Can I take a UK passport photo with my phone?
Yes, if the final image meets GOV.UK rules. Use even light, no glasses, and a 35×45 mm crop. See the phone guide for iPhone and Android settings.
UK Passport Photo – Size, Background and Online Prep
His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) expects a 45×35 mm colour photo on a light grey or cream background. This page summarises widely published GOV.UK rules — always open the official guide before you submit.
Verify with GOV.UK
UK photo rules can change, including digital upload specifications for online applications. The authoritative source is GOV.UK.
General UK passport photo requirements (summary)
- Size: 45 millimetres high × 35 millimetres wide
- Background: light grey or cream — not pure white, not patterned
- No glasses (including tinted and reading glasses in standard cases)
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible
- No hair across the eyes; head not tilted
- Hats only for religious or medical reasons that do not hide the face
- Recent photo that looks like you now
Why UK photos get rejected
- Bright white studio background (UK prefers grey/cream)
- Shadows or a ‘halo’ around the head
- Smiling or an open mouth
- Glasses glare or frames covering the eyes
- Head too small or cropped through the hair
Prepare a UK passport-style photo at home
- 1
Read the latest GOV.UK photo examples
Compare head position and background colour with the official samples, including child photos if relevant.
- 2
Capture a well-lit portrait
Plain wall, even light, camera at eye level. See the at-home and phone guides for setup.
- 3
Upload and choose 35×45 mm
In AI Images Studio pick the 35×45 mm preset and centre the face in the crop frame.
- 4
Check the background look
Aim for a light, even backdrop. If your wall was white, review whether the result still looks too stark versus GOV.UK examples.
- 5
Download, print, or upload digitally
Follow your application path: printed photos or the current digital file rules on GOV.UK.
How AI Images Studio helps
The tool does not replace HMPO review. It helps with background cleanup, lighting, and a 35×45 mm crop.
- Plain background replacement
- Shadow reduction
- 35×45 mm crop preset
- 4R sheet with several copies for paper applications
What we do not claim
AI Images Studio does not guarantee UK passport acceptance. Compare your result with GOV.UK examples before you submit.
UK passport photo — FAQ
Is a white background OK for a UK passport?
GOV.UK asks for light grey or cream, not a bright white studio wall. Check the official examples if your tool output looks pure white.
Can children smile?
UK child photo rules are stricter than a casual snapshot. Follow the children’s examples on GOV.UK (no toys, mouth closed where required).
Related guides
Preparing a UK passport photo?
Upload a portrait, apply 35×45 mm, and download a printable result — then verify on GOV.UK.