UK passport (printed) photo: size and rules
The printed UK passport (printed) photo is 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).
- Head 29 to 34 mm
Photo specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Head, crown to chin | 29 to 34 mm (1.14 to 1.34 in) |
| Photos required | 2 |
| Paper | plain white photographic paper, no border |
We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.
Background and editing
The source asks for a cream or light grey background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.
Rules from the source
- Two identical prints for a paper application; no borders, creases or marks.
- Taken in the last month, in colour.
- Plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no shadows on face or behind you.
- No glasses unless needed; never tinted, and no frame, glare or reflection over the eyes.
- Photo must be unaltered by computer software.
- Do not replace or change the background; removing marks or shadows may be tolerated at review.
Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.
Can you make it at home?
Yes. Prints must look professionally printed and not cut down from a larger picture. A photo lab or booth is the safer route for paper forms.
PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above and exports a single photo or a print sheet, with the measurements shown so you can check them yourself.
Sources
- Get a passport photo: printed photos (GOV.UK)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
- Photo standards: caseworker guidance (GOV.UK)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.
Common questions
What size is a UK passport (printed) photo?
The printed photo is 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).
Can I take a UK passport (printed) photo at home?
Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.
What background does a UK passport (printed) photo need?
The source asks for a cream or light grey background.
How big should the head be in a UK passport (printed) photo?
Measured from the crown to the chin, the head should be 29 to 34 mm (1.14 to 1.34 in).
Where do the UK passport (printed) numbers come from?
From the issuing authority’s own pages: Get a passport photo: printed photos (GOV.UK) and Photo standards: caseworker guidance (GOV.UK). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.
Guides for this photo
Related documents
Same document, other route
- UK passport (online upload)original file; 50 to 10,000 KB
More from United Kingdom
- UK visa or permission (UKVI photo)at least 600 × 750 px, 50 to 6,144 KB
Other documents with a 35 × 45 mm print
- India passport (applied in India)35 × 45 mmNot at home
- Pakistan passport online renewal (overseas)35 × 45 mm; original file; up to 5,000 KB
- Pakistan online visa (photo upload)35 × 45 mm; width to height ratio 0.78, up to 350 KB
- Schengen visa35 × 45 mm
- Irish passport (printed)35 × 45 mm
- French passport35 × 45 mmNot at home