Photo Code questions

A Photo Code is the short reference you enter during an online UK passport application so the application can retrieve your digital photo.

No. Creating the digital passport photo and Photo Code on this website costs £0. We do not request card details.

No. We are an independent photo preparation service and are not affiliated with or endorsed by GOV.UK, HM Passport Office or the UK government.

No. Automated checks identify common problems, but only HM Passport Office can accept or reject a photo or passport application.

When the online passport application asks how you want to provide your photo, choose the photo code option. Paste or type your code, verify that your photo appears, then continue. Read the official GOV.UK instructions.

No. This service is deliberately limited to the UK digital passport photo specification used for online applications.

Use a recent, unedited colour photo taken by another person. Face forwards with a plain expression, eyes open and mouth closed, against a plain light-coloured background with even lighting. Include your head, shoulders and upper body.

Use a photo taken by someone else where possible. The GOV.UK guidance recommends including your head, shoulders and upper body and says not to crop the photo yourself.

Uploaded and processed files are kept only as needed to provide the service, normally 48 hours. The Photo Code may stop working after deletion, so save and use it promptly.

First check every letter, number, slash and full stop. If the problem continues, email support@passportphotocode.com with your order reference, but do not email another copy of your photo unless we ask for it.