Independent serviceNot affiliated with GOV.UK or HM Passport Office
Four passport photo solutions

One photo platform, four ways to use it

Create a free UK Photo Code, serve customers in your studio, integrate our ID photo API, or make passport and visa photos online for countries worldwide.

  • A free option for passport applicants
  • A dedicated option for photo studios
  • API and global online photo services
Fictional example of a prepared passport photo
YOUR DIGITAL PHOTO PREPARED
Your Photo CodeIDFOTO.NET/P5E9E47PExample code
Photo ready to download
Choose your service

What would you like to do?

Choose the route that best matches who you are and how you want to use our photo technology.

For passport applicants

Option A

Create my photo & code

Upload a photo from your phone. We prepare it for a UK online passport application and give you the finished photo and Photo Code.

  • For your own passport application
  • Download your prepared photo
  • Free — no card details
Create my photo & code
For photo studios

Option B

Passport Photo Studio

Use our streamlined studio solution to prepare passport photos and Photo Codes for your customers.

  • Designed for studio use
  • A simple customer photo workflow
  • Opens in the Passport Photo Studio
Explore the studio solution
For developers & platforms

Option C

ID Photo API

Add automated passport, visa and ID photo creation to your own app, website or business workflow.

  • One API for hundreds of photo formats
  • Background, crop and quality checks
  • Built for scalable integrations
Explore the ID Photo API
For online passport photo customers

Option D

Online passport photo business

Explore our online services for local studio customers, focused markets and passport applicants worldwide.

  • PassportPhotoFast studio business online
  • AiPassportPhoto global platform
  • Two brands for different markets
Explore online services
UK digital specificationOne focused photo format
Automatic photo checksHelpful feedback before ordering
Privacy firstShort photo retention
Quick to completeNo checkout or payment
Option A · Three simple steps

Create your own photo and code

No studio appointment, confusing sizing menus or payment screen. We guide you from your camera roll to a prepared passport photo.

1

Upload a recent photo

Choose a clear, unedited colour photo showing your head, shoulders and upper body.

2

We prepare and check it

Your image is checked and prepared for the UK digital passport photo specification.

3

Get your photo and code

Download the finished passport photo and copy your Photo Code into your online application.

Before you upload

A better photo starts before the camera clicks

HM Passport Office makes the final decision. Following these basics gives your image the strongest start.

Official photo guidanceCheck the latest UK requirements.
View on GOV.UK
Plain light backgroundNo texture, patterns, objects or people.
Even natural lightNo shadows on your face or behind you.
Face forwardsEyes open, mouth closed, plain expression.
No digital editsNo filters, retouching or beauty effects.
Remove glasses if possibleNo tinted lenses, glare or covered eyes.
Taken in the last monthIt must be a current, recognisable likeness.
Questions, answered

Passport photo and code FAQs

What is a UK passport photo code?

It is a short reference used in an online UK passport application to retrieve your digital photo. Enter it when the passport application asks how you want to provide your photo.

Is the photo code really free?

Yes. We do not ask for card details and there is no paid tier for creating your digital photo and Photo Code.

Is this a GOV.UK service?

No. Passport Photo Code is an independent photo preparation service. HM Passport Office makes the final decision on every photo and passport application.

How long do you keep my photo?

We keep uploaded and processed photos only as long as needed to provide the service, normally 48 hours. Read our privacy notice for details.

See all frequently asked questions

Ready to get started?

Choose a service for yourself, your studio or your product.