Home > Passport Photo Requirements > United Kingdom Passport Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)

United Kingdom Passport Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Size and Requirements

How idPhotoDIY works

Country United Kingdom
Document type Passport
Passport picture size Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm
Resolution (DPI) 600
Image definition parameters Head must be between 70 to 80 % of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Background color White
Printable photo Yes
Digital photo for online submission Yes
Digital photo size Width: 826 pixels , Height: 1062 pixels
Photo Paper type matte
Detailed requrements

Printed photos

You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.

You need either printed or digital photos if you're applying online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

You can get help with your passport photos if you're disabled.

The size of your printed photos

You need to provide 2 identical photos.

They must:

  • measure 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)
  • not be a cut down version of a larger picture

If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.

The quality of your printed photos

Your photos must be:

  • printed to a professional standard
  • clear and in focus
  • in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
  • without any creases or tears
  • unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
  • unaltered by computer software

What your printed photos must show

Your photos must:

  • be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
  • contain no other objects or people
  • be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
  • be in clear contrast to the background
  • not have 'red eye'

In your photo, you must:

  • be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
  • have a plain expression and your mouth closed
  • have your eyes open and visible
  • not have hair in front of your eyes
  • not have a head covering (unless it's for religious or medical reasons)
  • not have anything covering your face
  • not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear glasses that you cannot take off, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections.

The size of your image

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

How your head should appear in passport photos - described in text above

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Good and bad examples of printed photos

Examples of passport photos - described in text above

Posting your photos

When sending your application, your photos must be:

  • separated from each other
  • left loose and not attached to your application form

Digital photos

You need either digital or printed photos if you're applying for a passport online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

You can get help with your passport photos if you're disabled.

How to get a digital photo

To apply for a passport online with a digital photo, you can:

  • take a photo during your application - you'll need someone to help you and a device that takes digital photos
  • go to a photo shop before you apply and get a digital photo (some shops can also give you a code to add the photo to your application)
  • use a photo booth before you apply and get a code to add the photo to your application (not all photo booths offer this service)

Rules for digital photos

The quality of your digital photo

Your photo must be:

  • clear and in focus
  • in colour
  • unaltered by computer software
  • at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
  • at least 50KB and no more than 10MB

What your digital photo must show

The digital photo must:

  • contain no other objects or people
  • be taken against a plain light-coloured background
  • be in clear contrast to the background
  • not have 'red eye'

If you're using a photo taken during your application, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you.

In your photo you must:

  • be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
  • have a plain expression and your mouth closed
  • have your eyes open and visible
  • not have hair in front of your eyes
  • not have a head covering (unless it's for religious or medical reasons)
  • not have anything covering your face
  • not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear glasses that you cannot take off, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections.

Good and bad examples of digital photos

Examples of passport photos - described in text under the heading Rules for digital photos

Source https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passp...

Do not worry about the photo size requirements. IDPhotoDIY online tool will help you make correct United Kingdom Passport size photos.

How to make United Kingdom Passport photo online


Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.

Note: No need to worry about the background as our online passport photo generator will automatically remove or change the background for you.

unacceptable passport photo

Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.

Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.

Your face must still be fully visible.  Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.

No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

acceptable passport photo

Step 4: Pose for a passport

Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.

Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.

Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.

Position the camera in the same height as the head.

unacceptable passport photo

unacceptable passport photo

Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.

Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.

acceptable passport photo

Unacceptable passport photo

 

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Example of passport photos

Printed passport photos

Online Passport Photo Generator

Is this document useful?

This document is rated 4.6 / 5 - 10 Votes