Photo Guidance

Photos are an essential part of your application for a CitizenCard ID. We only accept passport quality photographs.

If the photo(s) you supply are not suitable, your application for an ID card will be delayed. Read the guidelines below and don't forget - for first time paper or printed applications one of your photos needs to be countersigned by your referee.

// Read fully before applying

The size and quality of your photo

For a paper or printed application you can get your photos taken in one of many photo booths across the UK or by a professional photographer who specialises in taking passport photos. The size of your photo must be 45 millimetres high x 35 millimetres wide and must not be trimmed or cut down from a larger photograph.

For an online application you can upload a digital photo taken by a professional photographer, scan and upload your printed photo taken by a photo booth or upload a self-portrait photo (selfie) taken on a smartphone that follow passport photo requirements. The photo you upload must be in JPG file format, minimum resolution accepted is 640 x 480 or 480 x 640 pixels and maximum file size is 25MB.

Your photo must be:

for paper or printed application only - printed to a high quality on white photographic paper, such as photos printed by a booth or studio
for paper or printed application only - not be torn, creased or have any marks
taken within the last month
in colour, clear and in focus
taken against a plain, light-coloured background
unaltered by software i.e. Adobe Photoshop, Instagram/Snapchat filters

// Guidelines

What your photo must show

Example of an acceptable photo for a CitizenCard application — Sample image

Your photo must:

contain no other objects or people
be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
be in clear contrast to the background

In your photo you must:

be facing forward and looking straight at the camera
have a neutral expression and your mouth closed e.g. don't smile, frown or pout
have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses (you can't wear sunglasses or tinted glasses)
not have hair in front of your eyes
not have anything covering your face
not have a head covering (unless it's for religious or medical reasons) e.g. hat, cap, any fashion hair accessories or glasses on your head
not have any shadows on your face or behind you
not have any artificial markings on your face (drawings, fake tattoos or freckles, very heavy makeup)

Young Children (paper or printed application only)

Children aged five and under do not need to have a neutral expression or look straight at the camera. Babies under one don't need to have their eyes open. All other photo standards listed above must be met.

// Things to avoid

Common photo mistakes

Apply Online

Apply for your CitizenCard using our paperless, online application system:

manage your application using your account
pay securely by debit/credit card or PayPal
no need to print forms or photos
no need to post anything to us

Apply Online

Important Points For Online Applicants

If you need your card right away, make an Urgent application using our paperless online application system.
Make sure you follow our photo requirements when you upload your photo.
If you don't have a valid Passport (UK or International), Photo Driving Licence (UK or European) or European National ID Card,
you need a referee - a professional person validating original document(s) or confirming your details from official records.
If applicable, check whether your referee completed the Digital Referee Declaration Form to submit their work details to us.
If applicable, make sure that your referee can be contacted by phone and email during office hours at their place of work.