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United Kingdom

United Kingdom passport photo size

35 × 45 mm · Light grey or off-white · 600 × 750 px · Up to 10 MB · Taken within the last month

Requirements

Photo size35 × 45 mm  (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head height64–76% of the photo height
BackgroundLight grey or off-white
Digital size600 × 750 px, up to 10 MB
File formatjpeg
How recentTaken within the last month
RetouchingNo filters, retouching or digital changes. For the digital passport application, do not crop the photo yourself; the application service will do it.
Background replacementNot allowed. Shoot against a wall of the required colour.
Where to take itYou can take this photo yourself.
  • Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to. If you must wear them, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by any glare, reflection or shadow.
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Last checked: Sep 27, 2026 · Source: gov.uk photos-for-passports. Rules change — check the issuing authority before you submit.

You can take this photo yourself

A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Good example. A plain, empty wall. Nothing behind you.
Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Avoid this. Frames, shelves and curtains behind you.
Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Good example. Light on your face from the front, and no shadow on the wall.
Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Avoid this. Light behind you, so half the face falls into shadow.
Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
Good example. Neutral: mouth closed, eyes open. This is what most passports and visas ask for.
A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.
Avoid this. A wide grin with teeth showing, and a tilted head.

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Checklist & printable sheet for this document

Check the photo requirements, and print or share a sheet with the official source and a QR code.

How the passport photo is submitted

If you hand in a printed photo

  • 2 photos.
    You need 2 identical printed photos gov.uk
  • All copies must be identical.
    You need 2 identical printed photos gov.uk
  • Printed on photo-quality paper.
    on plain white photographic paper with no border gov.uk
  • No border.
    on plain white photographic paper with no border gov.uk
  • Not creased or damaged.
    without any creases or tears gov.uk

Who can take the photo

  • The authority allows a photo taken without a studio — its own wording is below.
    by taking one using your own device during your passport application gov.uk

Rules the authority states for this photo

  • Sharp and in focus.
    clear and in focus gov.uk
  • Colour photo.
    in colour gov.uk
  • No filters, retouching or digital changes.
    unaltered by computer software gov.uk
  • For the digital passport application, do not crop the photo yourself; the application service will do it.
    Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you gov.uk
  • When submitting prints, use professional-quality printing.
    printed to a professional standard gov.uk
  • Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to. If you must wear them, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by any glare, reflection or shadow.
    Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to do so gov.uk

Questions

What size is a United Kingdom passport photo?
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). A digital file is 600 × 750 px.
Can I take a United Kingdom passport photo with my phone?
You can take this photo yourself. For the digital passport application, do not crop the photo yourself; the application service will do it.

How it differs from other United Kingdom documents

  • Visa — digital file 600×750 px, 10 MB here, 600×750 px, 6 MB there
  • Residence permit — digital file 600×750 px, 10 MB here, 600×750 px, 6 MB there
  • Work permit — digital file 600×750 px, 10 MB here, 600×750 px, 6 MB there

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