UK passport photo requirements (35×45 mm)

Last reviewed July 19, 2026 by the My New ID Photo editorial team. Rules change—confirm details with the issuing authority before you apply.

Written and reviewed by the My New ID Photo editorial team.

Practical notes for applicants and travelers. This is not legal advice—compare every requirement with the official checklist linked below.

UK government guidance requires a recent color photo for passports that meets size and composition standards. Check HM Passport Office for the latest rules before you apply.

Size and crop

The image must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Your face—from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (without hair counted excessively high)—must occupy the correct proportion of the frame as shown in official examples. Do not crop too tight or leave excessive empty space above the head.

Expression and direction

Look straight at the camera with a plain expression and mouth closed. Eyes open and clearly visible (no hair across the eyes). No head tilt. Remove tinted glasses; prescription glasses only if unavoidable and eyes must be visible with no glare.

Background and contrast

Plain cream or light grey background without pattern or shadow. Strong contrast between background and face. No other people or objects visible.

Common rejection and upload quirks

HM Passport Office’s digital photo checker is strict about shadows. A shadow under the chin or behind the head is one of the most common reasons a digital upload fails. The online photo must be between 600×750 pixels and 9000×12000 pixels; smaller or larger files are rejected before a person sees them. You must keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling. The photo must be taken within the last month, and if you wear glasses, the frames must not cover your eyes and there must be no glare. For babies, the rules allow some flexibility if eyes are not visible, but you should still follow the published guidance closely.

Printing and submission tips

You can get a code from a photo shop that links your digital image to the online passport application, or you can print two identical 35×45 mm photos for a paper form. Many supermarket photo booths and high-street shops produce UK passport photos automatically. Check that the print is exactly 45 mm high and 35 mm wide; some machines default to a different European size. The photo must be printed on plain white or off-white photo paper with no border.

How our tools handle tricky backgrounds

HMPO is strict about even tone and natural edges. If your home wall is not perfectly plain, use our neural background removal to drop in an acceptable colour, then check the result at full zoom. The Edge Refine brush can fix hair halos or collar leftovers before you upload.

Making this photo in My New ID Photo

Choose United Kingdom and Passport for a 35×45 mm output. The overlay follows ICAO-style proportions—position your face straight-on with the eyes on the correct band. Replace a cluttered background if needed, then export for print or digital upload according to HM Passport Office’s current file rules.

Official sources

We link to primary sources where possible. Embassy pages, PDF checklists, and ICAO references are listed so you can read the wording yourself—not rely on a summary alone.

• GOV.UK — Photos for passports and most UK identity documents ↗
• ICAO — Machine Readable Travel Documents (Doc 9303) ↗

Reminder: Embassies and motor vehicle offices update photo rules without notice. Re-read the official page on the day you submit.

Open the generator, browse all country guides, or read the general requirements overview.