UK Passport Photo Rules 2026: Size, Background & Guidelines
HM Passport Office has specific requirements for passport photos. Here's the complete guide for UK applicants.
UK passport photo specifications
Parameter
Requirement
Print size
35×45 mm
Background
Plain light grey or white
Expression
Neutral, mouth closed
Glasses
Not allowed
Digital format
JPEG
Recency
Within last month (for new passports)
UK-specific rules
UK requires photos taken within the last month for new passport applications — stricter than most countries.
Background can be light grey or white — unlike the US which requires pure white.
No smiling — neutral expression only.
Children under 6 don't need to have their eyes open (but it's preferred).
How to prepare
Use PhotoResizer.us to resize to 35×45 mm equivalent pixels (approximately 600×750 px for digital uploads). Use the Background Changer for a clean white/grey background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo?
No. The UK Passport Office requires you to remove glasses for passport photos. Medical exceptions may apply with documentation.
Does the UK accept digital passport photos?
Yes. You can submit digital photos through the online application. They must be in JPEG format and meet the size/quality requirements.
