Condensed guide. Read the full UK passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 29–34 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | white or light grey |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last month |
| Print requirements | photo-quality paper, no creases or marks — Printed photos are only needed for paper applications. Online applications use the digital file. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG, 50–10 MB (GOV.UK online passport application (HMPO)); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing 35×45 mm photos for a paper application) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 6) |
| Official source | GOV.UK – Get a passport photo |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- Digital rules verified on GOV.UK: at least 600×750 px, 50 KB to 10 MB, taken in the last month, unaltered. The printed-photo page (35×45 mm, head 29–34 mm) was not reachable and is from the long-standing HMPO guidance.
- HMPO crops digital photos itself. Our online export is framed to pass its automatic check rather than cropped to the printed 35×45 mm frame.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. GOV.UK explicitly allows a photo taken with your own device during the application, as long as someone else takes it. The page notes that booth and shop photos are approved more often, which is mostly down to lighting and background. If you follow the checker here, the common failure causes (shadows, glasses glare, uneven background) are caught before you upload.
Why UK passport photos get rejected
- Shadow behind the head or across the face. Step forward from the wall and face the light. Shadows are the number-one reason HMPO's upload check fails.
- Background not plain or too similar to your hair or clothing. Pick a light grey or cream wall that contrasts with your hair, and avoid light tops that blend in.
- Glare on glasses or frames over the eyes. Remove the glasses, or tilt them slightly down and move the light to the side.
- Photo cropped too tight. Do not crop. Upload the head-and-shoulders frame; HMPO's tool positions the face.
- Photo altered by software. No filters, no background replacement, no smoothing. This tool does none of that for UK documents.
UK passport photo FAQ
What size is a UK passport photo?
Printed photos are 35×45 mm with the head 29–34 mm from chin to crown. Digital photos must be at least 600×750 pixels; HMPO crops them for you.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes. GOV.UK allows it as long as someone else takes it. Follow the lighting and background guidance and use the checker here before uploading.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken in the last month for a digital photo. A new photo is required with every new passport, even if you look the same.
What background colour do I need?
Plain and light-coloured with clear contrast, such as light grey or cream. No shadows, patterns or objects.
Can I wear glasses?
Only if you must. No tinted lenses, no glare, and the frames must not cover any part of your eyes.
Should I crop the photo myself?
No. Upload the head-and-shoulders photo and HMPO's service crops it. Our online export keeps the right proportions without a tight crop.
Related documents
UK visa photo (UKVI)
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmUK driving licence photo (DVLA online)
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmIrish passport
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmAustralian passport
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against GOV.UK – Get a passport photo. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.