What are the rules for a UK passport photo?

For anyone taking a photo for a UK passport application, including for a child or baby.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Your passport photo must be recent, clear, in colour and show you facing forwards with a plain expression.

It must have been taken in the last month.
Use a plain light-coloured background with no other people or objects.
Keep your eyes open, mouth closed and hair away from your eyes.
Do not wear glasses unless you have to, and never sunglasses or tinted glasses.
Printed photos must be 45mm high by 35mm wide, and you need 2 identical ones.

Key facts

Taken in the last month
Printed size: 45mm x 35mm
Digital: 600 x 750 pixels or more
No glasses unless you must

Rules every passport photo must meet

Whether your photo is digital or printed, it must:

have been taken in the last month
be clear, in focus and in colour
not be changed by computer software (no filters or editing)
show only you, with no other objects or people
have no red eye and no shadows on your face or the background
be in clear contrast to the background

How you must look

Face forwards and look straight at the camera.
Have a plain expression with your mouth closed. This means no smile.
Keep your eyes open and visible, with no hair in front of them.
Do not wear a head covering, unless it is for religious or medical reasons.
Do not wear glasses unless you have to. If you must, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and your eyes must not be hidden by the frames or glare.

Extra rules for digital photos

You use a digital photo when you apply online. You can take one with your own phone or device during the application, or get one from a photo booth or shop that gives you a photo code.

Rule	Requirement
Size	At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
File size	At least 50KB and no more than 10MB
Background	Plain and light-coloured

Extra rules for printed photos

You need printed photos if you apply with a paper form.

Rule	Requirement
How many	2 identical photos
Photo size	45mm high by 35mm wide, not cut down from a bigger picture
Head size	29mm to 34mm from the crown of your head to your chin
Background	Plain cream or light grey
Paper	Professional print, in colour, on plain white photo paper with no border
Condition	No creases or tears, and unmarked on both sides unless it needs to be countersigned
Framing	A close-up of your full head and upper shoulders

When you post them, keep the 2 photos separate and loose. Do not attach them to the form.

Special rules for babies and children

Children must be in the photo on their own.
Babies must not hold toys or use dummies.
Children under 6 do not have to look straight at the camera or have a plain expression.
Children under one do not have to have their eyes open.
You can lay a baby on a plain sheet and take the photo from above.

How to check before you apply

Go through the lists above before you submit. A photo that breaks the rules can delay your application. The rules are the same across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as HM Passport Office handles passports for the whole UK.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Photos for passports on GOV.UK
Printed passport photo rules on GOV.UK

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check the photo rules

Common questions

Can I wear a head covering in my passport photo?

Only if it is for religious or medical reasons.

Does my baby have to have their eyes open?

No. Children under one do not have to have their eyes open.

How many printed photos do I need?

You need 2 identical printed photos if you apply with a paper form.

Official sources

1.Photos for passportswww.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
2.Printed passport photo ruleswww.gov.uk/photos-for-passports/photo-requirements

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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