UK Passport Photo Online

UK passport photo rules for paper and digital applications, editing restrictions and common rejection reasons.

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Free preview. €5.99 to unlock downloads. Photo processing stays on your device.

Photo requirements

Size and format: Printed: 35 × 45 mm; online digital: at least 600 × 750 px (not a mandatory 35×45 mm digital crop)
Background: Plain, light-coloured background without patterns
Head / face proportions: Follow HM Passport Office framing guidance; requirements vary between paper and digital applications

Before you apply

Unedited photo with no software alterations or effects
Digital photos must be 50 KB–10 MB
Face forward with eyes visible and mouth closed; exceptions exist for young children
For digital applications, include head, shoulders and upper body; do not pre-crop when instructed not to

For online UK passport applications, follow the digital-photo upload instructions; a 35×45 mm print layout is not the digital upload specification.

Photo examples: what to look for

Illustrative fictional model in even light against a clean background — Example: simple background and clearly visible face. Not certified for this document.

Common reasons photos fail

Edited or artificial background
Shadows, glare or facial obstructions
Cropping a digital application photo as though it were a printed photo

Use these examples as visual guidance only; the sample is AI-generated and is not an approved identification photograph.

How to make your photo

Check this document's rules and take a recent photo that already meets any no-editing restrictions.
Open our on-device generator and choose the matching document type.
Inspect the free preview and measurements. Retake rather than digitally alter a photograph where editing is prohibited.
Unlock the download for €5.99 only after reviewing the result.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the same photo size mean the same requirements?

No. The background, framing, editing limits and upload format can differ between a passport, a visa and an online application.

Can I change the background using software?

Only when your document's policy permits it. Do not digitally edit a Dutch or UK passport photograph. Take a new photo against a suitable real background instead.

Is my photo guaranteed to be accepted?

No. These guides are informational and automated checks cannot replace the final decision of the government or visa centre.

Official guidance

Always check the latest requirements with the issuing authority before you submit.

Read official photo instructions ↗