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United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo requirements

The 45 × 35 mm photo rules set by PASS-accredited card issuers (scheme run by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme) for the United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 5 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What size is the United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo?

The PASS scheme does not publish a single photo specification; each accredited issuer decides what photo it needs. CitizenCard wants passport-quality photos taken within 6 months, and My ID Card's postal route needs 2 passport photos, one signed by the verifier.

PASS, the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme, was launched in 2000 to tackle fake proof-of-age cards. It is run by a Community Interest Company that accredits UK proof-of-age card issuers. Each issuer is audited twice by an independent auditor before it is accredited, then audited again, currently every 2 years.

Every accredited card carries the PASS hologram, a registered trade mark. PASS cards are recommended by the Home Office, endorsed by the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Security Industry Authority, and recognised in the government's guidance to the Licensing Act as acceptable proof of age. The PASS website lists the accredited issuers but does not publish its own photo specification.

United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by PASS-accredited card issuers (scheme run by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme):[1]

Print sizeSet by each issuer. CitizenCard paper: 45 x 35 mm. My ID Card's homepage gives no size
Digital sizeCitizenCard online: at least 1280 x 720 or 720 x 1280 pixels
Photo ageCitizenCard: taken within 6 months
File sizeCitizenCard online: up to 25 MB
File formatCitizenCard online: JPG
Pixels when printed531 × 413 px at 300 dpi · 1063 × 827 px at 600 dpi (calculated)
45 mm35 mm
45 × 35 mm photo drawn to scale.

Key requirements

  • Issuer sets the rules

    PASS accredits issuers but does not set photo rules. The size, format, age and signing rules are set by the issuer you apply to.

  • CitizenCard

    Passport-quality photos taken within the last 6 months. Online, a JPG upload (including a selfie that follows passport photo requirements); on paper, 45 x 35 mm prints on white photographic paper, with the referee countersigning one photo on a first-time paper application.

  • My ID Card

    Costs 17 GBP. The postal route needs 2 passport photos and photocopies of 2 official documents; the verifier fills in their part of the form and signs 1 passport photo and the photocopied documents.

  • Other issuers

    For Young Scot, Totum, IDGO and the Hull and Bracknell Forest cards, the photo rules have not been checked: follow the issuer's own guidance.

Sample photos

How a United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo should look, and the mistakes that most often get photos rejected. Each example is drawn to this document's 45 × 35 mm and background colour.

Correct
Open-mouth smile
Head tilted
Too close: head too big
Too far: head too small
Busy background
Shadows on face or background
Glare on glasses

Illustrations, not real photos. The official rules above always take priority; some documents do not allow glasses at all.

CitizenCard accepts either an online JPG upload or paper prints; other issuers vary.

Where to submit the photo

Post the form, photos and photocopied documents (My ID Card asks for Recorded or Special Delivery), or upload them if the issuer has an online service, as CitizenCard does.

How to get your United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card: 45 × 35 mm print, 720 × 1280 px digital file. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: issuer sets the rules; citizenCard; my ID Card; other issuers.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. CitizenCard accepts either an online JPG upload or paper prints; other issuers vary.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Post the form, photos and photocopied documents (My ID Card asks for Recorded or Special Delivery), or upload them if the issuer has an online service, as CitizenCard does.

United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo FAQ

No. PASS accredits the organisations that issue proof-of-age cards, and each issuer sets its own photo requirements. Follow the guidance from the issuer you apply to.

For a postal application, 2 passport photos. The verifier completes their part of the application form and signs 1 of the photos, along with the photocopies of the 2 official documents.

PASS says cards generally cost around 15 GBP, but prices are set by each issuer. My ID Card costs 17 GBP, and a standard CitizenCard costs 18 GBP (free online for a first 13-15 or 16-17 card).

PASS describes its cards as proof of age rather than proof of identity, so a bank may not accept one on its own. It should be possible to use one for UK domestic flights, but each airline decides.

Usually 2 to 3 weeks, PASS says, but check with the issuer. Many offer a faster service for an extra fee.

Yes, if you live in the UK with a residence permit, for example as an overseas student. PASS cards are for UK residents and may not be accepted outside the UK.

Related photo specifications

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Official sources

  1. National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS). The National Proof of Age Standards Scheme pass-scheme.org.uk. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS). Card suppliers pass-scheme.org.uk. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS). Frequently asked questions pass-scheme.org.uk. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. My ID Card. My ID Card myidcard.co.uk. Checked 29 October 2026.
  5. CitizenCard. Photo guidance citizencard.com. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with PASS-accredited card issuers (scheme run by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"United Kingdom PASS proof-of-age card photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/united-kingdom/pass-card-photo

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