UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A UK passport photo must be 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches) on a plain light grey or cream background. The head — measured from chin to crown — must be between 29 and 34 mm tall, which is 70–80% of the photo height. HM Passport Office applies the same rules to UK passports, visas, driving licences, and Biometric Residence Permits.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| UK Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| UK Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| UK Driving Licence | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain light grey or cream. Pure white is technically acceptable but discouraged because it can cause the head outline to blend in. Avoid coloured walls and any pattern.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking straight at the camera. No smiling or frowning.
Glasses
Glasses are discouraged — HM Passport Office prefers photos without glasses to avoid glare. If you must wear them, eyes must be fully visible with no reflections and no tinted lenses.
Headwear
No headwear unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons. The face from chin to forehead must be fully visible with no shadows.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last month and must look exactly like you.
Digital format
For online applications, the digital photo must be at least 600×750 pixels, JPEG, between 50 KB and 10 MB, in colour.
Country-specific notes
- Online UK passport applications accept digital photos — print is only needed for postal applications.
- For paper applications, photos must be printed on photo-quality paper. Two identical printed photos are required.
- A signature on the back of a printed photo (a countersigned photo) is required only for first adult passports — your countersignatory writes "I certify that this is a true likeness of [your name]".
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wearing glasses with glare or visible frames over the eyes.
- 2 Head is outside the 29–34 mm chin-to-crown range.
- 3 Background contains shadows or is not plain light grey/cream.
- 4 Smiling or other non-neutral facial expression.
- 5 Photo is older than one month.
- 6 Eyes are red, half-closed, or hidden by hair.
- 7 Photo is taken at an angle — head not facing straight ahead.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Find the right wall
Stand 0.5 m in front of a plain light grey or cream wall. Daylight from a window in front of you is ideal — never from behind.
Take the photo
Camera at eye level, around 1.5 m away. Square shoulders to the camera. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no smile.
Check the result
The photo must be 35×45 mm with your head 29–34 mm tall. The app verifies every HM Passport Office rule before you save or upload.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK passport photo? +
What background colour should a UK passport photo have? +
Can I smile in a UK passport photo? +
Do I need a printed photo for the UK passport online application? +
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo? +
Does the same photo work for a UK visa or driving licence? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.