Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Tracey Roberts
If you’re a British citizen living in the United States and applying for a UK passport, getting the correct UK passport photo in the USA is compulsory. The UK has strict requirements, and unfortunately, most U.S. photo providers are unfamiliar with them. This often leads to photo rejections, delays, and even extra costs.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to find a specialised photographer or visit a pharmacy chain. With U.K.ABROAD, you can take your own passport photo using your smartphone, send it to us digitally.
Quick Overview
British expats in the U.S. often struggle to find local photo services that produce UK-standard passport photos. Luckily, U.K.ABROAD makes it easy by allowing applicants to take their own photo at home and email it to our team for review. We’ll confirm if your image meets all the UK passport photo rules before you submit your application. This helps you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Key Takeaways
- UK passport photo rules are different from U.S. standards and must be followed exactly.
- U.K.ABROAD guides applicants to take their own photos using a smartphone.
- Most photo rejections can be avoided with the right background, lighting, and size.
- This method saves time, money, and hassle and speeds up your passport application.
FAQs – UK Passport Photos in the USA
How to get a photo code for UK passport?
Choose the option at a photo booth or shop to generate a photo code with your digital image. Note, a code is not required when applying through U.K.ABROAD.
What is the best way to take a UK passport photo?
Are US and UK passport photo requirements the same?
No – they differ. UK requires a print size of 45 × 35 mm (face crown‑to‑chin 29–34 mm), a digital size of at least 600×750 pixels, a file size of 50 KB–10 MB, and a plain light background with a neutral expression. US passport photos follow different sizing (2×2 inches) and rules; these are not interchangeable.
How to Take Your Own UK Passport Photo
Taking your passport photo at home is easy when you know what to do. All you need is a smartphone with a good camera, a plain light-colored wall or sheet, and natural lighting.
Steps:
- Set up a light background – a cream or light grey wall works best.
- Use natural light – avoid harsh shadows or direct flash.
- Stand at arm’s length from the wall and have someone take the photo or use a tripod.
- Keep a neutral expression – no smiling, no tilting, and keep your mouth closed.
- Remove glasses if there’s glare or any reflection.
- Frame the photo – your face should take up about 70–80% of the image with your full head and shoulders visible.
Once you have your photo, simply email it to our team, which will review the image to ensure it complies with UK requirements before you submit your application.
Renewing your UK passport from the USA? Read our ultimate guide here.
Why Take Your Own Photo?
- No need to leave the house
- No waiting at photo kiosks or drugstores
- Compliance is checked with U.K.ABROAD
- Avoid photo rejections and application delays.
- Faster and more convenient than traditional methods
Common Photo Mistakes to Avoid
Even when taking your photo at home, be careful to avoid these common errors:
- Using the wrong background (e.g., blue or patterned)
- Poor lighting or shadows
- Incorrect head positioning
- Smiling or unnatural expression
- Photo file too large or too small
- Wearing glasses with glare
U.K.ABROAD checks for all of these issues before you apply. If your image doesn’t meet standards, we’ll let you know and guide you through taking a better photo.
Real Stories from British Expats
This was a really easy and efficient way to renew my passport, especially being able to take a picture with my phone instead of hunting for a place that took photos with UK specs! Excellent communication every step of the way. Received my new passport very quickly.
Charles Chapman – USA
“I’m extremely grateful for UK Passports who charted me through what I had perceived as a problem situation regarding a name change, which with Jan’s great guidance wasn’t a problem at all. From the time I dropped my documents off at DHL to the time DHL delivered my new passport back in the USA was a mere 2 weeks and 1 day, amazing. Highly recommended.”
I used this service to renew my UK passport from the USA. The process was easy, efficient and fast. I will use them again next time I need to renew my passport.
“Finding a place that can take a compliant UK passport photo in the United States can be a challenge. Most local stores like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart only offer US passport photo services, which do not meet the exact specifications required for UK passport applications.” – passportphotodigital.com
UK Photo Standards: Why It Matters
According to the U.S. Census there are 683,473 Brits living in the States, and thousands apply for UK passports every year. One of the top reasons for delays is photo rejection.
Avoiding photo issues means avoiding delays.
Why Use U.K.ABROAD To Get UK Passport Photos in the USA
Don’t risk having your application delayed over a photo issue.
With U.K.ABROAD, you can take your own UK Passport Photos in the USA using your smartphone, send it to us digitally, and we’ll make sure it’s 100% compliant before you apply.
Learn more or start your passport application: www.ukabroad.net
Let us take the guesswork out of the process, so you can focus on getting your passport without stress.
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Topic – UK Passport Photos in the USA
