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UK 35×45 mm Passport Photo Size

British passport photos use a 35 mm × 45 mm rectangle—not the US 2×2 inch square. Head size and background colour rules also differ from Schengen white-background photos.

Official dimensions

Printed photos must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high—the standard UK photo booth size. Head height from crown to chin must be 29–34 mm on the print.

  • Print size: 35 × 45 mm
  • Head height: 29–34 mm (crown to chin)
  • Background: plain cream or light grey for prints
  • Digital minimum: 600 × 750 pixels (verify on GOV.UK)

Digital vs printed

Online applications through GOV.UK upload a digital file. Paper forms sent by post need two identical printed 35×45 mm photos. The visual rules are similar but background wording differs slightly for digital uploads.

Crop with our free tool

Select a UK 35×45 mm template, align your head between the guides, and download. Use the passport photo checker before saving, then run GOV.UK's official check for online applications.

Ready to crop your photo?

Free online tool—pick your country template (US 2×2 or UK 35×45), align your head, and download. No account needed.

Crop my passport photo

Common questions

Is UK 35×45 the same as US 2×2?
No. US photos are 51×51 mm square. UK photos are 35×45 mm rectangles with different head-height and background rules.
What background colour for UK photos?
Plain cream or light grey for prints. Digital photos need a plain light-coloured background with no shadows—not bright white like many US photos.
Can I use a Schengen 35×45 photo for a UK passport?
Only if it meets UK-specific rules on background tone, head height, and composition. Do not assume a generic European photo booth print is acceptable—crop to UK guides.

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