UK Passport Photo – Free Online Maker
UK passport photos must be 35×45 mm with the head measuring 29 mm to 34 mm tall, taken against a plain light grey or cream background — not white. HM Passport Office allows digital upload only when the face takes up at least 32% of the frame. PicPassport crops to these specs automatically with no server upload.
The light grey or cream background requirement is unique to the UK — the US, Australia, and most other countries require plain white. HM Passport Office made this a hard requirement to improve contrast in biometric scanning. A white background will result in your UK passport application being rejected.
Glasses have been banned in UK passport photos since November 2016. This applies to all eyewear including prescription lenses and clear frames. The ban was introduced to prevent reflections and shadows that interfere with the biometric face recognition systems used at UK border control.
The UK has the strictest photo recency requirement of any major country: your photo must have been taken within the last month. The US allows 6 months; Australia allows 6 months; even Canada allows 12 months. If your UK passport photo is more than one month old it will be rejected.
Eyes must be positioned 4.8–5.1 cm from the bottom edge of the photo. For digital submission via the HMPO online passport renewal service, the file must be a JPEG between 600 and 900 pixels wide, at least 750 pixels tall, and between 50 KB and 10 MB in size. PicPassport exports 630×810 px which meets these requirements.
Official UK Passport Photo Requirements
- Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Background: Plain light grey or cream — NOT white (key difference from US passport photos)
- Head height: 29–34 mm from chin to crown
- Eye position: Eyes must be 4.8–5.1 cm from the bottom edge of the photo
- Recency: Taken within the last month
- Glasses: Not permitted (rule in effect since November 2016)
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious or medical reasons
- Digital format: 600–900 px wide, at least 750 px tall, JPEG, 50 KB–10 MB
- Children under 6: Relaxed rules apply — eyes do not need to be open, and they do not need to be looking directly at the camera
How to Make Your UK Passport Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain light grey or cream wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Upload the photo using the tool above.
- Adjust the crop. The tool automatically detects your face and sets the crop to the 35×45 mm ratio. Drag the frame if needed so your head height is between 29–34 mm in the final photo.
- Download and print. Click Download to save your 35×45 mm photo. Print it at any pharmacy, post office, or photo shop, or submit it digitally through the HMPO online passport service.
UK vs US Passport Photo: Key Differences
| Feature | UK Passport | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm | 51×51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Background | Light grey or cream | Plain white |
| Head size | 29–34 mm (chin to crown) | 25–35 mm (chin to crown) |
| Photo validity | 1 month | 6 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- White background instead of grey. This is the most common mistake when switching from US to UK requirements. The UK requires light grey or cream — a white background will get your application rejected.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses have not been permitted in UK passport photos since November 2016.
- Shadows on the face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting. Stand a few feet away from the wall to avoid casting shadows.
- Photo older than one month. Unlike the US 6-month rule, UK passport photos must be taken within the last month. An older photo will be rejected.
Official Source
Requirements sourced from the HM Passport Office photos for passports guide, the authoritative source for all UK passport photo specifications including background colour, dimensions, glasses ban, and digital upload requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
A UK passport photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (35×45 mm). This is different from the US passport photo, which is 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). The UK format is sometimes called 35×45 or "35 by 45".
What background is required for a UK passport photo?
The background must be plain light grey or cream. Unlike US passport photos, a white background is not acceptable for UK passports. There must be no shadows on the background or your face.
Why are glasses banned in UK passport photos?
HM Passport Office banned glasses in UK passport photos in November 2016 to prevent reflections and shadow patterns that degrade the accuracy of biometric face recognition systems used at border control. Reflections from lenses can obscure the eyes, which are a primary biometric feature. This applies to all types of eyewear including prescription lenses, tinted lenses, and clear frames. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
No. Since November 2016, glasses are not permitted in UK passport photos. Your application will be rejected if you are wearing glasses, even if they have clear lenses.
What is a UK passport photo size in cm?
A UK passport photo is 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm tall (3.5×4.5 cm). The head height from chin to crown must be between 29 mm and 34 mm (2.9–3.4 cm). The eyes must be 4.8–5.1 cm from the bottom edge of the photo.
How recent must a UK passport photo be?
Your UK passport photo must have been taken within the last month. This is much stricter than the US requirement of 6 months. Make sure your photo is current before submitting your passport application.
What background colour does HM Passport Office accept?
HM Passport Office requires a light grey or cream background. Plain white is NOT acceptable for UK passport photos — this is a key difference from US passports (white), Australian passports (white), and most other countries. If you submit a photo with a white background for a UK passport application it will be rejected. The light grey requirement improves contrast for biometric scanning at UK border control.
Can I wear a hijab or turban in a UK passport photo?
Yes, for genuine religious reasons. The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be clearly and completely visible. The head covering must not cast shadows on any part of the face. HMPO may ask for a signed statement confirming the head covering is worn as a daily religious requirement. Decorative or fashion head coverings are not permitted.
What are the photo specs for the HMPO online passport renewal service?
For the HMPO online passport renewal service, your digital photo must be a JPEG file between 600 and 900 pixels wide and at least 750 pixels tall. File size must be between 50 KB and 10 MB. PicPassport exports 630×810 px JPEG files which meet all of these requirements. The photo must show a plain light grey or cream background — not white.
See general passport photo FAQ →