UK Passport Photo 35×45 mm

Photo requirements

Size

35 × 45 mm

Digital export

413 × 531 px (print @ 300 DPI)

Background

Cream or light grey preferred

Head height

29–34 mm chin to crown

Expression

Neutral — no smile

Online tip

Digital uploads often need ≥600 × 750

How it works

1. Step 01

   Upload a selfie

   Use a recent front-facing photo with even light and your full face and hair visible.

2. Step 02

   AI prepares the UK frame

   We crop to 35×45, apply a light background, and generate a watermarked preview.

3. Step 03

   Download HD

   If the preview looks right, unlock the high-resolution export for your application.

UK Passport Requirements

Photo size: 35 × 45 mm. Resolution: 413 × 531 pixels or higher. Background: Cream or light grey preferred (#F5F0E6 / #E8E8E8). Head height: roughly 64–76% of the photo. Face centered and looking directly at the camera. Expression: Neutral; smile: No; eyes: Open. Avoid no glasses, no hats, no shadows. Format: JPEG. Head size (chin to crown) must be 29–34 mm on the printed 45 mm photo height (~64%–76%).. Background should be plain light-coloured (cream / light grey preferred)..

Suitable for United Kingdom passport applications.

What makes a valid UK passport photo?

UK passport photos are typically 35×45 mm. On a printed 45 mm tall photo, the head from chin to crown should measure about 29–34 mm. That is a stricter head-size band than many square passport templates, so cropping casually from a selfie often fails.

Background guidance usually prefers a plain light colour such as cream or light grey. Pure white can work for some digital routes, but cream or light grey is often safer for printed applications. Keep a closed mouth, no smile, eyes open, and hair visible without covering the face.

SwapQ.ai prepares a UK-style preview from a normal phone selfie so you can check headroom and background before downloading HD.

How SwapQ.ai helps with UK passport photos

The tool applies the UK passport template, prepares a light non-busy background, and shows a free watermarked preview. You can inspect whether the head looks large enough in the frame and whether the expression looks neutral.

For online uploads, HM Passport Office and related services may ask for higher pixel dimensions (often at least 600×750). Our default export matches 35×45 at 300 DPI print sizing; follow the upload page you are using if it asks for a different resolution.

This workflow is useful for renewals, first adult passports, and travel packages when you need a quick starting file you can review yourself.

Tips for a better UK passport selfie

Use a plain wall and soft daylight. Keep the camera at eye level and look straight ahead. Leave space above the hair so the crop can keep chin-to-crown inside the required band.

Do not smile. Avoid heavy filters, tinted glasses with glare, and clothing that blends into a very light background in a confusing way.

If the preview looks too tight or too loose on the head, try another selfie with more headroom rather than stretching a weak crop.

Important compliance note

SwapQ.ai is an AI photo tool for preparation. Final acceptance depends on HM Passport Office and the channel you use (print vs digital). Always check the latest official UK passport photo rules.

We do not claim government endorsement. Inspect the free preview carefully before you download or submit.

Frequently asked questions