Printed Passport Info

Useful links to passport information

by Dean McDonald Photography

UK Printed Passport Photograph Sizes

Tel: 01772 334076

Printed Photographs

You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.
You need either printed or digital photos if you’re applying online. You’ll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.
You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.
Your photo must have been taken in the last month.
Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.
You can get help with your passport photos if you’re disabled.

The size of your printed photos

You need to provide 2 identical photos

They must:

measure 45 millimeters (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)
not be a cut-down version of a larger picture

If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide..

The quality of your printed photos

Your photos must be:

printed to a professional standard
clear and in focus
in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
without any creases or tears
unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
unaltered by computer software

What your printed photos must show

Your photos must:

be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
contain no other objects or people
be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
be in clear contrast to the background
not have ‘red eye’

In your photo, you must:

be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
have a plain expression and your mouth closed
have your eyes open and visible
not have hair in front of your eyes
not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
not have anything covering your face
not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear glasses that you cannot take off, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections.

The size of your image

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

size graphic

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Good and bad examples of printed photos

Posting your photos

When sending your application, your photos must be:

separated from each other
left loose and not attached to your application form