United Kingdom
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 3 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in the United Kingdom
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a British passport, your photograph must strictly adhere to the standards set by HM Passport Office to ensure facial recognition software can process your application smoothly. The United Kingdom maintains some of the most precise biometric guidelines globally, requiring a clear, high-quality image that reflects your current appearance. Whether you are renewing online or via a paper form, meeting these HMPO criteria is essential to avoid delays in receiving your travel document.
Printed UK passport photos are 35 x 45 mm and must be taken within the last month. Clear glasses are allowed only if needed, with no glare or obstruction.
See the full 35 × 45 mm passport specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For an online passport application, use an unaltered photo of at least 600 x 750 pixels and 50 KB to 10 MB. Do not crop a photo taken on your device; the portal crops it.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in the UK include shadows falling across the face or onto the background, which often occur due to poor indoor lighting. Many applicants also fail due to incorrect head positioning, such as tilting the head or not looking directly into the camera lens. Additionally, wearing glasses remains a major pitfall, as even minimal glare on the lenses or frames obscuring the eyes will result in your application being rejected by the HM Passport Office.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
While you can visit a professional photo booth or high-street shop, these services often cost between £10 and £15. For a cost-effective alternative, you can take a photo at home against a plain wall using natural daylight from a window to avoid harsh shadows. Always ensure there is enough space around your head and shoulders so that the image can be cropped to the correct 35mm by 45mm dimensions without cutting off your hair.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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