What size is a United Kingdom Passport photo?

A United Kingdom Passport photo must be 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in), rendered at 413×531 px and 300 DPI.

Why did my UK passport photo fail the online check?

Most often background contrast. The automated system needs to distinguish your head and shoulders from the backdrop; a pure white wall behind light hair does not give it enough to work with. Cream or light grey solves it.

Can I use a photo booth code instead of uploading?

Yes. Booths that support digital passport photos give you a code you can enter in the online application instead of uploading a file. This tool is the alternative if you would rather use your own photo.

Am I allowed to wear glasses?

Only if you cannot remove them for medical reasons, and then the eyes must be fully visible with no glare and no tint. Everyone else should take them off — glare is a common rejection reason.

Does the photo need to be professionally taken?

No. HMPO accepts photos taken at home provided they meet the specification. What matters is the size, the head position, even lighting, and no shadow.

United Kingdom · Passport

UK Passport Photo Maker

Create, resize, and check a fully compliant United Kingdom passport photo in seconds — cropped to the exact 35×45 mm (413×531 px) specification, processed privately in your browser.

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Your photo is processed entirely in your browser and is never uploaded to a server.

Official United Kingdom passport photo requirements

Official specification

Official source: HM Passport Office View the official specification

Dimensions (mm): 35 × 45 mm
Dimensions (in): 1.38 × 1.77 in
Pixels: 413 × 531 px
Resolution: 300 DPI

Photos produced in compliance with the displayed specification are accepted on first submission.

To comply with the photo manipulation rules for United Kingdom Passport photos, this tool does not perform the following operations:

Skin smoothing
Tone adjustment

How to make a United Kingdom passport photo

1
Find a cream or light grey backdrop
The UK does not want pure white. A plain cream or light grey wall gives the contrast their automated check looks for; a bright white one often fails, especially if you have fair or grey hair.
2
Keep a neutral expression
Unlike the US, HMPO does not accept a smile. Mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the lens.
3
Upload and frame
The tool crops to the required size and holds your head inside the permitted height band, which is the measurement most self-taken photos get wrong.
4
Submit digitally or print two copies
Online applications take the file directly. Paper applications need two identical prints, one signed on the back by your countersignatory.

Not sure about the rules for United Kingdom?

Read the full requirements, including what gets photos rejected.

United Kingdom passport photo requirements →

Frequently asked questions

What size is a United Kingdom Passport photo?: A United Kingdom Passport photo must be 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in), rendered at 413×531 px and 300 DPI.
Why did my UK passport photo fail the online check?: Most often background contrast. The automated system needs to distinguish your head and shoulders from the backdrop; a pure white wall behind light hair does not give it enough to work with. Cream or light grey solves it.
Can I use a photo booth code instead of uploading?: Yes. Booths that support digital passport photos give you a code you can enter in the online application instead of uploading a file. This tool is the alternative if you would rather use your own photo.
Am I allowed to wear glasses?: Only if you cannot remove them for medical reasons, and then the eyes must be fully visible with no glare and no tint. Everyone else should take them off — glare is a common rejection reason.
Does the photo need to be professionally taken?: No. HMPO accepts photos taken at home provided they meet the specification. What matters is the size, the head position, even lighting, and no shadow.