UK passport photos have specific requirements set by HM Passport Office (HMPO). Here’s the complete guide, including the most common reasons UK passport photos get rejected.
Quick reference: UK passport photo requirements
- Size: 35×45mm
- Digital resolution: 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- Background: Light grey or cream (not pure white in the UK — must be distinctly light)
- Face height: 29–34mm (70–80% of total image height)
- Head position: Centered, facing directly forward
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking at camera
- Glasses: Not permitted for UK passports (changed in 2022)
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious or medical reasons
How UK requirements differ from US
| Requirement | USA | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 51×51mm (2×2”) | 35×45mm |
| Background | White | Light grey or cream |
| Face height | 50–69% | 70–80% |
| Two photos required | Yes (paper) | Yes (paper application) |
The UK notably requires a light grey or cream background rather than pure white — this is one of the most common reasons UK photos taken for US passports (white background) get rejected.
UK-specific rules
The counter-signatory requirement
For first-time applications and children, UK passports require a “counter-signatory” — someone who has known you for 2+ years (doctor, teacher, solicitor) who signs the back of one photo to confirm your likeness.
Children’s passport photos
Extra leniency is given for babies and very young children:
- Eyes don’t need to be open for babies under 1
- Mouth may be open for babies
- A neutral expression is still preferred but not required
Paper vs. digital applications
Since the launch of online passport renewal, HMPO accepts digital photos uploaded through the Gov.uk portal. Digital photos must be:
- JPEG format
- Minimum 50KB, maximum 10MB
- 413×531 pixels minimum
- Taken within the last month (for digital — stricter than the 6-month paper rule)
Using PassportSnap for UK passports
Select “United Kingdom” in PassportSnap before shooting. The app will:
- Apply the 35×45mm crop with the correct 413×531px resolution
- Check that your face height is 29–34mm (70–80% of image height)
- Verify the background (light grey/cream rather than pure white)
Important: For the UK application, the background requirement is light grey or cream, not pure white. Shoot against a light grey wall or use a light grey background if possible. PassportSnap’s background check will flag if your background is too dark.
Common rejection reasons for UK passport photos
- Background too dark — must be distinctly light, not mid-grey
- Face too small — 29–34mm is a tighter range than the US spec
- Glasses — banned since 2022
- Shadow on background — stand away from the wall
- Photo too old — must be within 1 month for digital applications
Where to print UK passport photos
If you’re printing:
- Photo print services in UK: Boots, Snappy Snaps, local chemists
- Or use the PassportSnap 4×6 layout and print at a photo kiosk, then cut the 35×45mm photo
For digital applications (the easier route), export the JPEG directly from PassportSnap and upload to Gov.uk’s online passport system.