🇬🇧 UK Passport Photo Requirements 2025 — Official HMPO Specifications & Free Resizer
His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) has detailed requirements for passport photos. An incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons UK passport applications are delayed or rejected. This guide covers all 2025 specifications for both new passport applications and renewals.
HM Passport Office (HMPO) official page📷 United Kingdom Passport Photo Specifications
Free United Kingdom Passport Photo Resizer
Your photo is processed entirely in your browser — it is never uploaded to any server.
Drag & drop your photo here
JPG, PNG, WEBP up to 15MB
🔒 Your photo never leaves your device
Official Requirements — HM Passport Office (HMPO)
- Portrait format — 35mm wide × 45mm tall. For digital upload: minimum 413×531 pixels.
- Plain light grey or cream background — NOT pure white (unlike US passport). No patterns.
- Face must be straight-on, centered, and fill 70–80% of the photo.
- Head height (chin to crown) must be 29–34 mm in the printed photo.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed. No smiling with teeth.
- No glasses (banned since 2018 for new UK passport applications).
- No head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Taken within the last month — UK has a stricter recency requirement than the US.
- Eyes open, clearly visible, looking straight ahead.
- Photo must be in focus, in color, and printed on high-quality photo paper (printed applications).
- Digital photos: between 50 KB and 10 MB in JPEG format.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
✅ Fix: UK passports require light grey or cream background — not pure white. Take the photo against a grey/cream wall.
✅ Fix: UK rules are strict — your photo must be taken within the last month. This is different from US (6 months).
✅ Fix: UK passport photos require a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling with teeth.
✅ Fix: Glasses are not permitted in UK passport photos since 2018, even prescription glasses.
✅ Fix: Your face (chin to crown) should be 70–80% of the photo height. Move closer to the camera if needed.
✅ Fix: Use even, diffused lighting. Avoid taking the photo near windows or with a single overhead light source.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Click 'Resize Photo' and upload your photo.
- 2Select 'UK Passport Photo' — the tool sets 413×531 px (35×45 mm at 300 DPI).
- 3Crop so your face is centered and fills about 75% of the frame height.
- 4Ensure the background looks light grey or cream in the cropped photo.
- 5Download and check the file is between 50 KB and 10 MB.
- 6Upload directly to the GOV.UK passport application portal, or print as a 35×45 mm photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the correct UK passport photo size?
A. UK passport photos must be 35mm wide and 45mm tall (portrait). For digital applications on GOV.UK, upload a JPEG between 50 KB and 10 MB. The face must take up 70–80% of the photo.
Q.Does a UK passport photo need a white or grey background?
A. Light grey or cream — NOT pure white. This is a common mistake for people used to US passport photos. HMPO specifically rejects photos with pure white backgrounds.
Q.How recent does a UK passport photo need to be?
A. Your photo must have been taken within the last month. This is stricter than most other countries.
Q.Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
A. No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A natural resting expression is required — no smiling, no frowning.
Q.Can a friend take my UK passport photo?
A. Yes, if it meets all the specifications. However, the photo must look professional — well-lit, in focus, with the correct background. The GOV.UK portal will automatically check it.
Q.What if my digital passport photo is rejected online?
A. GOV.UK's automated checker will tell you the reason. Most common: background too dark, head too small, or expression not neutral. Fix the issue and re-upload.