How long is a passport photo valid? UK, US, Canada and more

UK — 1 month

HMPO requires your passport photo to have been taken within the last month (within the last 4 weeks). This is a strict requirement: a photo taken 5 or 6 weeks ago will likely be rejected.

The same 1-month rule applies to UK driving licence photos for the DVLA.

This short window exists because the UK uses an automated facial comparison system that checks your new photo against your previous passport — a very recent photo ensures the best possible match.

USA — 6 months

The US State Department requires that passport photos be taken within the last 6 months. This applies to both new passport applications and renewals.

The 6-month window gives you much more flexibility than the UK — a photo taken a few months ago is still valid provided it accurately reflects your current appearance.

Canada — 6 months

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires passport photos taken within the last 6 months. The same applies to PR card applications and visa photos.

Australia, EU and other countries

Most countries that follow the ICAO biometric standard — including Australia (DFAT), EU/Schengen member states, and India — require photos taken within the last 6 months. Some individual EU countries apply stricter rules.

Always check the specific government guidance for the country you are applying to, as requirements can change.

Does the photo on your passport expire?

No — once your passport is issued, the photo on it is valid for the full lifetime of the passport (typically 10 years for adults, 5 years for children). The freshness requirement only applies at the time of application, not during the passport's active period.

This means your passport remains valid for travel even if you look noticeably different from your photo, as long as border officers can reasonably identify you. However, if your appearance has changed significantly (major surgery, weight change, or you no longer look like the photo), you may wish to renew early.

Tips for staying within the validity window

• Take your passport photo on the same day you submit your application or as close to it as possible
• In the UK, do not take your photo more than 3 weeks before submitting to allow processing time
• Do not reuse a photo from a previous application — even if it is only a few months old
• Smart Passport Photo produces photos that are ready to submit immediately — take the photo and apply the same day