UK Passport Photo Maker and Requirements

HM Passport Office uses different requirements for digital and printed photos, so start with the way you are applying. An online application uses a digital image, while a paper application normally uses printed passport photos.

Both routes require a recent, clear colour photo that shows you naturally. Your face should be clearly visible, you should look directly at the camera with a plain expression, and the background should follow the current UK guidance for that application route. Compare the finished result with the live GOV.UK instructions before submission.

Printed UK passport photos measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head measuring 29 to 34 mm from the crown to the bottom of the chin. The digital route works differently and requires an image of at least 600 × 750 pixels rather than a 35 × 45 mm digital canvas.

Do not convert one specification into the other and assume the result is automatically suitable. Choose the digital or printed workflow first because each route is checked differently.

• Digital dimensions: at least 600 × 750 pixels
• Digital file size: 50 KB to 10 MB
• Printed dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
• Printed head height: 29 to 34 mm from crown to chin
• Digital background: plain light coloured
• Printed background: plain cream or light grey

Keep the camera at eye level and use even light without strong shadows. Leave visible space above the hair, around both shoulders and on each side of the head. This gives the crop enough room to follow the selected route without cutting important detail.

If you are taking the photo for an online application on your own device, include the head, shoulders and upper body rather than pre cropping the image. The online application provides its own photo handling step. For a paper application, leave enough room to prepare a 35 × 45 mm print while keeping the face natural and clear.

The digital and printed routes describe different parts of the final result. The digital route uses pixel dimensions, a file size range and the capture guidance in the online application. The printed route uses the physical photo size, head measurement, paper and print quality.

Use the digital route in the editor when you are uploading through the online service. Use the printed route when a paper application asks for physical photographs. Keeping those routes separate prevents a 35 × 45 mm print canvas from being presented as the digital upload requirement.

A paper application normally requires two identical printed photos measuring 35 × 45 mm. Print them to a professional standard on suitable photographic paper, then measure one copy before using the second. Home printing is useful only when the finished quality is comparable to a professionally produced photo.

Use the Passport Photo Print Sheet Maker when you need to place correctly sized copies on 4R, A4 or another supported sheet. Print at Actual Size or 100 percent so the paper settings do not silently change the physical dimensions.

PassportPhotoBox can prepare a route specific canvas, check measurable dimensions and file size, and help you review visible framing issues. It cannot prove when a photo was taken, confirm your identity, certify the lighting or paper, or guarantee that HM Passport Office will accept the submission.

Glasses should be avoided unless you have to wear them. If you wear glasses, your eyes must remain clearly visible and the lenses must not be tinted or affected by glare, reflection or shadow. A photo that is blurred, too dark, too light or altered should be replaced with a better source rather than forced through more editing.