Applying for or renewing a Blue Badge in the UK? GOV.UK says you need a recent digital photograph showing your head and shoulders. In England, Department for Transport guidance says the photograph should follow passport-style standards so the badge holder can be clearly identified.
Blue Badge photo requirements in England
Current Department for Transport guidance says the photograph should be a close-up digital image of the head and shoulders with strong definition between the face and background. It should be in colour, a true likeness and unamended.
- Face forward and look straight at the camera.
- Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Keep your eyes open and clearly visible.
- Use a light grey or cream background.
- Avoid red eye, shadows, glare or reflections.
- Do not cover the face; religious or medical head coverings are allowed if the face remains visible.
- The image should be sharp, clear and recent.
For the standard used by English local authorities, the DfT guidance specifies passport size of 45mm by 35mm and says photographs may be professionally printed or supplied in digital format.
Read the official Blue Badge photo guidance.
Applying online
The GOV.UK Blue Badge service asks for a recent digital photo showing the applicant’s head and shoulders. Your local council makes the eligibility decision and may have its own upload or supporting-document process.
Apply or renew a Blue Badge on GOV.UK.
Can you use a passport-style photo?
Yes—the official guidance closely follows passport-photo standards. However, a UK passport photo code is for the passport application process and should not be assumed to work as a Blue Badge upload code. For a Blue Badge application, follow the digital-upload instructions shown by GOV.UK and your council.
Taking a photo at home
Use even lighting, a plain light background and a recent image that clearly shows the head and shoulders. Do not use beauty filters or edits that alter your appearance. If your council asks for a digital file, make sure the file you upload matches the application instructions.
If you want a passport-style digital photograph, our current digital photo option starts from £6.99. Check the Blue Badge upload instructions before ordering because a passport photo code and an ordinary digital image are different products.
Blue Badge guidance checked 10 October 2026 against GOV.UK and Department for Transport guidance for England. Rules and fees can differ across the UK and local councils administer the scheme. Passport Photo Code UK is an independent service.