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UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Need a UK passport photo? The United Kingdom requires a 35x45mm photo with a plain light grey or cream background for passports, driving licences, visas, and citizen cards.
Create your compliant UK passport photo online in minutes. Our AI ensures your photo meets all HM Passport Office requirements – no studio visit needed.
✓
Full face, looking straight at the camera
✓
Plain light grey or cream background
✓
No red eye, shadows on face, or reflections
✓
Sharp focus and clear with natural skin tone
✕
No sunglasses or tinted lenses
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No head coverings (except religious/medical)
UK Passport Photo Specifications
straighten
Photo Size
35 x 45 mm
face
Head Height (chin to crown)
29 - 34 mm
palette
Background
Plain light grey or cream (no patterns)
calendar_month
Photo Recency
Taken within the last month
sentiment_neutral
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
visibility_off
Glasses
Allowed if prescription, no glare or tinted lenses
high_quality
Online Upload
At least 600x750 pixels, max 10 MB (JPEG)
image
Submission
Online or printed
Detailed Requirements
✓
Correct
✕
Incorrect
Photo Quality
- Colour photo, not black and white
- No filters, alterations, or heavy editing
- Printed on plain white photographic paper (if physical)
- Clear and in sharp focus
Appearance
- Face clearly visible with nothing covering eyes
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile
- Must look like your current appearance
- Children: no dummies, toys, or hands visible
Common Mistakes
- Shadows on face or behind head
- White background (must be light grey or cream)
- Photo older than one month
- Glare on glasses or sunglasses worn
UK Documents Requiring This Photo
The 35x45mm photo format is used across UK official documents. Some can be submitted online:
menu_book
UK Passport
35 x 45 mm
Online or printed
badge
UK Driving Licence (DVLA)
35 x 45 mm
Online or printed
description
UK Visa
35 x 45 mm
Printed only
account_balance
CitizenCard / Proof of Age
35 x 45 mm
Printed only
Online vs. Printed Submission
Online Application
Apply for your UK passport online and upload a digital photo:
- Upload via GOV.UK passport application
- Minimum 600x750 pixels, JPEG format
- Our service provides the correct digital format
Printed Application
For postal passport applications or other documents requiring printed photos:
- 35x45mm printed on photographic paper
- We provide a print-ready template included in your order
- Print at any pharmacy or photo printing service
Submission
- UK Passport: Online or printed
- UK Driving Licence (DVLA): Online or printed
- UK Visa: Printed only
- CitizenCard / Proof of Age: Printed only
Ready to Create Your UK Passport Photo?
Get a compliant 35x45mm UK passport photo in minutes. Accepted for passports, driving licences, visas, and more. Just €6.99.