United Kingdom Passport Photo: check yours against the official spec
A UK passport photo must be 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, with your face measuring between 29 and 34 mm from the bottom of your chin to the crown (top of your head). Use a plain light grey or cream background, a neutral expression with your mouth closed, and no head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Photos must be taken within the last month, and HM Passport Office does not accept photos edited with software, filters, or AI.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it — we never edit the pixels you submit.
United Kingdom passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 1 3/8 × 1 3/4 inches (35 × 45 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in (29–34 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 3/4 to 1 1/8 in (19–30 mm) |
| Background | plain light grey or cream |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 750 × 750 px |
Common reasons a United Kingdom passport photo is rejected
- The photo has been edited with software, a filter, or AI — HMPO treats a manipulated photo as a fraud risk.
- Wrong size, or the face is outside the 29-34 mm (chin to crown) range.
- Background is not a plain light grey or cream, or has shadows or objects behind you.
- Smiling or a non-neutral expression, mouth open, or not facing the camera.
- Glasses (not accepted unless for medical reasons), or the photo is more than a month old.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
45 mm high by 35 mm wide. For online applications you upload a digital photo and it is cropped for you.
What background does a UK passport photo need?
A plain light grey or cream background with no shadows or objects behind you.
Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
No. You must have a plain, neutral expression with your mouth closed and face the camera directly.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
Glasses are not accepted unless you must wear them for medical reasons, and then there must be no glare and your eyes must be clearly visible.