How your Photo Code works
Prepare one recent photo, let us check it, then use the resulting code in your online UK passport application.
1. Take the right kind of photo
Ask another person to take it. Stand about 50cm from a plain, light-coloured background and face a window for balanced light. Include your head, shoulders and upper body; do not crop it yourself.
2. Upload it securely
Select the original image from your phone or computer. We accept common image formats and prepare it using the single UK digital passport specification.
3. Review the automatic checks
We check common issues such as whether a face is visible, image clarity, pose and background. Automated checks are helpful but cannot guarantee acceptance; HM Passport Office makes the final decision.
4. Create the free order
Provide an email address so we can identify the request and help if something goes wrong. No payment card is requested and the Photo Code costs £0.
5. Copy the code into GOV.UK
Your result page shows a code such as IDFOTO.NET/P5E9E47P. In the passport application, choose the option to use a photo code, paste or type it, check that the right photo appears, then submit it.
This is an independent service, not GOV.UK. For official instructions on using a code, read Photo with a code on GOV.UK.