Photographic Rules for NRSWA (SWQR) Card Applications

Photographic Rules for NRSWA (SWQR) Card Applications

Please Read - This document contains important information regarding the photographic requirements for NRSWA (SWQR) cards. Failure to adhere to these will result in delays applying for your card.

You need one photo for a SWQR application. On completing the form, please refer to the application to determine if a new photograph must be submitted to renew your SWQR ID Card. Your application will be returned if your photos don’t meet the following requirements.

The size of your photos

• Your photos must:
• measure 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)
• not be a cut down version of a larger picture

If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45 mm high by 35mm wide.

The quality of your photos

• Your photos must:
• printed to a professional standard
• taken within the last month
• in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• taken against a plain cream or light grey background
• clear and in focus
• without any creases or tears
• unmarked on both sides
• unaltered by computer software.

What your photos must show

• Your photos must:
• be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
• contain no other objects or people
• be in clear contrast to the background
• have your first and last name written on the reverse
• Your photos must:
• be facing forward and looking straight at the camera
• have a neutral expression and your mouth closed
• have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
• not have hair in front of your eyes
• not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
• not have anything covering your face
• not have any ‘red eye’
• not have any shadows on your face or behind you

You can’t wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. You can wear reading glasses but your eyes must show fully through clear lenses without glare or reflections.

The size of your image

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

Photo do’s and dont’s