How recent does a passport photo have to be?
Six months is the answer almost everywhere, which is why the United Kingdom catches so many people out. GOV.UK asks for a photo taken in the last month. A perfectly good photo from your previous application will be refused.
The rule by country
The difference is large enough to matter when you are reusing a photo, and it is not the sort of thing anyone checks twice.
- United Kingdom: taken in the last month
- United States: taken within the last 6 months
- Australia: taken within the last 6 months
Why the UK is stricter
The stated purpose is the same everywhere: the photo has to represent how you look now. The UK simply draws the line closer. In practice it means a photo cannot be reused across two applications unless they fall within a few weeks of each other.
If you are applying for a UK passport and a visa at the same time, take one fresh photo and use it for both rather than the other way round.
Appearance changes reset the clock
Every authority also asks that the photo reflects your current appearance, which is a separate test from the date. A photo taken three months ago is still refused if you have since grown a beard, changed hair colour dramatically or had anything done that alters the shape of your face.
The date is the floor, not the whole rule.
Questions
How old can a UK passport photo be?
It must have been taken in the last month. This is stricter than the six months almost every other authority allows, and it is the rule people most often get wrong.
How old can a US passport photo be?
Taken within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance.
Can I reuse a photo from my last application?
For the US and Australia, only if it is under six months old. For the UK, almost never, because the limit is one month.