United Kingdom · not possible online
UK Passport Photo — paper form (35×45 mm)
UK Passport — paper form photos can't be made online: printed photos must not be cut down from a larger photo or changed by software, so a photo booth or photo shop is the safe choice. Here is what the official rules say (35×45 mm, head 29–34 mm from chin to crown, cream or light grey background, taken within 1 month), and how to get a photo that is accepted the first time.
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Where to get it instead
Why online tools don't work: printed photos must not be cut down from a larger photo or changed by software, so a photo booth or photo shop is the safe choice.
Book a photo studio or a pharmacy photo counter that takes UK Passport — paper form photos, and bring the requirements below so you can check the photo before you leave.
Official requirements
- Print size
- 35×45 mm
- Head size
- The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high.
- Background
- be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
- Glasses
- Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to do so; no sunglasses/tinted.
- Head covering
- not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
- Expression
- have a plain expression and your mouth closed
- Taken within
- 1 month
Source: gov.uk. Last checked Nov 7, 2026.
What counts as an altered photo
“unaltered by computer software”Official rule
“not be a cut down version of a larger picture”Official example of an altered photo
UK Passport — paper form photo questions
Can I wear glasses in my UK Passport — paper form photo?
The official rule: “Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to do so; no sunglasses/tinted.”
Can I smile in my UK Passport — paper form photo?
The official rule: “have a plain expression and your mouth closed.”
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
The official rule: “not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons).”
How recent must the photo be?
It must have been taken within the last 1 month.
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