UK passport photos differ from US ones, and from those of many other countries. The format is portrait (taller than wide) rather than square, and the background rules are slightly different.
Photo dimensions
UK passport photos must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall. This portrait format distinguishes UK (and most European) passport photos from US ones. For an online application, the digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, and between 50 KB and 10 MB.
- Printed: 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall, in colour on plain white photo paper with no border
- Digital: JPEG, at least 600×750 px, 50 KB to 10 MB
Background requirements
Printed photos must be taken against a plain cream or light grey background. For a digital photo, GOV.UK asks for a plain light-coloured background. Either way, your face must stand out clearly against it, with no pattern, texture or shadows.
Head height and position
From the crown of your head to your chin, your head must be between 29 mm and 34 mm tall in the printed photo. That is 64–76% of the photo height. The head should be centred horizontally and positioned in the upper portion of the frame, with a small gap above the top of the head.
- Head height (crown to chin): 29–34 mm
- Face should be centred, looking directly forward
- Eyes should be level and open, clearly visible
- Chin to crown: takes up the majority of the frame height
Expression and pose
You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Unlike in the US, a natural smile is not allowed: your face must be relaxed and expressionless. Both eyes must be open and visible, and you must be looking directly at the camera.
- Neutral expression, no smiling
- Mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- No hair across the eyes
- No glasses unless you have to wear them, and then no tinted lenses, glare or frames over your eyes
- No head covering unless it is for religious or medical reasons
Digital or printed photos
Online applications need a digital photo. You can get one with a photo code from a photo booth or shop, or take it on your own device during the application with someone's help (don't crop it: GOV.UK crops it for you). Paper applications need two identical printed photos (35×45 mm). One must be signed on the back by your countersignatory if, for example, it is your first adult or child passport, you are replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport, or you are renewing a passport for a child aged 11 or under.
Common mistakes
- A white or patterned background on printed photos (they need plain cream or light grey)
- Head too small (less than 29 mm tall)
- Smiling or having any expression other than neutral
- Wearing glasses you do not need, or glasses with glare or tinted lenses
- A photo taken more than a month ago
- Red-eye or uneven lighting
- Photo has been digitally altered or retouched
- Wearing anything that obscures the face
Summary
Printed UK passport photos are 35×45 mm (portrait), with a plain cream or light grey background, a neutral expression, and a head height of 29–34 mm. Digital photos need a plain light-coloured background and at least 600×750 px. CropPass crops and resizes your photo to these specifications.