A rejected photo is the single most common reason UK passport applications are delayed. The rules are strict and the online system now uses automated checks, so getting your photo right first time saves weeks. Here is exactly what HM Passport Office requires in 2026 — sizes, background, expression and the special rules for babies and children.
Passport photo size
- Printed photo: 45mm tall × 35mm wide (the standard UK size from any booth or shop).
- Digital photo (for online applications): at least 600 pixels wide × 750 pixels tall, in colour, between 50KB and 10MB, and not altered by software.
The core rules
- Background: plain and light-coloured (cream or light grey), with clear contrast between you and the background — no patterns, objects or other people.
- Expression: face forward, look straight at the camera, plain expression with your mouth closed (no smiling).
- Eyes: open and clearly visible — hair must not cover them, and there must be no red-eye.
- Glasses: avoid them if you can. If you must wear them, no sunglasses or tints, and no glare, reflection or shadow over the eyes.
- No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons — and your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
- No shadows on your face or behind you; even, natural lighting works best.
- Framing: if you take it on your own device, include your head, shoulders and upper body — do not crop the photo yourself.
Babies and children
Children must be in the photo on their own, with nothing and no one else in shot — no hands supporting them, no toys and no dummies. Helpfully:
- Children under 6 do not have to look directly at the camera or hold a neutral expression.
- Babies under 1 do not need their eyes open, and can be photographed lying down on a plain, light-coloured sheet, taken from above.
How to get a compliant photo
You can use a photo booth or a shop that offers a digital code (which you enter during the online application), or take your own on a smartphone against a plain wall in good daylight. Whatever you choose, the photo must have been taken within the last month — the system uses timestamps and liveness checks, so an old or reused photo will be rejected.
Common reasons photos are rejected
Shadows, a background that’s too dark or busy, glare on glasses, hair across the eyes, a slight smile, or a blurry/edited image. Fixing these before you submit is the easiest way to avoid a delay.
Ready to apply? See our guides to renewing your British passport and applying for a British passport.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK passport photo?
Printed photos are 45mm tall by 35mm wide. A digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide by 750 tall, in colour, and between 50KB and 10MB.
What background should a UK passport photo have?
A plain, light-coloured background (cream or light grey) with clear contrast and no shadows, patterns or objects.
Can I smile or wear glasses in a passport photo?
No smiling — keep a plain expression with your mouth closed. Avoid glasses; if you must wear them, no tints and no glare, reflection or shadow, and your eyes must be visible.
Can I wear a head covering in a UK passport photo?
Only for religious or medical reasons, and your face must be fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
What are the passport photo rules for babies and children?
The child must be alone with nothing covering the face and no toys or dummies. Under-6s need not look straight at the camera; babies under 1 can have their eyes closed and be photographed lying on a plain light sheet.
Why was my passport photo rejected?
Usually shadows, a busy or dark background, glasses glare, hair over the eyes, a non-neutral expression, or a blurry or edited image.
