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UK passport photo requirements you need to know
Passport photo requirements are very strict, so here are the main rules that you must follow.
Passport photo size UK
Printed passport photos must be 45x35mm. Digital passport photos must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall.
Photo quality
Your passport photos must be focused, clear and in full colour. Printed photos cannot be creased or torn.
Background
Passport photos must be taken against a clear, light-coloured background that contrasts clearly.
Expression
You need to be alone in the photo and look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
Eyes
Eyes must be open and visible, unobscured by hair. “Red eye” will also be rejected.
Headwear
Unless for religious or medical reasons, no headwear can be worn in your passport photo.
Lighting
There must be no shadows on your face or behind you. Lighting must always be even.
Glasses
Glasses should not be worn unless necessary. They cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses.
Editing
Passport photos cannot be altered, edited or manipulated in any way by computer software.
Get HMPO-approved passport photos with us
Instead of worrying about passport photo requirements, take perfect passport photos in Max Spielmann shops to ensure they’ll always be accepted.
1
Find a shop
Use our handy Store Locator to find your nearest Max Spielmann shop. Visit us whenever you’re ready!
2
Take your photo
Our in-store experts will get you into position and take your passport photo in just a matter of moments.
3
Check your photo
We’ll run your photo through electronic checks to ensure it meets all the latest passport photo rules.
A full list of UK passport photo rules
Passport photos are a really important part of your application. If your passport photo doesn’t meet HMPO’s strict criteria, your passport will be delayed (and your holiday could be potentially ruined).
The HM Passport Office has an extensive list of passport photo requirements, and so taking an acceptable passport photo can seem a little overwhelming.
You won’t need to worry about rules if you get a passport photo from us, but click the link below to view the full list of official government guidelines.
Child passport photo requirements
Passport photo rules are different for children. Kids must be alone in the photo against a white background, but there are also age-specific requirements you need to know.
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Children under 1 do NOT need to have their eyes open. You can support their head, but your hand must not be visible
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Children under 6 do NOT need to look directly at the camera or have a neutral expression.
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Children of all ages must be alone in the picture, so toys, dummies and parents cannot be visible.
Our expert passport photo guides
Follow these guides to make sure you’re following the latest passport photo requirements!
Frequently asked questions about UK passport photo requirements
What size is a passport photo?
A printed passport photo must measure 45x35mm (1.77x1.37”). The photo of your face, from the top of your head to your chin, must be between 29mm and 35mm.
Digital passport photos must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, while the file size must be at least 50KB but no larger than 10MB.
What are the passport photo quality requirements?
Your passport photo must be printed to a professional standard, as the Passport Office will reject low-quality photos. An acceptable passport photo must be clear and in focus, feature a plain white background, without any tears or creases, unmarked on both sides, and cannot be edited or enhanced.
Why do I need a new passport photo?
You’ll need a new passport photo every time you renew or apply for a new passport. Even if your appearance hasn’t changed, your photo must have been taken in the last month.
How do I take acceptable passport photos?
Take HMPO-approved digital passport photos in Max Spielmann shops around the UK. Our friendly colleagues take perfect passport photos every single time, and then electronically check that they’ll be accepted by HMPO.
You can also take professional-quality ID photos at our passport photo booths. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to take perfect passport photos every time!