United Kingdom photo requirements
United Kingdom photo requirements are set by HM Passport Office. We publish 4 documents: 2 passports, 1 visa and 1 driving licence. The most common print size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in); 3 documents accept a digital upload. Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-07).
Passports
- UK Passport Photo (digital, online application)For a British passport applied for online at gov.uk, where you upload a digital photo. Not for a UK visa or BRP, and not for a driving licence (DVLA has its own upload).900 x 1125 pxplain light-coloured backgroundverified 2026-09-30
- UK Passport Photo (printed, 45 x 35 mm)For the two printed photos sent with a paper British passport application form (for example from the Post Office Check and Send service or an overseas paper application). Not for the online application, which uploads a digital photo, and not for a UK visa or driving licence.35 x 45 mmany plain background that is any light colourverified 2026-10-07
Visas
Driving licences
Authorities and portals
- Passport authority
- HM Passport Office
- Sources we read
- HM Passport Office; UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office); Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Where to print locally
Compare passport photo prices in United Kingdom: shop prices against printing our sheet yourself.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.