UK Passport Photo – Free Online Maker
Create a compliant UK passport photo entirely in your browser — free, no account required, nothing uploaded to any server. This tool crops and resizes your photo to the official 35×45 mm format required by HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office). All processing happens locally on your device.
Official UK Passport Photo Requirements
- Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Background: Plain light grey or cream — NOT white (key difference from US passport photos)
- Head height: 29–34 mm from chin to crown
- Eye position: Eyes must be 4.8–5.1 cm from the bottom edge of the photo
- Recency: Taken within the last month
- Glasses: Not permitted (rule in effect since November 2016)
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious or medical reasons
- Digital format: 600–900 px wide, at least 750 px tall, JPEG, 50 KB–10 MB
- Children under 6: Relaxed rules apply — eyes do not need to be open, and they do not need to be looking directly at the camera
How to Make Your UK Passport Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain light grey or cream wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Upload the photo using the tool above.
- Adjust the crop. The tool automatically detects your face and sets the crop to the 35×45 mm ratio. Drag the frame if needed so your head height is between 29–34 mm in the final photo.
- Download and print. Click Download to save your 35×45 mm photo. Print it at any pharmacy, post office, or photo shop, or submit it digitally through the HMPO online passport service.
UK vs US Passport Photo: Key Differences
| Feature | UK Passport | US Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm | 51×51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Background | Light grey or cream | Plain white |
| Head size | 29–34 mm (chin to crown) | 25–35 mm (chin to crown) |
| Photo validity | 1 month | 6 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- White background instead of grey. This is the most common mistake when switching from US to UK requirements. The UK requires light grey or cream — a white background will get your application rejected.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses have not been permitted in UK passport photos since November 2016.
- Shadows on the face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting. Stand a few feet away from the wall to avoid casting shadows.
- Photo older than one month. Unlike the US 6-month rule, UK passport photos must be taken within the last month. An older photo will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
A UK passport photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (35×45 mm). This is different from the US passport photo, which is 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). The UK format is sometimes called 35×45 or "35 by 45".
What background is required for a UK passport photo?
The background must be plain light grey or cream. Unlike US passport photos, a white background is not acceptable for UK passports. There must be no shadows on the background or your face.
Can I take a UK passport photo at home?
Yes. You can take your own UK passport photo at home using a smartphone or camera. Use this free tool to crop and resize it to the correct 35×45 mm format. Make sure you use a plain light grey or cream background with good, even lighting.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
No. Since November 2016, glasses are not permitted in UK passport photos. Your application will be rejected if you are wearing glasses, even if they have clear lenses.
What is a UK passport photo size in cm?
A UK passport photo is 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm tall (3.5×4.5 cm). The head height from chin to crown must be between 29 mm and 34 mm (2.9–3.4 cm). The eyes must be 4.8–5.1 cm from the bottom edge of the photo.
How recent must a UK passport photo be?
Your UK passport photo must have been taken within the last month. This is much stricter than the US requirement of 6 months. Make sure your photo is current before submitting your passport application.
Can I use this photo for a UK visa too?
Many UK visa applications use the same 35×45 mm format as the passport photo. However, always check the specific requirements for your visa type on the official UK government website, as some applications may have slightly different requirements.