UK passport digital photo (apply online): size rules and how to meet them
To renew or apply for a British passport online, you upload a digital photo. GOV.UK asks for at least 600 × 750 pixels and a file between 50 KB and 10 MB — and, unusually, it asks you not to crop it.
The official rule
between 50 and 10000 KB
At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 10 MB, plain light-coloured background, showing your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop it: the passport service crops it for you.
Not stated by the source: file format, pixel size.
Source: GOV.UK — Photos for passports · Last checked 22 October 2026
Rules can change. Check the portal's own instructions before you submit.
Choose your photo
Adjust the framingDrag to move · pinch, scroll or use the slider to zoom
Check and download
🔒 Your photo is processed on this device and never uploaded. Hidden photo data such as GPS location was removed.
Steps
- Ask someone to take your photo against a plain light-coloured wall, with your head, shoulders and upper body in the picture.
- Choose it here. The UK passport preset keeps the photo uncropped and only makes sure the file size fits.
- Download the photo and upload it in the online application.
Common mistakes
- Cropping the photo tightly around the face: GOV.UK crops it itself.
- Uploading a screenshot or a photo sent through WhatsApp, which is often below 600 × 750 pixels.
- A busy or dark background behind you.