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UK Passport Photo Requirements · HM Passport Office
UK Passport Photo Requirements — 35×45 mm, Light Grey Background
Official UK passport photo requirements from HM Passport Office and GOV.UK: 35×45 mm printed size, light grey background, neutral expression, no glasses. Full spec below, plus a tool to generate a compliant photo in 30 seconds.
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Free preview · ICAO 9303 · digital file + printable sheet with 6 photos
Where these requirements apply
Adult UK passport (first & renewal)
Standard 10-year UK passport applications submitted online via GOV.UK or on paper.
Child UK passport
5-year child passport applications — relaxed expression rules for under 6s.
Emergency travel document
Same photo standard applies at UK consulates abroad.
Online GOV.UK photo upload
Digital JPEG meets pixel, size and quality requirements of the online service.
Official HM Passport Office specs
Photo size (printed)35 × 45 mm
Head height29–34 mm (chin to crown)
Digital pixels≥ 600 × 750 px, ≤ 10 MB
BackgroundPlain light grey or cream, uniform
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, looking at camera
GlassesNot recommended — remove unless medical
Head coveringsOnly for religious or medical reasons, face fully visible
Age of photoTaken within the last month (per GOV.UK guidance)
File formatJPEG, no filters, no digital enhancement
Get a compliant UK passport photo in 30 seconds
Take a selfie, our AI applies every HM Passport Office rule automatically. Digital JPEG for GOV.UK + printable sheet, €5.90.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK passport photo?+
HM Passport Office requires a photo of 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall for printed submissions. For the online GOV.UK application the digital photo must be at least 600×750 pixels and no larger than 10 MB.
What background is required for a UK passport photo?+
A plain light grey or cream background, uniform and free of shadows, patterns and objects. Pure white is technically accepted but light grey is preferred because it contrasts better with the face.
Can I smile or wear glasses in a UK passport photo?+
No smile — the expression must be neutral with the mouth closed. Glasses have been strongly discouraged since 2016; you must remove them unless you can prove medical necessity, and even then no glare and no tinted lenses.
How big must my head be in a UK passport photo?+
The head, measured from crown to chin, must be between 29 mm and 34 mm high. That works out to roughly 70–80% of the total photo height.
Can I use IDReady.ai for the online GOV.UK passport application?+
Yes. The tool exports a digital JPEG that meets the GOV.UK pixel, size and content rules, plus a printable sheet if the local Post Office Photocode service is needed.
Does this work for a child's UK passport?+
Yes. Babies and children under 6 do not need a neutral expression and can have their eyes closed; older children follow the standard adult rules. Our tool handles both automatically.
