Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
UK passport, driving licence, visa, and bus pass applications require identical 35×45mm photos with head height 29-34mm. One wrong measurement or photo older than 1 month = automatic rejection and weeks of delay.
One photo format for all UK ID documents
UK government uses standardized 35×45mm photos for passports, driving licences (provisional and full), visa applications, and older persons' bus passes. Same dimensions, same head height requirements, same background rules. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 1-month validity period.
UK photo ID requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- Taken within last month (stricter than most countries)
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 29-34mm (use guidelines)
- Light grey, cream, or off-white background with no shadows
- Face centred, plain expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible (no hair covering)
- No glasses unless medical exemption with signed statement
- At least 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI for printing
- No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons - avoid these mistakes
- Photo older than 1 month (most common rejection)
- Head too small or too large (must be 29-34mm)
- Shadows on face or background visible
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
- Smiling with teeth showing
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Using pure white background with pale skin (low contrast)
How to print UK passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper (UK passport office prefers matte over glossy). Available at Tesco, Asda, Argos, Amazon.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4/Letter for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: No printer? Download single photo and print at Boots (£7-12 for 4 photos), Snappy Snaps, Max Spielmann, Tesco photo counter, or Asda photo.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Setup: Lay baby on plain light-coloured blanket on floor. Use white, cream, or light grey blanket.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash. No shadows on face or background.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- UK-specific rules: Babies under 1 don't need eyes open. Children under 6 don't need neutral expression.
- Support: Hand supporting head must not be visible in photo. Position hand behind or under head outside frame.
- Props: Remove dummies (pacifiers), toys, bottles from frame. Baby must be alone in photo.
- Timing: Take photos when baby is calm and alert. Multiple attempts normal—expect 10-20 shots for one good photo.
Good vs bad UK passport photo examples
UK driving licence photo requirements
Driving licence photos (provisional and full) use identical 35×45mm specifications as passports. DVLA accepts photos taken within the last month with head height 29-34mm. You can use the same photo for driving licence and passport applications if taken within 1 month. Digital applications accept JPG files; postal applications require printed photos.
UK visa photo specifications
Most UK visa applications (work, student, visitor) require 35×45mm photos matching passport specifications. Some embassy-specific visas may have different requirements—check with the relevant embassy. Standard UK visa photos: 35×45mm, light background, head 29-34mm, taken within last month.
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo shop
- Boots Passport Photo Service: £7.99-£11.99 for 4 photos (2024 prices)
- Snappy Snaps: £8-£15 for 4 photos depending on location
- Tesco/Asda photo counter: £6-£8 for 4 photos
- Post Office passport photo check service: £9.50 + photo cost
- This tool: Free. Print at home for £0.20-£0.50 per sheet (paper + ink cost)
- Savings: £7-£11 per application. If applying for passport + driving licence, save £14-£22 using same photo.
Official UK Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (all UK ID documents)
- Resolution
- 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI
- Head Height
- 29-34 mm (64-76% of frame)
- Background
- Light grey, cream, or off-white
- Recency
- Taken within last month
- Expression
- Plain expression, mouth closed
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, driving licence, bus pass
Best Practices
- UK photos expire after 1 month—plan applications accordingly
- One photo works for passport, driving licence, visa, and bus pass if taken within 1 month
- Light grey or cream backgrounds often work better than pure white for pale skin tones
- Print on matte paper—UK passport office prefers matte over glossy finish
- Use the crop guidelines to ensure head height is 29-34mm (rejection if outside this range)
- Remove glasses unless you have a signed medical exemption letter from GP
- For online applications (passport renewal, driving licence), download single photo as JPG
- For postal applications, print 4R sheet with 4-6 copies and cut along grey lines
Frequently Asked Questions
What are UK passport photo requirements?
UK passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within the last month, with light grey/cream/off-white background. Head must be 29-34mm from chin to crown (64-76% of frame height), face centred, plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible. No glasses unless medical exemption.
Can I use the same photo for UK passport and driving licence?
Yes. UK passport, driving licence, visa, and bus pass all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all applications as long as it's less than 1 month old.
How recent must UK passport photos be?
Within the last month. This is stricter than US (6 months) and most other countries. Photos older than 1 month will be rejected.
What background colour for UK passport photos?
Light grey, cream, or off-white backgrounds are acceptable. Pure white is fine but may create low contrast with very pale skin. Avoid coloured, patterned, or dark backgrounds.
Can I wear glasses in UK passport photos?
No, unless required for medical reasons with a signed doctor's statement. Even with medical exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflection, frames must not cover eyes.
Do babies need eyes open in UK passport photos?
No. Babies under 1 don't need to have eyes open. This is a UK-specific rule. Children under 6 also don't need neutral expressions.
Where can I print UK passport photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper (cheapest: £0.20-£0.50 per sheet), or print at Boots (£7.99-£11.99), Snappy Snaps (£8-£15), Tesco/Asda photo counter (£6-£8), or any photo shop.
What paper size for printing UK passport photos?
Use 4R (102×152mm) photo paper for 4-6 photos per sheet, or A4/Letter for larger quantities. Print at 100% scale with no margins. Cut along grey guide lines to get exact 35×45mm photos.
Can I use this for UK visa applications?
Yes. Most UK visa applications use 35×45mm passport photo specifications. Some embassy-specific visas may differ—check with the relevant embassy before applying.
How is this different from US passport photos?
UK photos are 35×45mm portrait format (US: 51×51mm square), valid for 1 month only (US: 6 months), and accept light grey/cream backgrounds (US: white only). UK has relaxed rules for babies and young children.