All requirements listed here are taken directly from the official HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) guidance published on GOV.UK. We update this page whenever HMPO changes the rules.
The Complete Checklist at a Glance
Before you submit your passport application, run through every item below. A tick on all of these means your photo should be accepted.
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| Specification | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Photo width | 35mm exactly |
| Photo height | 45mm exactly |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 29mm – 34mm (70–80% of 45mm) |
| Eyes position from bottom | Between 28mm and 35mm from bottom |
| Print resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
| Print paper | Glossy or matte photo paper |
| Colour | Full colour (not black and white) |
| Number required (paper application) | 2 identical photos |
| Number required (online application) | 1 digital upload |
| Recency | Taken within the last month |
Background Requirements
The background is one of the most common reasons for rejection. HMPO is very specific:
- Must be plain white or cream — no off-white, no grey, no beige
- No shadows — stand at least 50cm away from the background to avoid your shadow falling on it
- No patterns — wallpaper, fabric textures, doors with panels are all rejected
- Consistent colour throughout — no gradient from lighter to darker
- No other objects — furniture, plants, pictures on the wall visible in the background will cause rejection
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Expression & Face Position
| Requirement | Adults & Children 6+ | Children under 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Expression | Neutral only | Natural expression allowed |
| Smiling | Not allowed | Slight smile OK |
| Mouth | Closed | Slightly open OK |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking at camera | Partially open accepted |
| Head position | Straight on, no tilt | Straight on preferred |
Glasses — No Longer Allowed
As of 2021, HMPO no longer accepts passport photos where the applicant is wearing glasses — regardless of the type of glasses, whether there is glare, or whether a medical exemption is claimed. Always remove glasses before your passport photo.
Head Coverings
- Hats and caps — not allowed under any circumstances
- Headbands and hair accessories — not allowed if they obscure the head outline
- Religious head coverings — allowed if worn daily for religious reasons, but your full face from forehead to chin must remain clearly visible, with nothing covering your face
- Medical head coverings — allowed with a signed letter from a doctor confirming they are worn for medical reasons
Requirements for Online Digital Passport Photos
If you're applying online via GOV.UK, you upload a digital photo file rather than printed photos. The digital requirements are slightly different:
| Requirement | Digital Upload Spec |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG or HEIC |
| Minimum file size | 50KB |
| Maximum file size | 10MB |
| Minimum dimensions | 600px wide × 750px tall |
| Face & expression rules | Same as printed photos |
| Background rules | Same as printed photos |
The Top 8 Reasons Passport Photos Are Rejected
- Wearing glasses — the number one rejection reason since the 2021 ban
- Shadows on the face or background — use even, front-facing lighting
- Face too small — your face should fill 70–80% of the photo height
- Background not plain white — any pattern, colour or texture causes rejection
- Smiling or non-neutral expression — adults must have a completely neutral face
- Red eye from flash — avoid direct flash; use natural light or bounce flash
- Photo too dark, blurry or pixelated — use good lighting and a modern phone camera
- Photo too old — must have been taken within the last month
🖨 Printable Quick-Check Checklist
Print this out and tick each item before submitting your passport application.
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