UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026
HM Passport Office requires a 35×45mm photo on a light grey or cream background — not white. The head must measure 29–34mm chin to crown, with a neutral expression and no glasses. This is the most frequently misunderstood requirement, and it is the top rejection reason.
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Official UK passport photo specification
- Size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Head height
- 29–34 mm chin to crown
- Head fill
- 65–75% of the photo frame
- Background
- Plain light grey or cream — NOT white
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Not permitted (remove unless medically necessary)
- Digital size (online)
- Min 600 × 750 px, 50 KB – 10 MB, JPEG
- Recency
- Taken within the last month
- Min DPI (print)
- 300 DPI
Source: gov.uk/photos-for-passports — verified June 2026.
The grey background rule — the most common rejection
Many people assume passport photos need a white background — that is the US and Indian standard — but UK HM Passport Office specifically requires plain light grey or cream. Pure white is explicitly listed as a reason photos are rejected. A light grey background also works better with biometric face detection, particularly for lighter skin tones where white backgrounds reduce contrast. This maker applies the correct light cream/grey background for you automatically.
How to take a UK passport photo at home
Use a plain light-coloured wall in good, even indoor lighting. Natural daylight from a window to one side works well — avoid direct flash which creates shadows behind your head. Stand about 50 cm from the wall so your shadow does not fall on the background. Take the photo straight on at eye level. Remove glasses. Use this maker to apply the correct background, crop to 35×45mm, and size the head to the 29–34mm band.
Online vs. printed UK passport photo
When applying online at gov.uk you can upload a digital photo directly and receive a photo code to enter in the application. The digital photo needs to be at least 600×750 pixels and between 50 KB and 10 MB as a JPEG. For a printed photo (e.g. when using a countersignatory), the photo is 35×45mm printed on photo paper. The maker creates a correctly sized digital file you can upload directly or print at a pharmacy.
Privacy — GDPR-safe, no uploads
All photo processing happens entirely in your browser. Your photo is never sent to any server and is not stored. This is especially important for passport and identity document photos containing biometric data. Under GDPR, you should be cautious about services that upload your photo to process it server-side. This tool has no server-side processing at all.
UK passport photo for Indians in the UK
If you are an Indian national living in the UK and need to renew your Indian passport through the VFS Global service, you will need two different photos: a UK-style photo for your UK identity documents (35×45mm, light grey background) and an Indian-style photo for the Indian passport application (35×45mm, plain white background). Both are available from this site — switch between the UK maker and the Indian passport maker.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
35×45mm, with the head measuring 29–34mm from chin to crown. The photo must be in colour, taken within the last month, and correctly lit with no shadows.
What background colour does a UK passport photo need?
A plain light grey or cream background — NOT white. Pure white is one of the most common reasons UK passport photos are rejected by HM Passport Office.
Why does a UK passport photo need a grey background?
HM Passport Office requires a plain, pale grey or cream background for biometric photo processing. White backgrounds can wash out against fair skin and cause automated checks to fail.
Can I take a UK passport photo at home?
Yes. Stand against a plain light-coloured wall (or use a light grey sheet) in good, even lighting, take a front-facing photo, then use this maker to set the correct 35×45mm size and background.
Can I upload a digital photo for my UK passport online?
Yes. The gov.uk online application accepts a digital photo: at least 600×750 pixels, between 50 KB and 10 MB, saved as JPEG. The photo code you receive is entered during the application.
Are glasses allowed in a UK passport photo?
Generally no. Glasses must be removed unless you have a medical exemption. There must be no glare, and your eyes must be fully visible and open.
Does a UK passport photo need to be recent?
Yes. It must have been taken within the last month and show your current appearance. For children, the photo is typically valid for 5 years; for adults, 10 years.
Can I use the same photo for a UK visa (UKVI)?
Yes. UK Visas and Immigration follows the same 35×45mm light background specification. Use this maker, and the resulting photo works for both a passport and most UK visa applications.
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