Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Tracey Roberts
British Passport Photos: Are you in the process of renewing or applying for your first British passport? If so, did you know that there are certain requirements that need to be met, when it comes to your passport photos? The UK passport photo requirements are strict and must not be taken lightly.
UK Passport Photo Requirements
It is very important to follow the official UK passport photo guidelines if you want to avoid problems or delays in obtaining your British passport.
Below is your ultimate guide for your British passport photos…
a) What are the requirements for a UK passport photo?
- To apply or renew your UK passport, you need 2 identical passport photos. These can be either digital or physical, paper photos, depending on how you are applying.
- Your physical photos need to comply to certain specifications. Correct size of a UK passport photo: they must measure 45mm high and 35mm wide, and should not be a cropped version of a bigger photo.
- Since your British passport photo is a close-up of your head and shoulders, your facial image (from the top of your head down to your chin) must measure between 29mm and 34mm high and the photo should be done professionally and printed on white photo paper without a border.
- British passport photos should always be clear, crisp and in focus. Black and white photos are not acceptable and your photos should not have any creases, folds or tears.
- In addition, the photo background should be either light grey or a plain cream colour in order to give a clear contrast.
- Your photos should also not have any markings on either side (unless they need to be countersigned) and must not be edited by photographic software at all.
- Make sure that there are no other people, reflections or objects in the picture and that your eyes do not come out red in the photo. Here is how to avoid redeye in a photo.
- When posing for your passport photo, ensure that you are facing slightly forwards and that you gaze directly into the camera. Avoid smiling and aim for a neutral facial expression, with a closed mouth and your eyes completely open.
- Your photo will be rejected if you have hair covering your eyes, you are wearing a hat or there are shadows on your face. Sunglasses are not allowed but you are permitted to wear regular spectacles (but pay attention that there is no reflection or glare).
Do I have to send in my old UK passport when renewing? Find out here.
b) Can a UK passport photo have a white background?
HM Passport Office recommends a plain light-coloured background. A light grey or light cream background is considered ideal.
c) What is a digital photo for a UK passport?
If you are applying online for your UK passport, you will need to submit a digital photo.
As with physical, paper British passport photos, your digital passport photo must be in colour and clear, crisp and in focus. Photo editing software is not allowed and the photo must measure a minimum of 750 pixels in height and 600 pixels in width. The digital photo size should be a minimum of 50KB and no larger than 10MB.
Similar to physical passport photos, you should ensure that there are no other people, reflections or objects in the picture and that your eyes do not come out red in the photo.
d) How can I take my own British passport photo?
There are several ways to have your British passport photo done. You can either visit a photo shop that offers professional passport photo services, you could take the photo yourself, or you could use a photo booth.
Most businesses that offer professional passport photo services are aware of the dimensions, sizes and requirements for UK passport photos and can help you without a problem.
If you are visiting a photo booth, we recommend ensuring that the settings comply with the above requirements to avoid wasting your time and money.
If you want to take your own passport photos, ask a friend or family member to take your photo against a light cream or grey background using a digital camera.
When uploading the photos to your computer, resize the photo according to the above dimensions and ensure that the photo size is at least 50KB and no larger than 10MB. Additionally, ensure your photo meets the requirements listed above.
e) How do I crop a photo to passport size?
As mentioned above, your British passport photos need to have dimensions of 45mm high and 35mm wide.
Ensure you comply with passport photo requirements UK:
To crop your photos to these sizes, you can use the cropping tool on your computer. This is done by selecting the image and going into your cropping tool. You can then click and drag the selector until the correct dimensions are showed and you can then save the image. Alternatively, you can go into your cropping tool and click on the sizing option, where you will be able to type in the correct height and width for your photo.
f) Do you have to pay again if a British Passport photo gets rejected?
There is a possibility you would lose your money if you don’t submit by the date given for re-submission, and you would have to start again. HM Passport Office does not grant refunds, under any circumstances, for applications that have expired.
Wondering how early you can renew your UK passport? Read our article here.
About U.K.ABROAD
Have any additional questions? The U.K.ABROAD team is here to help out with any queries or concerns you may have. U.K.ABROAD Specialises in fast and easy British passport applications, replacements and renewals from abroad. If you use U.K.ABROAD’s services for your British passport renewal or application, your photos will be checked by our expert team to ensure your application is not rejected due to unmet photo requirements.
Our team of British Passport consultants are well versed in HM Passport Offices’ requirements and will guide you through the British passport photo process step-by-step.
I wish to pass on my sincere thanks to Juan Pierre at U.K.ABROAD for helping me get my passport. He was incredibly patient with a pensioner who is technically challenged and helped me through each stage. He double checked all my documents to ensure that the correct ones were sent and this did mean a few backwards and forwards before getting the correct one. What could have been an extremely stressful and also more lengthy and costly exercise, turned out perfectly. So a very big thank you to him for going the extra mile with all his assistance. It was a pleasure dealing with him and I will happily recommend him to anyone I know needing this service. – Michele Smith, Click here to read more Google verified reviews.
Contact U.K.ABROAD
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Topic: UK passport photo requirements, Passport photo requirements UK, size of a UK passport photo
