Last Updated: June 2026
Complete official specifications for British passport photos including size, background color, expression rules, and countersignatory guidelines. Generate a compliant photo for free.
HM Passport Office enforces strict photo standards. Photos must be taken within the last month — the strictest recency requirement of any major country.
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 35×45mm | Printed on photo-quality paper |
| Head Size | 29–34mm | Measured from chin to crown of head |
| Background | Light grey or cream | No patterns or shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Eyes open, facing forward |
| Glasses | Not Allowed | No glasses including tinted lenses |
| Head Coverings | Not Allowed | Unless for religious reasons |
| Recency | Within last month | Stricter than many other countries |
| Color | Color Required | No black & white or sepia |
| Focus | Clear and sharp | No filters or digital editing |
| Countersignatory | Required if no chip | Must sign the back of the photo |
| Border | White border optional | 3mm white border recommended |
| Quantity | Two identical photos | One for your application form |
UK passports require photos taken within the last month — much stricter than most countries. Don't use an old photo even if you look the same.
The UK requires light grey or cream, not pure white. Our tool applies the correct shade automatically.
If you're renewing a UK passport without a chip or applying for a child's passport, a countersignatory must sign the back of one photo confirming your identity.
UK passport photos have not allowed any glasses since 2015. Remove all eyewear including reading glasses and sunglasses before taking your photo.
Your head (chin to crown) must be between 29mm and 34mm in the final 35×45mm photo. Too small or too large causes rejection.
Photos printed on plain printer paper are rejected. Use photo-quality glossy or satin paper, or print at a pharmacy or post office.
Follow these four steps to produce a compliant UK passport photo accepted by HM Passport Office.
Use a phone or camera in portrait orientation. Stand against a plain wall. Natural window light works best — avoid harsh overhead lighting. Keep the camera at eye level, not tilted upward or downward.
Choose 'United Kingdom' in the tool. Dimensions are automatically set to 35×45mm. The background is replaced with light grey compliant with HM Passport Office standards.
The tool checks face centering, eye openness, head size ratio, and background uniformity. Address any flagged issues before downloading.
Print two identical 35×45mm photos on glossy photo paper. If required, have a countersignatory (person who has known you for 2+ years) sign the back of one photo.
Answers to the most common questions about UK passport photo rules.
Need photos for multiple countries or visa applications?
Key details about United Kingdom passport processing, fees, and where to submit your application.
Run through every item before printing and submitting. Each point is a potential rejection reason.
These are the most frequent reasons for passport photo rejection. Avoid them to ensure first-time acceptance.
UK requires photos within the last month — far stricter than most countries. A photo from 6 weeks ago will be rejected even if you look identical.
Many applicants use pure white backgrounds. UK requires light grey or cream. Pure white is a rejection reason. Our tool applies exactly the right shade.
All glasses have been prohibited since 2015. Remove any eyewear including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses that alter eye color.
The head must be 29–34mm in the final 35×45mm photo. A 5mm range is precisely enforced. Use our tool to verify your head size before printing.
If required (child passports, no chip), the countersignatory must sign the back in pen. A signature without the printed name, occupation, and phone number is incomplete.
Blurry, pixelated, or over-exposed photos are rejected. Use good natural light and a recent phone camera for best results.
Applying for multiple passports or visas? See how United Kingdom's photo requirements compare to other popular destinations.
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2×2" (51×51mm) | White/off-white background | Photo within 6 months |
| Canada | 50×70mm | White background | Guarantor signature required |
| Australia | 35×45mm | Light plain background | Commencement required |
| Schengen/EU | 35×45mm | Light plain background | Photo within 6 months |
Requirements updated June 2026. Always verify with the official issuing authority before submitting your application.
Our photographers across the UK take compliant passport photos guaranteed to pass HM Passport Office review.