The UK has two very different photo routes: a digital photo for online applications and a printed photo for paper forms. Most people now apply online, but the rules for the printed photo are stricter about size. Here is what each one needs.
Digital vs printed UK passport photo
| Digital photo (online) | Printed photo (paper form) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | At least 600 × 750 pixels | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head | Fills most of the frame, not cropped | 29–34 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain light grey or cream | Plain light grey or cream |
| How many | One file | Two identical photos |
| Taken | Within the last month | Within the last month |
The “last month” rule surprises many applicants – the UK is stricter than most countries, which accept photos up to six months old.
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What the photo must show
- A close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders
- Your face looking straight at the camera with a plain expression and mouth closed
- Eyes open and visible – no hair across them
- No glasses, hats or head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons)
- No shadows on your face or behind you, no “red eye”
- No other people or objects in the photo
Children and babies
Children under 6 do not need to look directly at the camera or have a neutral expression, and babies under 1 do not need their eyes open. You can lay a baby on a plain light sheet to take the photo, but no hands or toys may be visible.
Where the code comes from (digital photos)
Some photo booths and shops give you a photo code to enter in the online form. With a home photo you simply upload the file instead. Make sure the JPEG is sharp, not a screenshot, and that you did not apply any filters.
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Frequently asked questions
A printed UK passport photo is 35 × 45 mm. A digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall.
A plain light grey or cream background. Pure white is often too bright and can cause shadows to show.
It must have been taken within the last month.
No, you should remove your glasses for the photo.
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