Step-by-Step GB UK Taxicard 35x45 mm Application Guide

Requirements

• Photo size: must be exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high on high-quality photo paper
• Head size & position: head height 29–34 mm from chin to crown, centered with equal margins each side
• Background: plain light grey or off-white with no patterns, shadows or textures
• Face orientation: full-face view, subject looking straight at camera with both edges of face visible
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling, frowning or raised eyebrows
• Lighting & contrast: even illumination, no shadows, reflections or hot spots on face or background
• Eyes & eyewear: eyes fully visible, no hair or glare; glasses allowed if clear lenses and frames don’t cover eyes
• Head coverings: allowed only for religious reasons, must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on face
• Photo quality: sharp focus, no red-eye, no creases, tears, smudges or ink marks
• Recency: taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Quantity: supply two identical printed copies with your application
• Borders & markings: photo must have no white borders, text, logos, stamps or watermarks
• Digital submission (if applicable): JPEG format, 600 dpi, file size 50–500 KB, exact 35×45 mm dimensions

Step-by-Step Process

Below is your step-by-step GB UK Taxicard 35×45 mm application guide. Follow each numbered step in order to ensure a smooth, compliant submission:

• Check eligibility and gather documents: confirm you live in a participating London borough, hold an approved disability or visual-impairment benefit (e.g. DLA, PIP), have your GP78 medical form or council referral, plus proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).
• Obtain a compliant 35×45 mm passport-style photo: have a professional lab or pharmacy shoot a recent colour image on plain light background, ensure head height is 29–34 mm, neutral expression, no shadows or reflections, no headwear (unless for religious reasons).
• Complete the official Taxicard application form: fill in all personal details exactly as on your ID, enter your National Insurance or benefit reference, use black ink, print clearly, and date/sign where indicated to avoid processing delays.
• Attach photo and supporting evidence: affix the 35×45 mm photo in the designated box using non-permanent photo corners or a single staple at the top edge, include photocopies of benefit award letters and proof of residency behind the form.
• Submit your application to the borough transport office: choose tracked Royal Mail or hand-deliver to your local council’s transport services desk, keep your postage receipt or drop-off confirmation for reference.
• Track and follow up on your application: note the reference number from your confirmation email or receipt, check status online or by calling the London Taxicard hotline after two weeks, and promptly respond to any requests for additional information.

Tips and Best Practices

• Dimension Verification: measure and trim your photo strictly to 35 × 45 mm using a calibrated template to meet official GB Taxicard specs and prevent outright rejection
• Background Uniformity: use a plain light-grey or white backdrop free of textures, shadows or patterns to ensure clear contrast and comply with UK ID photo rules
• Lighting Control: employ even, diffused front lighting to eliminate facial shadows and lens glare so all features are clearly visible and accepted first time
• Proper Framing: centre your head with eyes 11–15 mm below the top edge and ensure chin-to-crown height of 29–34 mm to avoid non-compliant cropping and retakes
• Neutral Expression: keep a straight face with closed mouth, hair off the forehead, ears visible and no tinted or reflective glasses to satisfy biometric requirements and prevent delays

Conclusion

In conclusion, following the Step-by-Step GB UK Taxicard 35×45 mm Application Guide ensures your application is accurate, complete and accepted on first submission:

• Photo preparation: provide a 35×45 mm head-and-shoulders image on a plain light background with correct head size and position
• Form completion: fill in all personal details legibly, using black ink and block letters
• Supporting documents: include proof of eligibility (e.g., disability benefit letter), proof of identity and residency
• Submission process: assemble your form, photo and documents in order, then deliver or post to your local Transport for London office
• Application tracking: note your reference number, check status online and respond promptly to any follow-up requests

By adhering to each step precisely, you minimize delays and maximize your chances of obtaining a Taxicard without hassle.