Passport · United Kingdom
UK Passport Photo Size
A printed UK passport photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head between 29 and 34 mm from chin to crown and on a plain cream or light grey background. This is the rule published by HM Passport Office (GOV.UK), last checked by Maru on 10 October 2026. Maru resizes and checks your photo to match, in your browser.
RequirementUK Passport Photo Size
Drop a photo here, or take one.
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · stays on this device
4 rules to meet
- Print size35 × 45 mm
- BackgroundPlain cream or light grey
- ColourColour photo
- Head size (guide)29–34 mm
Processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
02 — Requirement
The rule, from the source
| Rule | Official value | Also expressed as |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 mm × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in · 413 × 531 px at 300 dpi (conversion) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 29 mm–34 mm | — |
| Background | Plain cream or light grey | — |
| Colour | Colour photo | — |
03 — How to
Get it right the first time
- 01Take a photo facing the camera against a plain, light wall, or choose one you already have.
- 02Drop it into the tool above. Nothing is uploaded; it stays on your device.
- 03Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide.
- 04Press Fix & check. Maru resizes and compresses it, then grades every rule.
- 05Download the file and upload it to your application.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- The photo is not 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, or it was cut down from a larger picture.
- The head (chin to crown) is smaller than 29 mm or taller than 34 mm.
- The background is not plain cream or light grey.
- You are wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses.
GOV.UK reminds applicants abroad to check that a photo booth produces photos that measure 45 mm high by 35 mm wide.
04 — Questions
UK Passport Photo Size: questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
45 mm high by 35 mm wide, according to GOV.UK.
How big should my head be?
Between 29 mm and 34 mm from the crown of your head to your chin.
What colour background is allowed?
Plain cream or light grey, in clear contrast with you.
Can I print the photo myself?
GOV.UK asks for plain white photographic paper with no border. Maru gives you a correctly sized image; print it at 100% scale.
Does Maru upload my photo?
No. It stays on your device.
05 — Related
Other requirements
Not listed? Use your own rules →