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United Kingdom Passport Photo Maker

Upload any photo — the tool removes your existing background, drops in the plain light grey or cream background required for United Kingdom passport, and produces a spec-exact 35×45mm image ready to submit.

Drop your photo here
or click anywhere in this box to choose a photo

JPG, PNG, or HEIC · Max 10 MB on Free · Face forward, eyes on the camera.

100% private — deleted after processing No sign-up to preview Spec-exact 35×45mm output

How to make a United Kingdom passport photo in 3 steps

Upload any photo of yourself, and the tool handles the entire United Kingdom passport spec pipeline — background removal, colour swap, spec-exact crop, file-size compression — in one pass.

1

Upload any photo of yourself

Use your phone or webcam against any background — a plain wall, a cluttered room, an office. The tool segments you from whatever is behind you, so you don't need a plain light grey or cream backdrop before shooting.

2

Background is removed and replaced

The AI detects your face and body, removes the original background, and composites you onto the plain light grey or cream required for United Kingdom passport applications. Hair and clothing edges are preserved.

3

Auto-crop to 35×45mm and download

Your face is auto-positioned within the 35×45mm frame at 300 DPI, and the output JPEG stays under 240 KB. Drag the crop box to fine-tune the position if needed.

Understanding the United Kingdom passport spec

HM Passport Office requires a 35×45mm color photograph, either uploaded through the online application or printed for postal submission. The background should be plain light grey or cream — not pure white. The head must be 29-34mm from chin to crown. The online application runs an automated check that rejects photos outside these measurements before you can submit.

Dimensions
35×45 mm
1.38 × 1.77 in
Resolution
300 DPI
Print-ready
Background
plain light grey or cream
AI-swapped
Head height
29–34 mm
Chin to crown

Requirements at a glance

  • 35x45mm print (or 600x750 pixels for digital)
  • Plain light grey or cream background — not pure white
  • Head 29-34mm from chin to crown
  • Face clearly shown — no hair covering eyes
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Taken within the last month
  • No smiling, no glasses (from 2019 rules)

Common mistakes that get photos rejected

  • Pure white background (should be light grey / cream)
  • Smile — HMPO increasingly rejects smiling photos
  • Head too high or too low in frame
  • Wearing glasses

Where United Kingdom passport photos are actually used

UK passport photo rules are among the strictest in Europe — the automated checker on GOV.UK measures exact head height and rejects photos that fail before you reach submission. Photo booths at Post Office branches are the most common source, but DIY photos work if the background and head size are correct.

Applications that accept this photo spec

  • UK passport application (first-time or renewal) via GOV.UK
  • UK driving licence photocard through DVLA
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for visa holders
  • UK visa applications (family, student, Skilled Worker)
  • Citizenship application (naturalisation or registration)

United Kingdom passport photo FAQ

What size is a United Kingdom passport photo?

35×45mm (1.38×1.77 inches) at 300 DPI, on a plain light grey or cream background. The head must measure 29-34mm from chin to the top of the head.

What background color does United Kingdom require for passport photos?

Plain light grey or cream. Photos on the wrong background — cream, beige, colored, or textured — are the most common reason for rejection. This tool automatically replaces your background with the correct one.

Can I take a United Kingdom passport photo with my phone?

Yes. Modern phone cameras produce more than enough resolution for the 35×45mm output. What matters is even lighting (no harsh shadows on your face), a straight-on angle, and a neutral expression. This tool handles the background and sizing.

What file size does this tool produce?

The output JPEG is kept under 240 KB while preserving the 300 DPI resolution the spec requires. Upload limits vary between government portals and consulates, so check the one you are filing through — if it caps lower, use our Image Compressor to reduce further.

Is my uploaded photo saved on your servers?

No. Your photo is processed in memory and never stored on disk. The AI background removal runs server-side (the model is too large for a browser), but the input image is discarded immediately after processing. Nothing is logged, saved, or shared.

Can I print the United Kingdom passport photo at home?

Yes. The output is a 300 DPI JPEG at exactly 35×45mm, so any inkjet or laser printer produces the correct physical size when you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page"). Use the 4×6 print sheet option to get multiple copies on one sheet of photo paper.

Do I need to sign up or pay?

No sign-up required for basic use. Guests get 2 photos per day; free accounts get 3 per day. For higher volume, Pro plans unlock unlimited photos.

What if the background removal is not perfect?

The AI handles hair, clothing edges, and skin tones well for the vast majority of photos. If you see an edge artifact, try re-uploading with better lighting — indirect natural light from a window works best. You can also skip the background swap and crop only.

Other United Kingdom documents

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