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UK Passport Photo Requirements in the USA (2026)

British citizen living in the US? Your UK passport photo must meet HMPO specs regardless of where you are. Here's exactly how to get it right in America.

Create My UK Passport Photo

UK Passport Photo Specs (HMPO Standard)

RequirementSpecification
Size35 × 45 mm
Head height29–34 mm from chin to crown
BackgroundLight grey or cream (NOT white)
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed
GlassesNot permitted since 2018
⚠️ The biggest mistake: US photo services default to white backgrounds. UK requires light grey or cream. Walgreens or CVS will give you a white background photo — wrong for UK applications. Use PassportSnap which applies the correct grey automatically.

Get the Right UK Photo in the USA

PassportSnap applies the correct HMPO light grey background and 35×45mm format. Takes 2 minutes.

Create My UK Passport Photo

Printing UK Passport Photos in the USA

Once you have your PassportSnap file:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a UK passport renewal from the USA?
Yes — you can renew a UK passport from abroad through the HM Passport Office. You'll need to use the appropriate overseas renewal form and submit HMPO-compliant photos.
Will Walgreens take a UK passport photo?
Walgreens takes photos with white backgrounds — not suitable for UK applications. Instead, create your photo in PassportSnap (which applies grey background), then use Walgreens only for printing the file.

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