UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026

The UK Passport Office has strict photo requirements. Your photo must be 35×45 mm, taken on a white or off-white background, with your face filling 70–80% of the frame. Glasses are no longer permitted. Follow this guide to get it right first time — then validate for free with idpic.app. See the detailed UK passport photo specifications or learn about the ICAO standard that UK photos follow.

UK passport photo specifications at a glance

How to take a compliant UK passport photo

• 1

  Use a plain white or off-white background

  UK passport photos require a plain white or off-white background. Light grey is accepted. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind you.

  • Stand 50 cm (20 in) from the wall to prevent shadows on the background
  • A plain white door or blank wall works perfectly
  • Remove furniture, plants, or any objects visible behind you
  • idpic.app automatically replaces the background with the correct white colour
• 2

  Get the lighting right

  Even, shadow-free lighting is essential for a UK passport photo. Shadows on your face or background will cause the photo to be rejected.

  • Face a window — natural diffused daylight is the best light source
  • Never stand with a window behind you (creates dark, backlit photos)
  • Avoid direct sunlight — it creates harsh shadows under your nose and chin
  • If you are indoors, use two lamps at 45° on either side of your face.
  • No flash — it creates uneven lighting and red-eye
• 3

  Position your face correctly

  The UK Passport Office requires your face to be centred, straight, and fill 70–80% of the photo height. Your chin-to-crown height must be 29–34 mm.

  • Look directly at the camera — no turning or tilting
  • Neutral expression: mouth closed, face relaxed
  • Eyes must be fully open and clearly visible
  • Do not wear glasses unless medically required — if worn, lenses must be clear with no reflections
  • Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the outline of your face
  • No head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons
• 4

  Counter-signing rules (if required)

  If you are applying for a first adult passport, renewing a child's passport, or changing your appearance significantly, your photo may need to be counter-signed by someone who knows you.

  • Counter-signatory must have known you personally for at least 2 years
  • Must be a British or Irish citizen or a citizen of a Commonwealth country
  • Must have a current UK or Irish passport (for a standard countersignature)
  • They sign and print their name on the back of one of your two photos
  • Online applications usually don't require a counter-signature
• 5

  Validate and download for free

  Open your photo in idpic.app. The AI automatically removes the background, checks face position and eye openness, resizes to exactly 35×45 mm at 300 DPI, and exports a print-ready file.

  • No account or sign-up needed
  • Your photos never leave your device
  • Meets all UK Passport Office requirements
  • Download a print sheet with two correctly sized photos

Common reasons UK passport photos are rejected

• Wearing glasses (banned for all UK passport photos since 2023)

• Shadows on face or background

• Face height outside 29–34 mm range

• Head tilted, turned, or chin raised

• Smiling or open mouth

• Eyes not fully open or not looking at camera

• Coloured, patterned, or non-uniform background

• Photo taken more than 6 months ago

• Low resolution or pixelated image

Related resources

Frequently asked questions