Digital passport photo
Digital passport photo files have their own rules on pixels and file size. Make yours here, then check the GOV.UK page, because the UK online form asks for a particular kind of picture.
Choose the document
UK passport: 35 x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 in), head 29 to 34 mm from chin to crown.
Add your photo
Include your head and shoulders. A plain light wall behind you works best.
Add a photo and it appears inside the frame, ready to drag.
Crown line 5.4 mm from the top. Chin between 34.4 and 39.4 mm.
Fit your head to the lines
Lighten the background
This pulls light greys towards white. It does not remove a busy background, so stand in front of a plain wall.
Check and download
- Look straight at the camera.
- Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed.
- Keep your eyes open and clearly visible.
- Nothing covering your face, and no hair across your eyes.
- No glasses glare. Take glasses off if you can.
- Plain, light background behind you.
- Even lighting, with no shadows on your face or the wall.
- Babies must not hold toys or use dummies. Children must be on their own in the picture.
- Glasses only if you must wear them, with no tint, glare or frames over your eyes.
For the UK online application, GOV.UK asks for an uncropped photo of your head, shoulders and upper body and crops it for you. Use the print sheet for photos you post or print. Read the GOV.UK rules before you upload a cropped digital copy.
Printed photos must not be cut down from a larger picture, so print the sheet at full size (100 percent, no fit to page).
We size and crop your photo to the official measurements. The passport office decides if it is accepted, so check it against their rules.
How to take a digital passport photo at home
- 1
Take a clear photo
Stand facing a window with a plain light wall or sheet behind you. Hold the phone at eye height, or prop it up. Keep your face straight, mouth closed and eyes open. Include your head and shoulders.
- 2
Fit it to the lines
Choose UK passport, add the photo, then drag and zoom until the top of your head touches the red crown line and your chin sits between the dashed lines. The frame is 35 x 45 mm.
- 3
Download and print
Press Download photo for the single file, or Download print sheet for a 6x4 inch sheet. Print the sheet at any photo kiosk at full size and cut along the thin lines.
Digital passport photo size and rules
| Document | United Kingdom passport |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 in) |
| Head height, chin to crown | 29 to 34 mm |
| Background | Plain cream or light grey for printed photos. Plain light-coloured for the online photo. |
| Digital file we make | 827 x 1063 px JPG. At least 600 x 750 px and between 50KB and 10MB. |
| Copies on a 6x4 inch sheet | 8 |
These figures come from the official guidance. Check the official rules before you apply.
Questions
What are the UK digital passport photo rules?
GOV.UK asks for a clear, in focus colour photo at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50KB and 10MB, with a plain light-coloured background.
Can I upload this to the UK online application?
GOV.UK asks for an uncropped photo of your head, shoulders and upper body and crops it for you. Read their page before you upload a cropped file. The sized photo here is best for printing.
Are digital rules the same everywhere?
No. The Indian visa form asks for a square JPEG between 10 KB and 300 KB. The US visa guidance gives 600 x 600 pixels under 240 kB for Diversity Visa entries.
What file type do you make?
A JPG, which every application form accepts.