What happens if a UK digital passport photo is rejected?

What happens if a UK digital passport photo is rejected? - Woman working retouching photo on laptop at convenient workplace

My situation: I've applied online for a replacement UK passport after losing my passport.

For various reasons (that mainly come down to not reading the guidelines closely enough) I'm convinced that the digital photo I used will be rejected. What happens if that's the case? Will I need to restart the entire procedure? Will it be as simple as changing my photo?



Best Answer

Several non official sources (1, 2) indicate that you will receive an email telling you that the photo has been rejected and the reason why, and will ask you to submit a replacement for the photo. There is a possibility you would lose your money if you don't submit by the date given, and would have to start again.




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What happens if your passport picture gets rejected?

If the photo is the only problem with your application, it's likely that the application will be put on hold until the NPIC receives an acceptable image. The agency will send a letter explaining the reason for the hold and provide instructions for mailing in a new photo.

Why was my passport photo rejected UK?

The UK Passport Office says that incorrect photos are one of the most common reasons for applications being rejected, along with signatures outside the box and using the wrong colour ink (it must be black).

How do I know if my passport photo is acceptable UK?

For passport photos:
  • eyes must be open and clearly visible, with no flash reflections and no 'red eye'
  • facial expression must be neutral (neither frowning nor smiling), with the mouth closed.
  • photos must show both edges of the face clearly.
  • photos must show a full front view of face and shoulders, squared to the camera.




  • How to make sure your passport photo is not rejected




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: George Milton, George Milton, Askar Abayev, Harrison Haines