OFFICIAL CONSULAR SPECIFICATION● PHOTO REQUIREMENTS GUIDEBus Pass Photo: Older and Disabled Person’s Bus Pass Requirements
What photo your council needs for an older or disabled person’s bus pass, and how the rules differ between councils and nations.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Follow the receiving authority’s photography instructions.
Bus passes are issued locally, so the photo rules come from your council. In England you get a free bus pass at State Pension age through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme; disabled person’s passes also come from your council. In Wales and Scotland the older person’s pass starts at 60. In London, the 60+ Oyster photocard from TfL covers travel within London. Most councils ask for a recent colour passport-style photo of your head and shoulders, uploaded online or sent with a form.
Who this guide is for
People applying for or replacing an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass, especially online.
Key Biometric Specifications
Preparing the photo
Practical preparation tips; use the linked application instructions for requirements.
- Open your council’s bus pass page and note the photo size, time limit and upload format.
- Use a plain light wall and even daylight. Ask someone to take the photo at eye level.
- If the council asks for passport-style, keep a neutral expression with both eyes visible. Westmorland and Furness says not to crop a photo taken on your own device; the council crops it.
- Upload the original file, or have a print made at the stated size if you apply on paper.
Mandatory Consular Rules
- Your council sets the photo rules. Find the bus pass page for your council through GOV.UK.
- Expect a recent colour, passport-style head-and-shoulders photo. Southend asks for 35×45 mm.
- How recent varies: Bath and North East Somerset says 6 months, Central Bedfordshire 12 months.
- No hat or sunglasses unless needed for religious or medical reasons, or because you are partially sighted or blind (Gloucestershire).
- Some councils let you take the photo with a webcam during the online application (Warwickshire) or upload a JPG or PDF (Gloucestershire).
Top Rejection Pitfalls to Avoid
- Sunglasses or a hat without a medical or religious reason.
- Another person or object in the photo.
- A photo older than the council allows.
- A cropped selfie with the face too close to the camera.
- A dark or shadowed face.
United Kingdom photo requirements and document options
Digital and printed copies
Most councils now take a digital upload. Paper applications and library or council-office applications may take a printed passport-style photo. Some councils do not need a new photo for a renewal or replacement: Hampshire and West Sussex say so for their passes.
Questions about this guide
What size photo do I need for a bus pass?
Most councils ask for a passport-style photo. Where a size is given, it is usually 35×45 mm, as on Southend’s form.
Can I take my bus pass photo at home?
Usually yes. Many councils accept an uploaded phone photo, and some let you take one with a webcam during the application.
Do I need a new photo to renew my bus pass?
Not always. Some councils reuse the photo they hold. Check your council’s renewal page.
Can I wear glasses in a bus pass photo?
Normal glasses are usually fine if your eyes are visible. Sunglasses are not, unless you need them because of a sight condition.
About this guide
ApprovaVisa editorial team
Reviewed: 25 October 2026
Requirements come from the linked authority source. Where our summary and the authority differ, follow the authority.
Prepare Your United Kingdom Photo
Check the receiving authority’s instructions before preparing a photo. Use professional photography where required, and retain the original image when digital alterations are prohibited.
Try the assessment first. Paid downloads include a clean JPEG and print-ready sheet; review the package price before checkout. Follow the receiving authority’s photography instructions.