Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on passport photographs from people with white hair on a white background not being accepted; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing a default pastel background in passport photographs.

Her Majesty’s Passport Office does not hold information on passport photographs from people with white hair on a white background not being accepted within the examination process.

HM Passport Office provides clear guidance on photo standards, which includes advice for taking digital passport photographs using a ‘plain light-coloured background’ and for paper photograph using a ‘plain cream or light grey background'. This guidance is available on GOV.UK

Get a passport photo - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Get a passport photo: Printed photos - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)