UK passport photo size explained

Print size versus digital pixels

35 millimetres by 45 millimetres is the classic paper size used for many UK passport photo counters. Online applications care more about composition and file quality than millimetres on a ruler, but the same proportions still apply. A 7:9 crop keeps eyes, chin, and crown in a passport-shaped frame. Exact pixel limits can differ by upload form, so treat any exported dimensions as a correctly proportioned starting point and confirm the channel you will use.

Capture the original photo with enough resolution to crop cleanly. Soft phone compressions and aggressive “optimize storage” modes can blur hairlines and eyes. JPEG is the usual submission format; PNG or WebP are fine for checking and can be exported to JPG here.

Head size and framing

Eyes should sit roughly in the upper half of the frame. Too much empty space above the head or a chin cut off at the bottom are common DIY mistakes. Centre yourself, stand slightly away from the wall to reduce shadows, and use a timer or helper. After cropping, open the download on another screen to confirm the background still looks light and the face remains sharp.

Check size free online

Use the free UK passport photo checker on the homepage to review aspect ratio, resolution, file type, and background brightness in your browser — without uploading the image to our servers for the basic checks. Pair that self-check with official GOV.UK photo rules before you renew or apply.