United Kingdom Passport Photo Maker
A UK passport photo is 35×45mm, and here's the part people miss: the background has to be light grey or cream, not white. This maker applies the correct background for HM Passport Office and sizes your head to the required band automatically.
Prepared for the published requirements of: Passport (HMPO), Most UK visas.
Drop a photo, or click to browse
A clear, front-facing photo works best
JPG · PNG · HEIC · processed on your device, never uploaded
Before you upload — United Kingdom photo preparation checklist
- A plain, evenly lit background to start (we apply the selected colour)
- Face the camera straight on, both ears roughly visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- A recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Shadows on your face or the wall behind you
- Glasses — remove them unless they're medically required
- Hair across the eyes, hats or caps
- Filters, beauty smoothing, or a cropped group photo
Get the head size right
For United Kingdom, your face should fill 65–75% of the photo — the maker does this automatically, but here's what it should look like.
Correct head size
Too small / far away
Too close / cropped
Making a passport photo for a baby or infant? Use the baby & infant guide — the lay-on-a-white-sheet method makes it easy.
United Kingdom passport photo specification
- Print size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Head height
- 29–34 mm (chin to crown)
- Head % of frame
- 65–75%
- Background
- #EFEAD9
- Digital size
- min 600×750px
- File size
- 50–10240 KB
- Min DPI
- 300
- Glasses
- remove if possible
- Expression
- neutral only (biometric)
Good to know
The UK rejects plain white backgrounds. It wants light grey or cream, which this tool applies for you. Take your glasses off unless you need them for medical reasons.
Verified 4 Jun 2026gov.uk
Report outdated informationWhy a UK passport photo isn't white
HM Passport Office lists a plain light grey or cream background with no shadows or patterns. This maker defaults to that recorded light background; inspect the result and confirm the current guidance before submitting.
UK passport photo specification
The photo is 35×45mm with the head (chin to crown) between 29 and 34mm. You'll need a neutral expression with your mouth closed, both eyes open and visible, nothing covering the face, and no glasses unless you have to wear them for medical reasons.
Online photo code vs. printed photo
When you apply online you can either upload a digital photo or use a code from a photo booth. This maker creates a digital photo you can upload directly. For a printed photo, download the 6×4 sheet and print it on photo paper.
Meeting the United Kingdom upload file-size limit
Online United Kingdom uploads accept roughly 50–10240 KB. If your portal needs a smaller file, compress the finished photo to an exact size. Your image stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't a UK passport photo have a white background?
HM Passport Office requires a plain light grey or cream background, and pure white is a frequent rejection reason. The tool applies the correct light background for you.
What size is a UK passport photo?
35×45mm, with the head measuring 29–34mm from chin to crown.
Can I take a UK passport photo at home for the online application?
Yes. Take a front-facing photo against a plain wall in even light, then use this maker to set the correct size and light grey background and upload it.
Are glasses allowed in a UK passport photo?
Generally no. Glasses should be removed unless you have to wear them for medical reasons, and there must be no glare.
What size is a passport photo for United Kingdom?
A passport photo for United Kingdom is 35×45mm. EasyPhoto sets this size automatically.
What background colour does a passport photo for United Kingdom need?
Plain light grey or cream — NOT white (top UK rejection cause). The tool applies the correct colour for you.
What is the head size in a passport photo for United Kingdom?
Your head should measure 29–34mm from chin to crown. We size it to that band and flag it if it's off.
Can I wear glasses or smile in a passport photo for United Kingdom?
Glasses: remove if possible. Expression: neutral only (biometric).
What file size does the United Kingdom online passport upload need?
Online uploads typically accept 50–10240 KB, so compress your photo to fit if needed.
Is the United Kingdom passport photo maker free and private?
Yes. It's free, with no watermark, and processed entirely in your browser. Your photo is never uploaded.
Why shouldn't a UK passport photo have a white background?
Plain white is a common reason UK photos get rejected. HMPO wants a light grey or cream background, which this tool applies for you.