Official HMPO passport photo requirements explained clearly. Avoid the most common rejection mistakes.
Create Your UK Passport PhotoHis Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) sets strict standards for UK passport photos. Here are the full requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 29–34 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain light grey or cream (not white) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Photo age | Taken within last month (recommended) / 6 months |
| Glasses | Not permitted since 2018 |
| Flash | No red-eye; no shadows on face or background |
| Print quality | High quality, no ink marks or blemishes |
PassportSnap automatically applies the correct 35×45mm crop and grey background required by HMPO.
Try PassportSnap FreeMany people assume passport photos need a white background — in the UK, it must be light grey or cream. This is the #1 rejection reason.
HMPO has not allowed glasses in passport photos since 2018, even with a medical note.
UK photos require your head (chin to crown) to measure 29–34 mm within the 45 mm frame. This is a tight range — use a calibrated tool to check.
UK photos are checked rigorously. Stand away from any wall and use even front-facing light.
HMPO requires a neutral expression. Even a natural smile can be rejected.
A light grey or cream wall works best. Alternatively, hang a plain light sheet and ensure it's evenly lit.
Use two lamps or natural window light from in front of you. Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
Your head should fill most of the frame. Look straight ahead with a neutral expression.
We crop to 35×45 mm, verify head size is 29–34 mm, and apply the correct background tone.
Print on a 6×4 inch sheet or submit the digital file for online UK passport applications.
We apply UK-specific background tones and crop dimensions — not one-size-fits-all.
We check that your head fills the 29–34 mm range HMPO requires within the 45 mm frame.
Post Office passport photos cost £13+. PassportSnap costs a fraction of that.
Photos are processed locally on your device — nothing is uploaded to our servers.