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UK Passport Photo Checker
Photo rules for United Kingdom passport applications depend on the issuing authority and application type. A mismatched size, background or framing can require a new photo.
Upload your photo above to review the checks available in ImageGates. A passing result is guidance, not an official approval.
The United Kingdom requires 35×45 mm photos for passports and visas, managed by HM Passport Office. The UK uniquely requires a light gray or cream background rather than white. Since 2018, glasses are not permitted in UK passport photos. The head height must be between 29–34 mm, and the image must show a clear, focused, full face. Online applications through GOV.UK require digital photos meeting specific file size and resolution criteria.
Official United Kingdom passport photo rules we check
- Required size: 35×45 mm (413×531 px at 300 DPI)
- Required background: Light gray
- Issuing authority: His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO)
- Print dimensions: 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 inches)
- Digital size: 413×531 px at 300 DPI
- Background: Light gray
Common United Kingdom passport rejection reasons
- United Kingdom-specific: Tilting the head — HMPO's automated biometric checker rejects any tilt over 5 degrees.
- United Kingdom-specific: Submitting a photo with even minor shadow on one cheek under the GOV.UK uploader.
- United Kingdom-specific: Smiling — the UK requires a closed-mouth, neutral expression.
- Aspect ratio drifted from 35:45 after a careless crop
- Soft focus or motion blur from a handheld phone shot in low light
- Background that looked white to your eye but reads as cream or grey to a calibrated scanner
How to pass the checker
Re-shoot in flat, even lighting
Stand 1.5 m from a plain wall matching the required light gray background. Use two soft light sources (or window light through a thin curtain) on either side of your face to eliminate the shadow that triggers most United Kingdom rejections.
Crop precisely to 35×45 mm
Use our free image cropper to pull the exact 35:45 ratio. Position your eyes near the upper third of the frame and leave roughly 5 mm of headroom above the hair — the proportions His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) expects.
Replace the background if it's the wrong colour
If our checker flags the background, compare it with the selected specification (light gray). The background remover can help prepare another preview; confirm that edited photos are accepted by the authority.
Verify face coverage with the checker
Re-upload the corrected photo and compare the framing with the selected application's guidance. Requirements for head position can vary by application.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take my UK passport photo at home with my phone?
Yes, GOV.UK accepts smartphone photos for online applications as long as they are at least 600×750 pixels, between 50 KB and 10 MB, against a plain light-grey or cream background, and pass HMPO's automatic quality checks.
What background colour does the UK accept for passport photos?
HMPO specifies a plain light-grey or cream background — pure white is technically allowed but often triggers contrast issues with light skin tones, so light grey is the safer choice.
How accurate is this United Kingdom passport photo checker?
Our checker reviews dimensions, aspect ratio, background, sharpness and face positioning with on-device detection where available. It cannot duplicate His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO)'s review or guarantee acceptance. Always check the official instructions for your application.
Does ImageGates upload my photo to a server?
No — every check runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly. Your photo never leaves your device. That is unique among most online checkers and is why the tool also works offline once loaded.
What file formats does the checker accept for United Kingdom photos?
The checker accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG and WebP up to 20 MB. Check His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO)'s instructions for the file formats accepted by your specific application.