Passport

Specifications

FAQ

Bullets are grouped from this country’s requirement text and spec fields. If a topic has no matching lines in our data, we show common international-style guidance—always confirm with your issuer.

1.Photo basics & quality▼

• Final print size for this preset: 7:9 (35 × 45 mm, 3.5x4.5 cm).
• You need 2 identical printed photos if you are applying for a passport using a paper form.
• You need either printed or digital photos if you're applying online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.
• You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.
• Your photo must have been taken in the last month.
• Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.
• You can get help with your passport photos if you're disabled.
• You need to provide 2 identical photos.
• If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.
• In your photo, you must:
• When sending your application, your photos must be:
• You need either digital or printed photos if you're applying for a passport online. You'll be told as you start your application what type of photo you need.
• To apply for a passport online with a digital photo, you can:
• The digital photo must:
• In your photo you must:
• measure 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)
• not be a cut down version of a larger picture
• printed to a professional standard
• clear and in focus
• Always confirm the latest rules with the official issuing authority or online application portal before you submit.
• Dimensions for this preset: 35 × 45 mm (7:9 (35 × 45 mm, 3.5x4.5 cm)).
• Suggested print resolution: 600 DPI (confirm with your issuer).
• Typical digital dimensions when specified: 826 × 1062 px (confirm upload requirements).
• A printable physical photo may be required for this document type (when applicable).
• Online submission with a digital file may be required (check the current application flow).
• Photo paper when printing: matte.

2.Pose & expression▼

• The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.
• If you're using a photo taken during your application, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you.
• Head size in frame: Head must be between 70 to 80 % of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

3.Attire & accessories▼

• Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear glasses that you cannot take off, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections.

4.Lighting & background▼

• in colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• Background (summary): White — plain and evenly lit unless your issuer specifies a different tone.

5.Children & infants▼

• Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.
• Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
• Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Visual guide

Illustrative reference photos served from a third-party CDN. Use only as informal guidance; follow your official instructions.

How to make this photo

1. 1.Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

   • —Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

2. 2.Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

   • —When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.
   • —Note: A simple wall is fine; you can tidy or replace the background while editing.

3. 3.Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

   • —Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.
   • —Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.
   • —Your face must still be fully visible. Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.
   • —No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

4. 4.Step 4: Pose for a passport

   • —Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.
   • —Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.
   • —Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.
   • —Position the camera in the same height as the head.

5. 5.Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

   • —You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.
   • —Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.
   • —Online Passport Photo Generator