UK passport photo requirements

HM Passport Office wants a close-up of your face on a plain cream or light grey background, with a neutral expression. Online applications need a digital photo taken within the last month.

Checked against GOV.UK: Photos for passports on 30 October 2026.

The rules at a glance

Printed size
45 mm high × 35 mm wide
Head height
29–34 mm, chin to crown (top of the head, not the hair)
Digital size
At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
Digital file
Between 50 KB and 10 MB, in colour
Background
Plain cream or plain light grey
Expression
Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
Recency
Taken within the last month
Editing
Must not be altered by computer software

What gets photos rejected

  • Don't smile

    Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling is one of the most common reasons UK photos are rejected.

  • Use a cream or light grey background

    A plain white wall can look too bright. Light grey or cream is what HM Passport Office asks for.

  • Unaltered photo

    Digital photos must not be changed by computer software.

  • Printed photos: not a cut-down picture

    Printed photos must be printed professionally and must not be a cut-down version of a larger photo.

  • No shadows

    There must be no shadows on your face or behind you.

How to take it at home

  1. Pick the right wall

    Stand about half a metre in front of a plain light grey or cream wall with nothing on it. Step away from the wall so your shadow does not fall on it.

  2. Face the light

    Stand facing a window or soft lamp so both sides of your face are evenly lit. Avoid overhead light, which casts shadows under the eyes.

  3. Get someone to take it

    Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level, about 1–1.5 m away. A selfie at arm's length makes the nose look bigger.

  4. Check your face

    Remove glasses, keep hair away from your eyes and look straight at the camera with a neutral face and your mouth closed.

  5. Size and check it

    Use our photo maker to crop it to 45 × 35 mm and check every rule. We never edit your face or background.

Questions

Can I take my own UK passport photo with my phone?

Yes, for online applications. GOV.UK lets you take a digital photo yourself, as long as it meets the rules. The online form checks it when you upload.

Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo?

It is best not to. Glare and frames covering the eyes are common reasons for rejection.

What is the UK passport photo size in pixels?

At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 10 MB.

Official source: GOV.UK: Photos for passports (HM Passport Office). Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.