United Kingdom photo requirements

United Kingdom does not use one size for everything — the records here cover 600 × 750 px and 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in), so check which document you are applying for before you start.

At 35 × 45 mm, United Kingdom uses the size shared by most of the countries we track, so a photo made to this standard is often reusable elsewhere — but always confirm against the receiving authority.

Backgrounds differ by document: plain light-coloured, plain cream and light grey.

Online submissions are limited by file size (50 KB–10 MB), which is usually what a portal rejects first — the Image Compressor targets an exact kilobyte figure.

Photographs must be recent — within 1 months.

Each of the 2 records below links to the official page or document it came from, names the authority, and shows the date we last checked it. Requirements change, so treat the source as final and this page as a convenience.

• Plain, light, unshadowed background and even light from the front; no flash reflections on skin or glasses.
• Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open; no tilt.
• Remove sunglasses, hats and headphones; keep a religious head covering off the face outline; avoid glasses if the authority discourages them.
• Use a recent photo — most authorities set a maximum age — and do not apply filters or retouching.

These points summarise the ICAO 9303 portrait guidance that national rules build on. The record for each document lists the specific requirements and their source. ICAO standard portrait (used by most authorities)