🇬🇧 United Kingdom passport photo: size and requirements
35 × 45 mm, plain light grey or cream background, head 29–34 mm. Make yours below. Your photo never leaves your device.
JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC, GIF, BMP. Stays on this device.
United Kingdom passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 531 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 29–34 mm |
| Background | Plain light grey or cream |
| Online upload | At least 600 × 750 px, 50 KB to 10 MB. Colour photo, unaltered by software. Do not crop it yourself for online applications. |
| Editing | The official page says the photo must not be altered by software. Replacing the background counts as an edit, so keep your original background if it is already plain and light. |
| Source | GOV.UK: Photos for passports · verified 2026-10-24 |
Rules to follow
- Taken within the last month. Plain cream or light grey background with clear contrast and no shadows.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible.
- No glasses glare, no hair across the eyes, nothing covering the face (religious/medical exceptions apply).
- Photo must be clear, in focus and not over- or under-exposed.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Shadows behind or on the face
- Expression not neutral
- Eyes not clearly visible
- Low resolution or blurry
- Background not plain
Our live checks flag most of these before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United Kingdom passport photo?
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches), which is 413 × 531 pixels at 300 dpi.
What background colour is required?
Plain light grey or cream. The background should be even, with no shadows, patterns or objects.
How big should my head be in the photo?
The head, measured from chin to the top of the head, should be between 29 and 34 mm.
Can I take the photo at home?
Generally yes, if it meets the rules above. Use even daylight, a plain wall, and have someone else take it at eye level. Always confirm with the issuing authority.
SelfPassPhoto is not affiliated with any government. Requirements change; the issuing authority's current guidance always takes precedence.