Photo requirements
UK Passport offline 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
A guide to UK passport photographs: distinguish digital uploads, printed photos and photo codes, with age-specific rules for children and a final submission checklist.
- Printed size
- 35 × 45 mm (printed)
- Background
- Cream or light grey (print); plain light-coloured (digital)
- Official reference
- HM Passport Office
Glasses: only when necessary
Avoid glasses unless necessary. If worn, frames, glare and shadows must not hide the eyes; tinted glasses are not allowed.
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 35 × 45 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | Cream or light grey (print); plain light-coloured (digital) |
| Head height | 29–34 mm |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
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More photo requirements for United Kingdom
- UK Driving Licence 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
- UK ID / residence card 45x35 mm (4.5x3.5 cm)
- British Seaman's card 35x45 mm
- British Seaman's discharge book 35x45 mm
- UK Boat licence 35x45 mm
- UK bus pass 35x45 mm
- UK Bus pass online form - 264x340 px
- London Freedom pass 35x45 mm
- UK BASC Firearms / Shotgun Licensing 35x45 mm
- UK Leisure pass 35x45 mm
- Oyster travel photocard - 35x45 mm
- UK Railcard 35x45 mm
- UK School card 35x45 mm
- UK Taxicard 35x45 mm
- UK BNO passport - 900x1200 px
- UK child passport online - 900x1200 px
- UK Passport online - 900x1200 px
- UK Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
Printed application: check the physical result
For a paper application, prepare two identical 35×45 mm prints taken within the last month. Digital applications use a separate workflow.
Practical check: measure the finished print with a ruler before posting. Printer scaling can change the size even when the file dimensions appear correct.
Children: use the UK-specific exceptions
Under-six children need not look directly at the camera or maintain a plain expression. Under-one babies need not have their eyes open.
Plan the shot before positioning the child. Keep toys, dummies and supporting hands outside the frame; do not transfer these UK exceptions to another country’s application.
How to make this photo online
A clear three-step workflow from portrait to application-ready file.
- 1
Choose the format
Confirm the country and application document before uploading.
- 2
Upload a clear portrait
Use even lighting, face the camera and keep the full head visible.
- 3
Review and download
Check the crop and current issuing-authority rules before submission.
Capture checklist
Start with a strong source photo to reduce avoidable application issues.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression
- Use soft, even light and avoid shadows
- Keep eyes open and facial features unobstructed
- Use a recent color photo without filters
- Check glasses and head-covering rules for your application
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Is a downloaded JPEG the same as a UK photo code?
No. A photo code is supplied by a participating shop or booth so the passport service can retrieve the digital photograph. IDPIC does not claim to issue these codes.
Can I reuse last year’s UK passport photograph?
No. You need a new photograph taken in the last month, even if your appearance has not changed. Online applications require a digital photo; paper applications require two identical prints.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.