So,, you're looking to get UK passport ID photos?
The world is becoming more and more digitised and with this, His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) has changed the way UK passport applications are made online. A new secure digital ID Photo Code (IDPC) system has been introduced that simplifies the process of attaching your ID photo to your passport application.
ID Photo Codes (IDPC) are unique to each customer and are generated when you have your ID photo taken by an IDPC compliant photographer. When entered into your online UK passport application, they give His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) direct access to your securely stored digital ID photo, which will then be transferred electronically into your UK passport application.
The result is that the whole process of validating and sending HMPO your ID photo is simplified - the handling of physical photographs or transferring and uploading digital files is no longer required.
Just 3 simple steps:
- Find an IDPC compliant photographer to take your photograph
- You then receive an email containing your unique ID Photo Code
- Enter your ID Photo Code into your online UK passport application
- It's now the easiest and most secure way to attach your ID Photo to your passport application.
- Your ID photo will be biometrically checked with HMPO regulations to ensure it passes their passport photo requirements whilst you're still with the photographer
- Online UK passport applications are £19.25* cheaper than the Post Office 'Check & Send' service.
Look for ID photo specialists displaying this 'IDPC Compliant' logo as they can generate ID Photo Codes that comply with the format & regulations as stipulated by HMPO which includes a secure process for storing and transferring your digital ID photo.
Please note that some automatic photo booths supply photo codes, but they DO NOT check your image with the HMPO system to ensure it passes their passport photo requirements. This can waste your time and money as quite often their photos produce an image check fail at the passport application stage and you have to start all over again getting a new ID photo taken.