UK Passport Photo Size & Requirements — Online Maker
Official UK passport photo specifications (35x45mm), cream or light grey background rules, digital upload guidance, and online photo maker.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
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Target preset: UK Photo (35x45 mm) (35 × 45 mm)
About UK Passport Photo Requirements
United Kingdom passport photograph specifications are regulated by HM Passport Office and published on GOV.UK. Standard physical specifications require a 35 mm wide × 45 mm high color photograph.
HM Passport Office guidelines strictly mandate that the head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must measure between 29 mm and 34 mm (occupying 64% to 76% of total photo height). Unlike countries requiring a pure white backdrop, UK passport rules mandate a plain cream or light grey background to ensure clear visual separation between the subject and the background.
For digital passport applications on GOV.UK, photos must measure at least 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels high (4:5 aspect ratio) with a file size between 50 KB and 10 MB. Smiling is prohibited and neutral expressions are required.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Background is pure white, dark, patterned, or textured (HM Passport Office requires plain cream or light grey).
- 2
Head size is outside the mandatory 29 mm to 34 mm physical range (too close or too far).
- 3
Applicant is smiling, mouth is open, or facial expression is not neutral.
- 4
Eyeglass reflections or glare obscure the eyes (HM Passport Office recommends removing glasses).
- 5
Hair falls across the eyes, eyebrows, or covers the contours of the face.
- 6
Red-eye effect or shadows appearing on the face or behind the head.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official physical size for a UK passport photo?
- Physical UK passport photos must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
- Why does HM Passport Office require a cream or light grey background instead of white?
- A plain cream or light grey background provides necessary contrast with light skin tones and fair hair, preventing edge blending during automated biometric passport scanning.
- What proportion of the photo must the face occupy in a UK passport photo?
- The head measurement from the crown (top of head) to the bottom of the chin must be between 29 mm and 34 mm, representing 64% to 76% of the vertical photo height.
- What are the rules for online digital UK passport applications?
- Digital photos uploaded to GOV.UK must be at least 600 pixels wide × 750 pixels high (4:5 aspect ratio), in focus, between 50 KB and 10 MB in file size, and taken against a plain light background.
- Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
- No. HM Passport Office requires a neutral expression with the mouth closed and eyes looking straight into the camera.
- Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
- Glasses are permitted only if the frames do not obscure the eyes and there is zero glare or flash reflection. However, HM Passport Office strongly recommends removing glasses to avoid photo rejection.