UK passport photo checker
For online applications, HM Passport Office crops your photo itself and asks you not to crop it first. So instead of resizing your photo, this page checks it: resolution, file size, background, lighting and whether your face is clearly visible. It is free and your photo stays on your device.
Head and shoulders, facing the camera, in front of a plain light wall. Your photo stays on your device.
UK passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head size | 29 to 34 mm, chin to crown (printed photos) |
| Background | Plain cream or light grey, in clear contrast to you |
| Digital file | At least 600 × 750 px, 50 KB to 10 MB |
Source: GOV.UK, Rules for digital photos. Checked October 2026.
Before you take the photo
- At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 10 MB.
- Plain, light-coloured background with no shadows or objects.
- Head, shoulders and upper body in the frame. Do not crop it yourself.
- Unaltered by software: no filters or retouching.
- Taken within the last month.
How it works
- Choose the photo you plan to upload. It stays on your device.
- Altols finds your face and checks size, background, lighting and framing.
- Fix anything flagged, then upload the original photo in your application.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Altols crop UK photos?
GOV.UK asks applicants not to crop digital photos because the service does it for you. Printed photos must not be cut down from a larger picture either. Selling a cropped UK photo would risk a rejection, so this page only checks your photo.
Can I take my UK passport photo on my phone?
Yes, for online applications. Have someone else take it, stand in front of a plain light wall, and keep your head, shoulders and upper body in the shot.
What if I need printed photos?
Paper applications need two professionally printed photos, 35 × 45 mm, from a photo booth or shop. A home print or a cut-down print will not meet the rules.