🇬🇧 UK Passport Photo Requirements (2025): Complete Guide & Checklist


Applying for a UK passport? Make sure your photo meets all the latest government guidelines. A non-compliant passport photo is one of the top reasons applications get rejected or delayed.

In this guide, we’ll break down the UK passport photo rules, show you what makes a photo compliant, and explain how InstaPhotoID helps you submit a perfect passport photo from home—in just 3 minutes.

📸 Take a Compliant UK Passport Photo with InstaPhotoID

Here’s how our trusted service works:

  1. Upload or take a photo

  2. AI checks and fixes background, size & lighting

  3. Our compliance expert double-checks everything

  4. Download your digital photo or get prints delivered

✔ 100% acceptance rate
✔ Verified by experts
✔ £12 printed photo delivery option
✔ Trusted by 10M+ users

[📤 Upload a Photo Now]

 

✅ UK Passport Photo Requirements – At a Glance

Here’s a quick checklist of the most important rules you must follow:

Feature Requirement
Size (print) 35x45mm
Size (digital) 600x750 pixels min
Format JPG or JPEG
File size Between 50KB and 10MB
Recency Taken within the last month
Background Plain light grey or cream
Expression Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed
Glasses Not allowed (except with medical note)
Headgear Only allowed for medical or religious reasons
Shadows Not permitted on face or background
Other objects No people, toys, or dummies (for baby photos)

 

🧍 Pose, Expression & Clothing Rules

  • Face forward, head level

  • Neutral expression, closed mouth

  • No smiling with teeth

  • Hair should not cover face or eyes

  • No hats, headphones, or uniforms

  • Avoid white or light tops (they blend into the background)

✔ Tip: Tuck long hair behind ears to avoid shadows
✔ Keep jewellery minimal to prevent glare



👶 UK Baby Passport Photo Requirements

Yes—even newborns and infants need to follow the rules. Here are some key points for baby passport photos:

Baby’s Age Requirement
Under 1 year Eyes may be closed
Under 6 years Neutral expression not required
All ages No toys, pacifiers, or adults in frame

Place your baby on a light sheet or in a car seat with a white blanket. Snap the photo from directly above.

🚫 Do not hold your baby in the photo—even a hand or arm in the frame can get it rejected.


🖨️ Printing Passport Photos (UK)

If you’re applying by post, you must submit two printed photos. Make sure:

  • They're 35x45mm (UK standard size)

  • Printed on high-quality photo paper (glossy or matte)

  • Undamaged (no tears, creases, smudges, or marks)

Need to print at Tesco, Boots, or Asda? Use our free template with Click & Collect or order prints with InstaPhotoIDfor just £12 delivered.


💻 Digital Passport Photo Requirements (UK)

Planning to apply online? Here's what your digital passport photo must include:

Requirement Detail
Dimensions At least 600 x 750 pixels
File format JPG or JPEG
File size Between 50KB–10MB
Head & Shoulders Must be visible
Recent Within the last month
Unedited No filters or digital retouching

📌 InstaPhotoID automatically adjusts the crop and background, and ensures your photo passes all the government checks.

🚫 Most Common Mistakes in UK Passport Photos

These are the top reasons people’s passport photos get rejected:

  1. ✖ Background not plain or has patterns

  2. ✖ Glasses, hats, or shadows

  3. ✖ Face not centered or poorly lit

  4. ✖ Cropped too close or not showing shoulders

  5. ✖ Smiling too broadly or showing teeth

  6. ✖ Visible makeup glare or digital retouching

With InstaPhotoID, your photo is checked and fixed automatically, reducing rejection risk to zero.


🛠️ Use InstaPhotoID – The Smart Way to Take UK Passport Photos

Feature InstaPhotoID
Compliant with UK rules ✅ Yes
AI background correction ✅ Included
Human expert verification ✅ Included
Unlimited retakes ✅ Yes
Digital download ✅ Instant
Printed photos delivery ✅ £12
Acceptance guarantee ✅ 100% or double your money back


📦 Get Started in Minutes

With InstaPhotoID, there’s no need to leave the house. Get your passport photo ready in 3 easy steps:

  1. Take a photo at home with your phone

  2. Let our AI and experts handle the rest

  3. Download or receive prints by post

[📤 Upload a Photo] | [📱 Get InstaPhotoID App for iOS or Android]