UK Passport Photo Online — 35x45mm Size Checker
Get a high-resolution UK passport photo (35x45mm, 900x1200px), HMPO-compliant with a free IDPC code for GOV.UK, ready in about 3 minutes. Preview free, pay only when happy.
UK passport photo requirements
- Size: 35×45mm (900×1200px — exceeds HMPO 600×750px minimum)
- Background: Light grey (#EBEBEB)
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses: Not allowed
- Standard: HMPO compliant, includes IDPC code for GOV.UK digital submission
Why use Smart Passport Photo
- ✅ Free preview before you pay
- ✅ 9 automated compliance checks against HMPO rules
- ✅ Free retake or refund if rejected — no proof needed
- ✅ IDPC code included for GOV.UK online applications
- ✅ £3.99 one-off, no subscription
- ✅ Photo deleted from our servers within 24 hours
Free to preview · Pay once · No subscription
Photos deleted within 24 hours · UK servers (AWS eu-west-2) · Never used for AI training · Rated on Trustpilot
How it works for a UK passport photo
- 1. Upload or take a photo. Use your phone against a plain wall, facing a window for even light. No need for a special background — our AI replaces it with the correct light grey colour automatically.
- 2. Automated HMPO compliance check. We run 9 checks covering head size and position, background, lighting, expression and glasses, and show you a free preview of the result before you pay anything.
- 3. Choose digital (IDPC) or print. For an online GOV.UK application, we generate an IDPC code you enter directly into the application — no file upload needed. For a postal application or DVLA driving licence, download the 35×45mm digital file or order printed copies.
- 4. Apply with confidence. Because your photo has already passed the same checks HMPO applies, it's accepted first time in the vast majority of cases — and if it isn't, we'll retake or refund for free.
Common UK passport photo mistakes
- Wearing glasses — HMPO no longer accepts glasses in passport photos, even with no glare.
- Smiling or mouth open — HMPO requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Shadows on the face or background — caused by overhead lighting or a single side-facing light source.
- Photo taken from too far away — your head needs to fill a specific proportion of the frame; standing too far back leaves too much background.
- Using an old or filtered photo — HMPO requires a recent photo with no filters, retouching or red-eye removal beyond what our tool applies automatically.
Official UK passport resources
For the full official specification, see GOV.UK's photo guidance for passports. To start or renew your passport application, visit gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. Smart Passport Photo is an independent service and is not affiliated with HM Passport Office or GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
Does this meet UK passport photo requirements?
Yes. Every photo is checked against HMPO (His Majesty's Passport Office) requirements — head size and position, background colour, lighting, expression, and image quality — before you pay. These are the same requirements published on GOV.UK's official photo guidance page (gov.uk/photos-for-passports), which sets out specs for head height (29-34mm from chin to crown within the 35x45mm frame), a plain light grey or cream background with no shadows, a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open, and no glasses for adults. Our automated checks run through each of these points and show you a free preview before you pay, so you can fix anything that doesn't pass and retake the photo at no extra cost.
What is an IDPC code and do I get one?
An IDPC (Digital Photo Check) code is the official reference GOV.UK uses to accept a digital passport photo during your online application. We include an IDPC code with every UK passport photo order.
What size and background does a UK passport photo need?
UK passport photos must be 35×45mm. HMPO's minimum digital resolution is 600×750px — our tool outputs 900×1200px for better print quality and sharper results. Background must be plain light grey or cream, with a neutral expression and no glasses.
Can I use this for a UK driving licence photo too?
Yes, the same 35×45mm format is accepted for DVLA driving licence applications. Select the driving licence option when you upload your photo.
What if GOV.UK rejects my photo?
HMPO will email you if your digital photo is rejected during your online application, and GOV.UK lets you upload a new IDPC code without starting the application again. If this happens, contact us with your order number for a free retake or full refund — no rejection letter or proof required.
Taking a passport photo for a baby or child?
Yes — the same 35×45mm format and light grey background apply to children and babies. HMPO allows a more relaxed expression for infants under 1 (eyes don't need to be fully open), and no other person, hand or dummy can be visible in the frame. Lay your baby on a plain light surface and photograph from directly above for the best result.