UK Passport Photo Requirements: The No‑Nonsense Guide
If you’ve ever tried to book a passport, you know the photo can be a hidden hurdle. A tiny mistake—wrong background, bad lighting, or an odd expression—means your application gets sent back. The good news? The UK rules are clear, and you can nail them without a professional studio.
Below you’ll find the exact dimensions, dos and don’ts, and quick fixes you can do at home. Follow these steps and you’ll save time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Size and Layout Basics
The photo must be 45 mm wide by 35 mm high. That’s the same size as a standard ID card, so a regular passport‑photo printer will do. The head—measured from chin to crown—should be between 29 mm and 34 mm. Keep the eyes level and at least 16 mm from the bottom of the picture.
Background matters: it has to be plain, light grey or cream, with no shadows or patterns. Make sure the lighting is even; a single light source from the front works best. Avoid glare on glasses; if you wear them, the lenses must be clear and the eyes fully visible.
When you’re setting up, use a tripod or a stable surface to keep the camera steady. The camera should be at eye level, about a metre away, and the lens should be centered on the face. A smartphone on a timer works fine if you follow these rules.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
One of the biggest errors is a smile or a frown. The UK prefers a neutral expression: mouth closed, lips together, and no visible teeth. If you catch yourself grinning in the mirror, reset and try again.
Another trap is the background. A wall with a picture or a window behind you will be rejected. Drag a plain sheet or a large piece of white cardboard behind the subject to create a uniform backdrop.
Shadows are easy to fix with a second light source. Place a lamp on the opposite side of the main light to fill in dark spots on the face and background. If you can’t add another lamp, move the subject farther from the wall so the shadow falls on the floor instead.
After you snap the photo, check the size and cropping. Many online tools let you upload the image, select the UK passport option, and automatically resize it to 45 mm × 35 mm. If you need to edit, keep the face centered and avoid stretching the image.
Finally, the file format for digital uploads must be JPEG, less than 5 MB, and with a resolution of at least 600 dpi. Most phone cameras already meet this, but double‑check before you submit.
By following these points you’ll hit all the UK passport photo requirements on the first try. Whether you use a local shop or DIY at home, the key is consistency: solid lighting, plain background, neutral expression, and the correct dimensions.
Got your photo ready? Double‑check against the official checklist on the HM Passport Office site, then upload or print it. With a little care, the passport office will accept your picture without a hitch, and you’ll be on your way to travel faster than you imagined.