UK passport photo size and print sheet
A printed UK passport photo must be 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, with your head 29 mm to 34 mm from chin to crown, on a plain cream or light grey background. You need two identical copies printed on plain white photo paper.
Your photo never leaves your phone
- Stand about 1.5 m in front of a plain, light wall.
- Face a window or a bright light so both sides of your face are lit.
- Ask someone to take it with the phone at your eye level. Selfies are often rejected.
- Glasses off, hair away from your eyes, mouth closed, no smile.
Ready offline. Turn on airplane mode and it still works, which shows your photo isn't uploaded.
Line up your head and shoulders with the outline. Keep the phone at eye level, about 1.5 m away.
Finding your face…
Rules last checked against the official page on 12 November 2026.
UK passport (printed) photo rules
- 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, not cut down from a larger picture
- Head 29 mm to 34 mm from chin to crown
- Plain cream or light grey background, no shadows
- Printed in colour on plain white photo paper, no border
- Close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- Face forward, plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- No glasses unless you have to wear them, and never tinted
- Not altered by computer software
- Two identical copies, taken within the last month
Source: GOV.UK: Printed passport photos. SkipTheBooth helps you meet these rules but can't guarantee your photo will be accepted.
Questions
Can I print passport photos at a supermarket kiosk?
Yes. Download the print sheet, which is a standard 6×4 inch photo, and print it at a supermarket or chemist photo kiosk. Then cut out two of the photos along the guide marks.
What does 'not a cut-down version of a larger picture' mean?
The photo must be printed at 45 × 35 mm, not trimmed from a bigger print. SkipTheBooth's print sheet places each photo at exactly 45 × 35 mm, so you only cut around the edges.
Can I wear a hijab or turban?
Yes, if you wear it for religious or medical reasons. Your full face must be visible from forehead to chin.