UK Passport Photo FAQ — HMPO Rules (2026)

Last updated March 2026

What size is a UK passport photo?

UK passport photos must be exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall. At 300 DPI, the digital equivalent is 413 by 531 pixels. This is the standard European passport photo size, shared by most EU and Schengen countries. Kindro automatically crops and sizes your photo to these exact dimensions.

What background colour is required?

HMPO accepts a plain white, light grey, or cream background. The background must be uniform with no patterns, textures, or shadows. Kindro's AI automatically removes any background and replaces it with a clean, compliant white background.

Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo?

No. Since November 2018, HMPO no longer accepts passport photos with glasses of any kind. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. The rule was introduced to improve facial recognition accuracy at e-gates and border control. Simply remove your glasses before taking the photo.

How do I take a passport photo of a baby?

Lay the baby on a plain white sheet or blanket and photograph from directly above. The baby's eyes must be open and looking toward the camera. No dummies, toys, or other people should be in the frame. The same 35 by 45 mm size applies. Children under 6 are allowed a slight expression (not strictly neutral). Kindro handles the rest — background removal, centering, and sizing.

Can I upload a digital photo for my online passport application?

Yes. When applying online through GOV.UK, you can upload a digital photo instead of posting printed ones. The digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels tall, in JPEG format, and under 10 MB. Kindro's output meets these specifications. You can also use the photo for printed applications by downloading the print layout.

What is the chin-to-crown head size requirement?

The distance from the bottom of your chin to the crown (top) of your head must be between 29 mm and 34 mm in the printed photo. This ensures your face is the correct proportion within the 35 by 45 mm frame. Kindro's AI automatically measures and positions your face within this range.

How recent does my UK passport photo need to be?

UK passport photos must have been taken within the last month. This is stricter than many other countries — the US and Canada allow photos up to 6 months old. If your appearance has changed recently (haircut, beard, weight), take a new photo.

Can I use a selfie for my UK passport photo?

Selfies are not recommended. The close distance and wide-angle lens of front-facing cameras can distort facial proportions, which may cause HMPO's automated system to reject the photo. Use the rear camera held at arm's length, or better yet, have someone else take the photo from about 1.5 metres away.

Where can I print my UK passport photo?

Download Kindro's 4-up print layout and print it as a standard 4 by 6 inch glossy photo at Boots (self-service kiosk, around 15p), Post Office, Snappy Snaps, Tesco Photo, or any local photo lab. Cut along the guides to get your 35 by 45 mm photos.

How much does a UK passport photo cost?

Prices range from free (using Kindro plus around 15p for printing) to 6.99 to 12 pounds at high street shops like Boots, Snappy Snaps, or the Post Office. Photo-Me booths cost 5 to 8 pounds. Kindro saves you the most — especially for families needing multiple sets of photos.

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