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Take a recent portrait against a plain wall in good natural light, or use an existing photo from your phone, tablet, or computer. JPG, PNG, and HEIC are all accepted.
🇬🇧 HM Passport Office Compliant
UK Passport Photo Maker Online
Create a British passport photo that meets every HM Passport Office requirement in under a minute. Correct 35×45mm size, plain light grey or cream background, and the right head height — whether you apply online or by post.
Create UK Passport Photo Free
HM Passport Office compliant
Online & printed applications
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Works on mobile
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Create Your UK Passport Photo Now
Upload any portrait photo and our tool resizes it to the official 35×45mm specification, replaces the background, and checks head height. Download a digital JPEG or a printable 6×4 inch sheet — fully compliant with British passport photo rules.
Create UK Passport PhotoUK Passport Photo Requirements
The HM Passport Office has strict rules for passport photographs. Every requirement below must be met or your application will be delayed. Our tool automatically handles the technical checks.
| Photo Size | 35mm × 45mm (standard UK passport photo size) |
|---|---|
| Head Height | 29mm to 34mm from chin to crown of the head |
| Background | Plain light grey or cream — no patterns, shadows, or objects |
| Head Position | Centred, facing forward, looking straight at the camera |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed — no smiling or showing teeth |
| Eyes | Open, clearly visible, no hair across the face, no red-eye |
| Glasses | Not recommended; tinted lenses strictly not allowed |
| Head Coverings | Not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons |
| Colour | Full colour — black and white photos not accepted |
| Photo Age | Taken within the last month, must be a true likeness |
| File Format (digital) | JPEG only |
| File Size (digital) | Between 50KB and 10MB |
| Resolution (digital) | Minimum 600×750 pixels |
| Print Requirements | Photographic paper, plain white, no borders, in colour |
UK Passport Photo Size in MM, CM, and Inches
The official British passport photo dimensions are 35mm wide by 45mm tall. Here is how that converts across every unit of measurement you might need:
35 × 45 mm
Millimetres (official UK spec)
3.5 × 4.5 cm
Centimetres
1.38 × 1.77 in
Inches
| Width | 35mm / 3.5cm / 1.38 inches |
|---|---|
| Height | 45mm / 4.5cm / 1.77 inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 7:9 (width:height) |
| Head Height (minimum) | 29mm from chin to crown |
| Head Height (maximum) | 34mm from chin to crown |
| Head Height as % of photo | 64% to 76% of the total 45mm height |
Key point: The UK passport photo size is different from the US passport photo size (2×2 inches / 51×51mm). If you are applying for both, you will need two separate photos in different dimensions.
UK Passport Photo Size in Pixels
The minimum resolution for a digital UK passport photo submitted via the GOV.UK online application is 600×750 pixels. For high-quality print output, 300 DPI or 600 DPI is recommended.
| DPI (Quality) | Pixels (Width × Height) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Min GOV.UK minimum | 600 × 750 px | Online application only |
| 200 DPI | 276 × 354 px | Low quality — not recommended |
| 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px | Standard print quality |
| 600 DPI | 827 × 1063 px | High-quality print / professional lab |
Our tool exports at 600 DPI by default, giving you a photo that meets both the online digital submission requirement (600×750px minimum) and the quality needed for high street printing at Boots, Asda, or a professional photo lab.
UK Digital Passport Photo Requirements
If you are applying for a UK passport online through GOV.UK, you will need to supply a digital photo that meets these specific technical requirements. The online system will reject files that do not comply.
File Format: JPEG Only
PNG, HEIC, WEBP, and other formats are not accepted. Our tool exports a compliant JPEG automatically.
File Size: 50KB to 10MB
The file must be no smaller than 50KB and no larger than 10MB. Very small files are usually too low in quality.
Minimum 600 × 750 Pixels
The image must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall to meet the GOV.UK minimum resolution requirement.
Full Colour Photo
Black and white or greyscale images are rejected. The photo must be in colour, taken with the white balance set correctly.
Taken Within the Last Month
Digital applications require a recent photo, taken no longer than one month before submission, reflecting your current appearance.
Digital Photo Code (Optional)
If a photographer or chemist issues you a code instead of a printed photo, you can enter this code during the online GOV.UK application instead of uploading an image file.
How to Create a UK Passport Photo Online
Follow these five steps to produce a fully compliant British passport photo using our free online tool. The whole process takes less than two minutes.
Auto-Crop to 35×45mm
Our tool automatically detects your face and crops the image to the official UK passport photo size with the correct head height of 29–34mm from chin to crown.
Replace the Background
Our AI removes your original background and replaces it with a compliant light grey or cream backdrop, eliminating shadows or objects that would cause rejection.
Review Compliance Checks
The tool automatically checks head position, face visibility, expression detection, lighting evenness, and image quality — so you know your photo is ready before you download it.
Download or Print
Download a digital JPEG for GOV.UK online applications, or save a 6×4 inch printable sheet with multiple copies for postal applications and high street printing.
UK Passport Photo — Accepted vs Rejected
Understanding exactly what passes and fails saves time. Here is what the HM Passport Office looks for when they review your photo.
✅ Accepted — What a correct photo looks like
- Plain light grey or cream background with no shadows
- Head centred and facing forward, looking straight at the camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no teeth showing
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- No hair across the face or covering the eyes
- Head height between 29mm and 34mm in a 45mm photo
- No glasses (or prescription glasses with no glare)
- Full colour, sharp, and well-lit with no red-eye
- Taken within the last month
- No filters, retouching, or beauty alterations
❌ Rejected — Common reasons for failure
- White or dark background (not light grey or cream)
- Shadow visible behind the head or on the face
- Smiling or showing teeth
- Eyes partially closed or looking away from the camera
- Hair covering part of the face or forehead
- Head too small (below 29mm) or too large (above 34mm)
- Glasses with reflections or tinted lenses
- Low resolution, pixelated, or blurred image
- Photo taken more than one month ago
- Filters, skin smoothing, or digital alteration applied
Common Reasons UK Passport Photos Are Rejected
Around 1 in 10 UK passport applications are delayed due to photo problems. Every rejection below can be avoided before you submit — here is what to watch for and why it matters.
❌ Wrong background colour
Many people use a white wall thinking it is acceptable. The UK requires light grey or cream — not white. Pure white is too bright and creates contrast issues. Patterned or coloured backgrounds are immediately rejected. Our tool replaces any background automatically.
❌ Shadow behind the head
Standing too close to the wall causes a visible shadow behind your head. The HM Passport Office treats shadows as background obstruction. Stand at least 50cm from the wall to eliminate this problem before you upload.
❌ Smiling or showing teeth
The UK requires a completely neutral expression. Even a slight, closed-mouth smile can cause rejection. The photo should look natural but expressionless — think of how you look when you are relaxed but not reacting to anything.
❌ Hair covering the face
Fringes, side-swept hair, or loose strands covering eyebrows, eyes, or any part of the face outline are not allowed. Tie hair back or pin it away from the face before taking the photo.
❌ Incorrect head size
The head from chin to crown must measure between 29mm and 34mm within the 45mm frame. Photos taken too close make the head too large; photos taken from too far away make it too small. Our tool measures and crops automatically.
❌ Glasses glare or tinted lenses
Glasses are now strongly discouraged for UK passport photos. If you must wear them for medical reasons, the frames must not cover any part of the eyes, the lenses must be completely clear, and there must be no glare at all on the lenses.
❌ Low resolution or pixelation
Photos below 600×750 pixels for digital applications, or printed photos that appear blurred or pixelated, do not meet the GOV.UK technical requirements. Modern smartphones should be sufficient if the camera was in focus.
❌ Filters and digital alterations
Any beauty filter, skin smoothing, blemish removal, colour correction, or AI retouching that changes your appearance is not allowed. Your passport photo must be an accurate, unedited representation of how you look in real life.
❌ Red-eye effect
Photos taken with flash in low light often result in red-eye. This is easily avoided by using natural light instead of flash. If red-eye is present, our tool can correct it without altering your appearance.
❌ Photo taken more than one month ago
Your photo must reflect your current appearance and must have been taken within the last month. If you have significantly changed your hair, grown a beard, or changed your appearance, you need a new photo even if you have an existing compliant one from two months ago.
Baby & Child Passport Photos — UK Rules
Children can hold their own UK passport from birth. The rules for baby and child passport photos are mostly the same as for adults, but with some important exceptions depending on the child's age.
👶 Baby Passport Photos (Under 1 Year)
- ✓ Plain light grey or cream background required
- ✓ Head must be facing forward where possible
- ✓ Eyes do not need to be open
- ✓ Neutral expression is not required
- ✗ No other person or hand must be visible in the photo
- ✗ Baby must not be in a car seat or lying on a patterned surface
- ✗ Dummy or pacifier must not be in the photo
Tip: Lay the baby on a white or cream sheet and photograph from directly above. Crop the sheet out using our tool and replace it with a compliant light grey background.
🧒 Child Passport Photos (1–17 Years)
- ✓ All standard adult rules apply from age 1 upwards
- ✓ Eyes must be open and clearly visible
- ✓ Neutral expression with mouth closed
- ✓ Plain light grey or cream background
- ✗ No other person must appear in the photo
- ✗ No toys, accessories, or props visible
- ✗ No school uniforms with logos visible
Tip: Sit the child against a plain light wall. Use natural light and ask them to look at a spot slightly above the camera to get a forward-facing gaze without tension.
Tips for Taking a Better UK Passport Photo at Home
Most UK passport photo rejections are caused by problems that are easy to prevent. These practical tips will help you take a compliant photo on your first attempt using just a smartphone.
Use natural daylight facing a window
Stand facing a window during daylight hours. Natural light is diffused, flattering, and prevents the harsh shadows on the face and behind the head that artificial light often creates.
Stand at least 50cm from the wall
Distance between you and the wall behind you eliminates the shadow that causes one of the most common rejection reasons. Our background-removal tool handles the rest.
Wear clothing that contrasts with the background
Avoid white, cream, or pale grey tops that blend into the background. Solid darker colours — navy, black, burgundy, deep green — work best and make your face the focal point.
Keep the camera at exact eye level
Hold the phone or camera level with your eyes, not below chin height. Looking down changes the angle of your face and the proportions of your head, which can cause the head-height check to fail.
Remove glasses if at all possible
The HM Passport Office now strongly recommends photos taken without glasses. If you need to wear them for medical reasons, remove any glare by tilting your frames very slightly downward.
Ask someone else to take the photo or use a timer
Selfies taken at arm's length distort facial proportions because of the wide-angle effect. A tripod with a self-timer, or having someone else take the photo at distance, gives a more accurate, compliant result.
Wear your normal everyday makeup
Heavy or dramatically different makeup can change your appearance enough that your passport no longer looks like you at the airport. Stick to the look you wear every day.
Do not use flash or ring lights
Flash creates red-eye and uneven lighting that fails quality checks. Ring lights can cause glare on glasses and overexpose the centre of the face. Natural window light is the best option in every case.
UK vs US vs Canada Passport Photo Size Comparison
If you are travelling internationally and need passport photos for more than one country, the sizes are different. Here is a quick comparison so you know exactly what you need.
| Country | Photo Size (mm) | Photo Size (inches) | Head Height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 29 – 34 mm | Light grey or cream |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 in | 25 – 35 mm | Plain white or off-white |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50 × 70 mm | 1.97 × 2.76 in | 31 – 36 mm | Plain white |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 32 – 36 mm | Plain white or off-white |
| 🇮🇳 India | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 in | 25 – 35 mm | Plain white |
Note: The UK and Australia share the same 35×45mm size, but have different head height requirements and background colour rules. Always create separate photos for each country using the correct specification.
UK Passport Photo FAQs
Everything you need to know about British passport photos, digital submissions, printing, and special cases.
What is the official UK passport photo size?
The official UK passport photo size is 35mm wide by 45mm tall (3.5cm × 4.5cm, or 1.38 × 1.77 inches). The head must measure between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown within that 45mm frame. This size applies to both online digital submissions and printed photos for postal applications.
What is the UK passport photo size in pixels?
The minimum resolution for a digital UK passport photo submitted via GOV.UK is 600×750 pixels. For printed photos at 300 DPI, the equivalent is 413×531 pixels. Our tool exports at 600 DPI (827×1063 pixels) for the highest quality output that works for both digital and print applications.
What background colour is required for a UK passport photo?
The background must be plain light grey or cream. Pure white is not accepted because it creates too much contrast. The background must be completely plain — no patterns, no gradients, no furniture, and no shadows behind the head. If your background does not meet this, our tool replaces it automatically with a compliant shade.
Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
No. The HM Passport Office requires a completely neutral expression with the mouth closed. You must not show any teeth. A relaxed, neutral face is correct. Smiling is one of the most common reasons UK passport photos are rejected — even a slight, natural smile can trigger a failure.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
The HM Passport Office strongly recommends photos taken without glasses. If you must wear glasses due to a medical reason, there must be no glare on the lenses, the frames must not cover your eyes, and the lenses must be completely clear and untinted. In practice, it is always safer to remove glasses for your passport photo to avoid rejection.
Can I take a UK passport photo on my phone?
Yes. Modern smartphones have sufficient camera resolution for a UK passport photo. Use the rear-facing camera rather than the front camera, ask someone to take the photo for you or use a timer and tripod, stand in natural daylight facing a window, and use our online tool to crop and check the image against all UK requirements before submitting.
Can I use a selfie for a UK passport application?
Selfies are not recommended. The close distance between your face and the front camera creates a wide-angle distortion that changes facial proportions and often causes the head-size check to fail. It is better to have someone else photograph you from a normal distance, or to set your phone on a tripod or flat surface with a self-timer.
Can I wear makeup in my UK passport photo?
Yes, everyday makeup is fine and is not considered digital alteration. However, heavy stage makeup, dramatic contouring, or unusual looks that significantly change your appearance compared to how you normally look in daily life could cause problems at airport identity checks. Stick to your usual everyday makeup for the most accurate passport photo.
Can I wear a hijab or religious head covering in a UK passport photo?
Yes. Head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons are permitted. Your full face from chin to top of your forehead must still be clearly visible against the light grey or cream background. The covering must not cast any shadows on your face. Head coverings worn for non-religious fashion reasons are not permitted.
What clothes should I wear for a UK passport photo?
There are no specific clothing rules for UK passport photos, but avoid white, cream, or light grey tops that blend into the required background colour. Solid, darker colours such as navy, black, burgundy, or forest green work best. Do not wear uniforms, hats, or accessories that obscure your face or neck. Clothing with visible logos or patterns is allowed but not recommended.
Can I use a white background for a UK passport photo?
No. Pure white backgrounds are not accepted for UK passport photos. The required background is plain light grey or cream. This distinction matters — a very bright white wall will result in rejection. Our tool replaces your background with the correct shade automatically, so you do not need to worry about the exact colour of the wall behind you.
Can I print my UK passport photo at home?
Yes, for postal applications you can print at home if you have a colour photo printer and plain white photographic paper. The printed photo must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall and have no borders. Alternatively, download our print sheet and have it printed at a high street photo shop. Boots, Asda Photo, Snappy Snaps, and Tesco all offer standard 6×4 inch prints which contain multiple copies of your photo.
Can I print my UK passport photo at Boots?
Yes. Boots Photo is one of the most convenient and affordable options for printing a UK passport photo from a digital file. Download your cropped, compliant JPEG or the 6×4 inch print sheet from our tool and upload it to the Boots Photo website, or take the image to your nearest Boots store. The cost is typically under £1 for a 6×4 inch print compared to £7–£10 for a Boots passport photo booth.
How recent must a UK passport photo be?
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last month before you submit your application. It must also reflect your current appearance. If you have recently grown or removed a beard, significantly changed your hair colour or length, or made any other notable change to your appearance, you must take a new photo even if you have a compliant photo from just a few weeks ago that predates the change.
Can I use an old UK passport photo?
Only if it was taken within the last month and still accurately reflects how you currently look. A photo from three months ago is not acceptable even if technically compliant in every other way. Always take a fresh photo for each new passport application or renewal.
What is a digital passport photo code and how does it work?
When you have your passport photo taken at a participating pharmacy, post office, or photo studio, they may give you a nine-digit digital code instead of — or in addition to — a printed photo. You can enter this code during your online GOV.UK passport application to supply your photo digitally without uploading a file. The code is usually valid for a limited period so use it promptly.
Can babies close their eyes in a UK passport photo?
Yes. For babies under one year old, the eyes do not need to be open. Babies also do not need to have a neutral expression — they can appear natural. However, no other person's hands or body must appear in the photo, the background must still be plain light grey or cream, and the baby's face must be the clear focus of the image.
Do children follow the same UK passport photo rules as adults?
Children aged one and over must follow all the same rules as adults: plain background, neutral expression, eyes open and visible, facing forward. The only relaxation is for babies under one year, who do not need eyes open or a neutral expression. All children must appear alone in the photo — no parent, hand, or other person should be visible.
What file format is required for an online UK passport application?
Digital photos submitted via GOV.UK must be in JPEG format. The file must be between 50KB and 10MB in size and at least 600×750 pixels. PNG, HEIC, WebP, and other formats are not accepted by the GOV.UK passport application system. Our tool always exports a JPEG that meets these technical requirements.
Does my passport photo need to be in colour?
Yes. UK passport photos must be in full colour. Black and white or greyscale photos are rejected. If your camera is set to a black and white mode, switch it back to colour before taking the photo. Our tool also checks colour output before you download.
Can I edit my passport photo or remove blemishes?
No. Any digital alteration that changes your appearance — including beauty filters, skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, eye brightening, or any AI enhancement — is explicitly not allowed under HM Passport Office rules. Your photo must be an accurate, unedited representation of your current appearance. Minor technical adjustments like correcting red-eye are generally acceptable.
What happens if my UK passport photo is rejected?
If you submit an application with a non-compliant photo, HMPO will contact you and ask you to provide a new photo. This adds delays to your application — typically one to two additional weeks. If you are applying close to your travel date, a rejected photo can be very disruptive. Using a compliance-checked digital tool before you apply removes this risk.
Is the UK passport photo size the same as the Australian passport photo size?
The UK and Australia both use a 35×45mm photo size, but the requirements differ in other ways. Australian passport photos require a white or off-white background rather than light grey or cream, and the head height requirement is 32–36mm compared to the UK's 29–34mm range. Always use the correct country-specific tool when preparing photos for different passports.
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