How it works

Your photo must be:

• clear and in focus
• printed to a professional standard
• taken within the last 12 months
• in colour, on plain white photographic paper, with no border
• taken against a plain cream or light grey background
• without any creases or tears
• unmarked on the front
• with your firstname and surname in capital letters on the back
• unaltered by computer software.

What your photo must show

Your photo must:

• be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
• contain no other objects or people
• 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 (no grinning or smiling)
• have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
• not have hair in front of your eyes
• not have a head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons)
• not have anything covering your face
• not have any 'red eye'
• not have any shadows on your face or behind you
• not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses.

You can wear your usual glasses, but your eyes must show fully, without glare or reflections.

Photo size

Your photo must measure 45mm high by 35mm wide. This is the standard size used in UK photo booths.

It must not be a cropped version of a larger picture.

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

Photos of children

A child:

• must be alone in the picture
• under 6 need not be looking directly at the camera, nor have a neutral expression
• must not hold toys or wear a dummy.

Photo dos and don'ts

Digital Bus Pass Photo Requirements

Online application systems may accept JPG, JPEG or PNG files. The exact requirements depend on the council or transport authority processing your application.

Before uploading your photo, check:

• The accepted file format
• The maximum file size
• The minimum image dimensions
• Whether the website crops the photo automatically
• Whether a specific background colour is required

Do not enlarge a small or blurry photo. Enlarging an image will not restore missing detail and may make the photo look pixelated.

Start with a clear, high-quality image and reduce its size only when necessary.

Printed Bus Pass Photos

When a printed passport-style photo is requested, 35 × 45 mm is a commonly used size.

Print the image on good-quality photo paper and make sure the face is not stretched, compressed or distorted.

Common Reasons a Bus Pass Photo May Be Rejected

A photo may be rejected if:

• The image is blurred, pixelated or too dark.
• The face is too small or too close to the camera.
• The head is tilted or turned to one side.
• Hair, glare or glasses obscure the eyes.
• Strong shadows appear on the face or background.
• The background is patterned or cluttered.
• The file does not meet the council’s format or size requirements.

Create a UK Bus Pass Photo Online

Upload a clear photograph and use IDPhotoDIY.com to prepare a passport size photo for your bus pass application.

The passport photo tool can help you:

• Crop your photo to a portrait format.
• Position your face correctly.
• Prepare a clean, plain background.
• Create a digital image for online submission.
• Produce a printable photo layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should a UK bus pass photo be?

Many councils request a passport-style photo, commonly measuring 35 × 45 mm for printed applications.

Digital upload dimensions vary, so check your local council’s instructions before preparing the final file.

Can I use a passport photo for my bus pass?

A recent passport-style photo will often be suitable if it represents your current appearance and meets the requirements of the council processing your application.

Can I take the photo myself?

Yes. You can take the photo using a smartphone or digital camera.

Use even lighting, a plain background and a clear, front-facing position.

Can I use a selfie?

A selfie may be accepted if it is sharp and properly framed.

However, a photo taken by another person usually produces better results because it avoids distortion caused by holding the camera too close to your face.

Can I smile in a bus pass photo?

A slight natural expression may be accepted by some authorities.

A neutral expression with your mouth closed is the safest choice when passport-style photos are requested.

Can I wear makeup?

Normal everyday makeup is generally acceptable if it does not significantly change your appearance.

Avoid filters, heavy digital retouching or effects that make your face look different.

Can I submit a black-and-white photo?

A colour photo is normally the safest option unless your council specifically states that black-and-white images are accepted.

Related Photo Guides

• UK passport photo requirements
• How to take an ID photo at home
• Digital ID photo requirements
• View all country and document photo requirements