United Kingdom Passport Photo Maker
A United Kingdom passport photo must measure exactly 35 × 45 mm with a plain light gray background. The head, from chin to crown, must occupy 64–76% of the photo's height. For digital submission that is 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI. Requirements verified against the official source on 2026-07-13.
Make yours below — free preview, one-time $3.99 for HD.
Output: 35 × 45 mm · 827 × 1063 px @ 600 DPI
Required for United Kingdom: Light gray
HD download includes the digital photo and a ready-to-print 4×6" sheet.
How to take a photo that passes
Keep your distance
Stand about 50 cm (20 in) from the camera, head and shoulders in frame. Best results: have someone else take it, or use a tripod — selfie-arm shots distort your face.
Face the camera straight on
Camera at eye level, look directly into the lens, neutral expression with your mouth closed. Don't tilt your head.
Find even light
Face a window or light source so there are no shadows on your face. Don't worry about what's behind you — the AI removes the background.
United Kingdom passport photo requirements
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Digital size | 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI |
| Background | Light gray |
| Head height | 64–76% of photo height |
| Official source | GOV.UK ↗ |
- ✓Photo must be 35 x 45 mm for printed applications; digital photos follow the same proportions.
- ✓Head (chin to crown) must be between 29 mm and 34 mm.
- ✓Plain cream or light grey background.
- ✓No head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons.
- ✓Neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and visible.
Requirements compiled from the official guidance linked above · last verified 2026-07-13 · see the full requirements database. Always confirm with the issuing authority before submitting your application.
Glasses & head coverings in United Kingdom
Why United Kingdom passport photos get rejected
- ✕Background not plain cream or light grey
- ✕Head size outside the 29–34 mm chin-to-crown band
- ✕Shadows behind the head — very common with home photos taken close to a wall
- ✕Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows
- ✕Digital photo rejected by the online checker for low resolution
More detail in our guide to the 8 most common rejection reasons.
Where to submit your application
Apply online — the digital photo is uploaded during the application and checked automatically; paper forms are available at Post Offices.
What does a passport photo cost in United Kingdom?
| Photo studio / boothphoto booths, Timpson or Max Spielmann | £7–15 |
| SnapPassport HD downloadunlimited retakes · digital + printable 4×6" sheet · watermarked preview free | $3.99 |
Save roughly 56% or more — and skip the trip entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
No. The AI background removal and cropping run entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. Your photo never leaves your device, which also makes the tool fast and private.
Will my photo be accepted by the authorities?
The tool crops your photo to the exact official dimensions and places head-position guides based on each country's published requirements. You are responsible for following the posing rules (neutral expression, no glasses, even lighting), which are listed on each country page.
How do I print my passport photo?
The HD download includes a 4×6 inch print sheet with several copies laid out with cut lines. Print it at any pharmacy, photo kiosk or online print service as a standard 4×6 photo, then cut along the lines.
What does the free version include?
You can use every feature — background removal, cropping, all size presets — and download a watermarked preview for free. The one-time HD purchase removes the watermark and adds the print sheet.
What kind of photo should I start with?
Use a sharp, well-lit photo taken straight-on at eye level, with your full head and shoulders visible and some space around them. Avoid harsh shadows, hats and glasses.