Photo requirements · 2026

UK passport photo size and requirements

A UK passport photo must be 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) on a digital: plain light-coloured; printed: plain cream or light grey background. Use the tool below to crop yours to the exact size.

Size: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head size: 29–34 mm from chin to top of head
Background: digital: plain light-coloured; printed: plain cream or light grey
Max file size: 10240 KB
Glasses: only if you have to; no sunglasses or tinted glasses; frames, glare, reflection or shadow must not cover eyes

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Other rules for UK passport photos

Digital: file at least 50KB and no more than 10MB (as stated by GOV.UK)
Digital: do not crop, include head, shoulders and upper body (cropped for you)
Printed: 2 identical photos, 45 mm high x 35 mm wide, not cut down from a larger picture
Printed: crown to chin 29-34 mm; colour, plain white photo paper, no border, professional print quality
Printed: close-up of full head and upper shoulders; unmarked unless countersigned; no creases or tears
Taken within the last month; unaltered by software
Facing forward, plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no red eye, no hair over eyes
No head covering unless religious or medical; nothing covering face; no shadows on face or behind
Children under 6 need not look at camera; under 1 need not have eyes open, may lie on plain light sheet

Frequently asked questions

What size is a UK passport photo?

35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

What background is required for a UK passport photo?

A digital: plain light-coloured; printed: plain cream or light grey background, plain and without shadows or patterns.

How big should the head be in a UK passport photo?

The head should measure 29–34 mm from chin to top of head.

Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?

Only if you have to; no sunglasses or tinted glasses; frames, glare, reflection or shadow must not cover eyes.

What is the file size limit for a UK passport photo?

The digital file must be no larger than 10240 KB. The tool lowers the JPEG quality automatically to fit.

Other photo sizes

Source: official requirements. Not yet confirmed on an official source: eyeLine, maxPx, digital file format (not stated). The consulate or passport office makes the final decision on whether a photo is accepted.