United Kingdom Passport photo requirements
Printed photos are 45 mm high x 35 mm wide; head from chin to crown 29–34 mm. Online applications use a digital photo instead (see the UK passport online page). Photos must not be altered with software.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 64.4–75.6% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain cream or light grey |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Not allowed by the official rules; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-11-06 |
Official source: www.gov.uk
Guides: Passport photo background colour – white, cream or light grey? · UK passport photo rejected online? The GOV.UK rules and how to fix it
How to take your United Kingdom Passport photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain cream or light grey wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a United Kingdom Passport photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a plain cream or light grey background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in). The head should take up 64.4–75.6% of the photo height.
- How recent must a UK passport photo be?
- It must have been taken in the last month, and you need a new photo for each new passport.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Only if you have to. They can't be sunglasses or tinted, and frames, glare or shadows must not cover your eyes.
- Can I wear a head covering?
- Only for religious or medical reasons.
- Do I need a neutral expression?
- Yes: plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open and facing forward. Children under 6 don't need a plain expression or to look at the camera.
- What are the rules for babies?
- Babies must be alone in the photo, with no toys or dummies. Under-ones don't need their eyes open, and you can support their head as long as your hand isn't visible.
- Can I cut down a bigger photo?
- No. Each print must be 45 mm high by 35 mm wide and not a cut-down version of a larger picture, so print at exact size. It must also be unaltered by computer software.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports/photo-requirements. Last verified: 2026-11-06.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.