May 29, 2026 · United Kingdom
British Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – His Majesty's Passport Office Rules
His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) issues British passports with a photo format that catches many applicants off-guard: the UK uses 45×35mm — where 45mm is the width and 35mm is the height. This is the reverse dimension order from the ICAO 35×45mm standard used by most European countries. This guide covers all HMPO photo requirements, the countersignature rule, digital submission, BRP, and driving licence photos.
UK dimension order is reversed compared to ICAO
UK passport photos are 45mm wide × 35mm tall. Most ICAO countries (Germany, Switzerland, France, Ireland, etc.) use 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The UK portrait format is wider and shorter. A 35×45mm European photo will be the wrong shape for a UK passport application.
Quick summary
45×35mm portrait (W×H), plain cream or light grey background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes open and looking at the camera, taken within 1 month of application (HMPO guidance), or within 6 months. Validity: 10 years (adult), 5 years (child under 16).
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all UK passport applications and renewals, including first-time adult applicants, renewals via gov.uk, and child passports.
- Size: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (portrait). Face must measure 29–34mm from chin to crown.
- Background: Plain cream or light grey. No patterns, shadows, or gradients. The background must be uniform throughout.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. HMPO prohibits all glasses in UK passport photos.
- Recency: Taken within 1 month of the application (HMPO best practice) and must represent your current appearance.
- Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face is clearly visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
- Digital format: For online submission via gov.uk — JPEG, minimum 50 KB, maximum 10 MB, at least 600×800 pixels.
Countersignature (Counter-Signatory) Requirement
A countersignatory is required for first-time UK passport applicants and for child passports. The countersignatory must:
- Be a British passport holder aged 18 or over.
- Have known the applicant personally for at least 2 years.
- Not be a close relative of the applicant.
- Sign the back of one printed photo and fill in the declaration confirming it is a true likeness of the applicant.
Adults renewing a UK passport online via the gov.uk portal do not typically require a countersignature. The online system uses digital identity verification instead.
Digital Photo Submission via gov.uk
Adults renewing a UK passport via the online service at gov.uk can upload a digital photo directly — no printer required. The gov.uk renewal portal automatically checks the photo for compliance, including face size, background, and image sharpness. If the photo fails the automated check, you will be asked to try again or post printed photos instead.
First-time applicants and child passport applicants still need to submit two printed 45×35mm photos (one countersigned on the back) with the paper application form in most cases.
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) Photo
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is issued to non-EEA nationals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK. The BRP biometric photo is captured on-site at a UKVI appointment — you do not provide your own printed photo. The UK Visas and Immigration service uses a controlled biometric camera during enrolment. You only need to bring a printed passport photo if specifically requested by your appointment instructions.
UK Driving Licence Photo (DVLA)
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) requires the same 45×35mm portrait photo format as the UK passport. Photo requirements are identical: plain cream or light grey background, neutral expression, no glasses, no shadows. You may use the same photo for both a passport and a driving licence application, provided it was taken recently and meets all specifications.
UK Document Photo Requirements Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK Passport (adult) | 45×35mm (W×H) | Cream/light grey | No | 10 years |
| 🇬🇧 UK Passport (child) | 45×35mm (W×H) | Cream/light grey | No | 5 years |
| 🇬🇧 UK Driving Licence (DVLA) | 45×35mm (W×H) | Cream/light grey | No | Per application |
| 🪪 BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) | Live capture on-site | Controlled | No | N/A (UKVI captures) |
| 🌍 ICAO Standard (EU/DE/CH) | 35×45mm (W×H) | White/light grey | No | Varies |
Always verify current requirements with HMPO (gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently or gov.uk/renew-adult-passport) before applying. Requirements may change.
Common Rejection Reasons for UK Passport Photos
Wrong dimensions — using 35×45mm instead of 45×35mm
UK photos are wider than they are tall: 45mm wide × 35mm tall. Most EU photos are 35mm wide × 45mm tall — the opposite shape. Always confirm the orientation.
Background not plain cream or light grey
Pure white or coloured backgrounds may be rejected. Use a plain cream or light grey background as specified by HMPO.
Glasses visible in the photo
HMPO prohibits all glasses in UK passport photos. Remove prescription, reading, and tinted glasses before the photo is taken.
Countersignature missing or incorrectly completed
The countersignatory must sign across the back of the photo (not obscuring the face), and must fill in the required text on the back. Read the gov.uk guidance carefully.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand away from the wall and use even front lighting. Shadows on the face or on the background are a common cause of HMPO rejection.
Photo does not show a true likeness
HMPO may reject photos where the person looks significantly different from their current appearance — ensure the photo is recent and unretouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
A UK passport photo must be 45mm wide × 35mm tall (portrait orientation). Note the dimension order: 45mm is the width and 35mm is the height. This is the reverse of the ICAO 35mm wide × 45mm tall standard used by most European countries. The face must measure between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown.
What background is required for a UK passport photo?
The background must be plain cream or light grey. Pure white backgrounds are technically not required and HMPO specifies cream or light grey. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or other people visible.
Do I need a countersignatory for a UK passport photo?
A countersignatory is required for first-time UK passport applicants and for child passports. The countersignatory must sign the back of one printed photo and confirm the photo is a true likeness. They must be a British passport holder who has known you for at least 2 years. Online renewals via gov.uk generally do not require a physical countersignatory.
Can I submit my UK passport photo digitally?
Yes. Adults renewing a UK passport online via gov.uk can submit a digital photo directly, without needing to print or post anything. First-time applicants and child passport applicants still need to submit printed photos with a countersignature in most cases.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
No. His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) banned glasses in UK passport photos. This applies to all types of glasses including prescription, reading, and tinted glasses. Contact lenses are permitted as long as they do not change the appearance of the eyes.
Are UK driving licence and BRP photo requirements the same?
The BRP photo is captured on-site at a UKVI appointment — you do not provide your own printed photo. The UK driving licence photo (DVLA) uses the same 45×35mm format as the passport and you can use one photo for both.
Always verify current requirements with His Majesty's Passport Office via gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently or gov.uk/renew-adult-passport. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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