phone camera or upload an existing photo. Any decent quality photo works — the service will fix background and lighting.
AI processes your photo
Background replacement, lighting correction, precise cropping to 45x35mm, and GOV.UK compliance verification happen automatically.
Receive your photo code
After processing, you get a unique code to enter on GOV.UK. You also get the digital photo file as a backup.
With EasyPassportPhoto, the entire process takes under 60 seconds and costs £9.99. You get both the photo code and a digital download, with a money-back guarantee if GOV.UK rejects your photo.
Option 2: Photo booth
Some modern photo booths (like Photo-Me) offer a digital photo code alongside printed photos. Look for booths that advertise “digital passport photo” or “photo code” on the screen.
Expect to pay £10-15 at a booth. Not all booths offer codes — older models only print physical photos. You'll also need to find a booth near you and visit it in person.
Option 3: High street shop
Some pharmacies (Boots, Superdrug) and post offices offer digital passport photo services with codes. Prices vary (typically £10-15) and you need to visit the shop during opening hours.
| Method | Price | Time | Code? | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online service | £9.99 | 60 seconds | Yes | Money-back |
| Photo booth | £10-15 | 5-10 min | Some | No |
| High street shop | £10-15 | 10-20 min | Some | Varies |
Get your passport photo code in 60 seconds
Upload a selfie from your phone. AI processes it to meet all GOV.UK requirements. You get a photo code + digital download. £9.99, money-back guarantee.
No app download • Works in your browser • GOV.UK compliant
Using Your Photo Code on GOV.UK
Once you have your photo code, here's exactly how to use it during your passport application:
Start your application on GOV.UK
Go to gov.uk/apply-renew-passport and begin your application. Fill in your personal details as normal.
Choose how to submit your photo
When you reach the photo section, select "I have a photo code from a photo shop or booth" (the exact wording may vary).
Enter your code
Type in the code exactly as it appears. Codes are case-insensitive but check for any dashes or spaces.
Confirm your photo
GOV.UK will show you the photo linked to your code. Check it looks correct and confirm it.
Continue your application
That's it for the photo. Continue filling in the rest of your application and pay the passport fee.
Common Problems with Passport Photo Codes
"Code not recognised" on GOV.UK
Fix: Double-check you've entered the code exactly as given — no extra spaces, correct dashes. If you copied and pasted, try typing it manually. If it still doesn't work, the code may have expired or there may be a temporary issue with the photo service's connection to GOV.UK.
Code has expired
Fix: Photo codes have a limited validity period. Contact the photo service for a replacement code or process a new photo. With EasyPassportPhoto, you can download your photo and upload it directly to GOV.UK as a backup.
Photo doesn't look right when retrieved
Fix: The preview on GOV.UK may look slightly different due to screen rendering. As long as the photo was verified as compliant by the service, it should be accepted. If you're concerned, you can reject it and upload a photo file instead.
GOV.UK won't accept the photo even with a valid code
Fix: This is rare but can happen if GOV.UK's automated checker flags an issue. Contact the photo service — reputable services like EasyPassportPhoto offer a money-back guarantee for this situation.
Alternatives to Using a Photo Code
A photo code isn't the only way to submit your passport photo digitally. Here are the alternatives:
Upload a JPEG file directly
GOV.UK lets you upload a photo file instead of entering a code. Your photo must meet these requirements:
- JPEG format
- At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
- Between 50KB and 10MB file size
- Plain light grey or white background
- Face measurements: 29-34mm from chin to crown of head
This is more technical than using a code. If you use EasyPassportPhoto, you get both: a photo code AND a correctly formatted JPEG file you can upload as a backup.
GOV.UK's built-in photo tool
GOV.UK has a basic photo tool that lets you take a photo during the application. However, it has limited editing capability — if your lighting or background isn't perfect, it may reject your photo with no way to fix it. No background replacement or lighting correction is provided.
Printed photos (postal application)
If you're applying by post rather than online, you need two identical printed passport photos (45mm x 35mm). You don't need a digital code in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Sources
This guide is based on official UK government guidance: