British passport photos follow their own measurements: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with your head — chin to crown — measuring between 29 and 34 mm. This maker crops to exactly that frame and draws the head band as guide lines, then downloads your photo at 413×531 pixels (35×45 mm at 300 DPI; for an online GOV.UK application the file is accepted digitally and can be scaled up from this master) plus a printable 4×6 sheet with six copies.
Two honest warnings. First, this tool only sizes and crops — it cannot change your background, and GOV.UK requires photos to be unaltered by software. Second, for a paper application the printed photos must be professionally printed and must not be cut down from a larger picture, so use a photo shop or booth for paper forms; this maker is ideal for the digital photo and for checking your composition before you pay anyone. Always confirm the current rules on GOV.UK — they change.
The official UK photo requirements
| Printed photo size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high |
|---|---|
| This download | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI (digital minimum: 600 × 750 px, 50 KB–10 MB) |
| Head height | 29–34 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain cream or light grey for prints; plain light-coloured for digital |
| Recency | Taken within the last month |
| Quantity (paper) | Two identical printed photos |
For online applications you upload one digital photo, at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall. This maker’s 300 DPI master is the exact print size; if your route asks for the digital minimum, the same crop scales cleanly to 600×750 because the proportions are identical.
Pose, background and glasses
Use a plain expression with your mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, facing straight at the camera — smiling is not accepted. Take glasses off if you can; if you must wear them, your eyes must be fully visible with no glare, tint or frames covering them, and sunglasses are never allowed. Head coverings are only for religious or medical reasons and both edges of your face must show. No other people or objects may appear, and there must be no shadows on your face or behind you. Children under 6 get relaxed expression rules, and babies under 1 do not need their eyes open.
How to take the photo at home
- Stand in front of a plain cream or light grey wall in even daylight, with nobody else in frame.
- Ask someone to photograph you from about a metre away at eye level — GOV.UK does not accept selfies.
- Remove glasses if possible, keep your mouth closed and look straight ahead; take several shots.
- Upload the best photo here and drag it so the top of your head meets the red line.
- Zoom until your chin falls between the two green lines (the 29–34 mm band).
- Download the photo for digital use or the sheet for checking prints.
Why UK photos get rejected
- Head outside the 29–34 mm band — too small is the usual home-photo mistake.
- A white background used for printed photos (prints need cream or light grey).
- Smiling, mouth open, or hair across the eyes.
- Glasses glare, tinted lenses, or frames hiding the eyes.
- A photo older than one month — the UK limit is stricter than most countries.
- Home-cut prints submitted with a paper application.
Printing your photos
The print sheet download places 6 copies on a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) print at exactly 300 DPI. Print it at 100% scale — never “fit to page” — on glossy or matte photo paper, then cut along the light outlines. Measure one photo with a ruler before you submit: it must be exactly 35×45 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What background colour does the UK actually want?
For printed photos: plain cream or light grey. For digital photos: a plain light colour. Pure white is a US rule, not a UK one.
Can I use the print sheet for a paper application?
GOV.UK says printed photos must be professionally printed and not cut down from a larger picture, so for paper applications use a booth or shop. The sheet is perfect for checking size and keeping spares for other uses.
How recent must a UK passport photo be?
Within the last month — notably stricter than the 6 months most countries allow.
Is acceptance guaranteed?
No. The download matches the official dimensions and head band; GOV.UK makes the final decision, and its photo checker may still flag lighting or background issues. Verify the latest rules on GOV.UK before applying.
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Versión en español: Foto de Pasaporte del Reino Unido — Creador 35×45 mm, Gratis y Online. You may also like: Schengen Visa Photo Maker — 35×45 mm EU Visa Photo, Free & Online · India Passport Photo Maker — 2×2 Inch Photo, Free & Online.
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