35×45 mm Photo for UK Documents

Which Documents Use the 35×45 mm Format?

The 35×45 mm photo format is the standard size for most UK official documents:

• UK Passport
• UK Driving Licence
• UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• UK Visa Applications
• UK Identity Cards (where applicable)
• Professional licences and certifications
• Other official UK documents

Mandatory Technical Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (width × height)
• Digital equivalent: Minimum 600 × 750 pixels
• Face Height: 29–34 mm (chin to crown)
• Face/Photo Ratio: Approximately 65-75% of total height
• Horizontal Position: Centered in the image

Image Quality Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing / 600×750 pixels for digital
• Digital Format: JPEG preferred
• File Size: Between 50KB and 10MB
• Colour: Mandatory colour (no black and white)
• Sharpness: Perfectly focused image without blur

Background and Composition

• Background: Plain light-coloured (light grey or cream), uniform
• Important: NOT white background (UK specific requirement)
• No Elements: Free of patterns, textures, or decorative elements
• Lighting: Even, without pronounced shadows
• Contrast: Sufficient between subject and background

UK Government Standards

Position and Expression Requirements

• Position: Frontal, looking directly at the camera
• Expression: Neutral, serious, mouth closed
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking at camera
• Head: Straight, without lateral tilt

Clothing and Accessories Guidelines

• Clothing: Dark colours for contrast with light background
• Glasses: Allowed if worn daily, no reflections, clear lenses only
• Jewelry: Discrete, not interfering with identification
• Makeup: Natural, without dramatic changes in appearance

Important UK-Specific Restrictions

• Head Coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons
• Expressions: No smiles, grimaces, or gestures
• Closed Eyes: Not permitted under any circumstances
• Digital Filters: Completely prohibited
• White Background: Not acceptable for UK documents

Technical Specifications for Digital Photography

Camera Settings

• Minimum Resolution: 600 × 750 pixels (digital)
• Print Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
• Colour Mode: sRGB colour space
• Compression: Minimal to maintain quality
• Flash: Diffused to avoid reflections and hard shadows

Lighting Conditions

• Main Light: Frontal and uniform
• Fill Light: To eliminate soft shadows
• Colour Temperature: 5500K-6500K (daylight)
• Avoid: Direct sunlight, fluorescent lighting

UK Official Standards Compliance

Government Requirements

• Gov.UK Standards: Follows official UK government photo guidelines
• Biometric Compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition systems
• Security Integration: Compatible with UK document security features
• ICAO Compliance: Meets international civil aviation standards

Quality Control Requirements

• Professional Standards: Must meet UK administrative standards
• Consistency: Identical photos required for applications
• Verification: Subject to verification by UK authorities
• Rejection Prevention: Must comply with all specifications to avoid delays

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Problems

1. Incorrect dimensions or inadequate face proportion
2. White background (not acceptable for UK documents)
3. Insufficient resolution or visible pixelation
4. Excessive compression with digital artifacts
5. Altered colours or incorrect saturation

Composition Problems

1. Wrong background colour (white instead of light grey/cream)
2. Poor lighting with pronounced shadows
3. Reflections on glasses preventing eye visibility
4. Incorrect position (profile, three-quarters, tilted)
5. Inappropriate expression (smile, closed eyes, grimaces)

Presentation Problems

1. Photo too old (more than one month)
2. Physical damage to printed photo
3. Visible digital alterations
4. Poor print quality

Tips for Perfect UK Document Photos

Prior Preparation

• Choose appropriate clothing with dark colours for contrast
• Take care of your appearance but maintain natural look
• Clean glasses if you wear them regularly
• Practice neutral expression in front of mirror

During Photo Session

• Maintain upright and relaxed posture
• Look directly at camera lens
• Breathe normally to avoid facial tension
• Follow photographer’s instructions

After the Session

• Review photos before approving printing
• Request several copies for future procedures
• Save digital file for possible reprints
• Verify dimensions before use

Where to Get Professional Photos in the UK

Specialized Photography Studios

• Passport photo specialists: Experienced with UK requirements
• High street photographers: Many offer official document services
• Professional equipment: Guarantee quality and compliance
• Updated knowledge: Current with UK government requirements

Alternative Services

• Automatic booths: Available in many locations (verify UK compliance)
• Online services: Digital photo services with postal delivery
• Mobile apps: Some apps offer UK-compliant photo creation
• Post Office: Some branches offer photo services

Recommended Locations

• High street: Boots, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielmann
• Supermarkets: Tesco, ASDA photo centers
• Train stations: Photo booths in major stations
• Shopping centers: Various photo services available
• Online platforms: Specialist UK document photo services

Indicative Costs in the UK (2024)

• Professional photography studio: £8-15
• High street photo services: £5-10
• Automatic booth: £4-8
• Online service: £6-12 (including delivery)
• Additional copies: £1-3 per copy

Quality Assurance Checklist

Before Submission

• Exact dimensions: Verify 35×45 mm size or 600×750 pixels
• Face height: Confirm 29-34 mm measurement
• Background: Ensure light grey or cream (NOT white)
• Expression: Check neutral, serious expression
• Eyes: Verify both eyes open and visible
• Lighting: Confirm even lighting without shadows
• Sharpness: Ensure entire image is in focus
• Recency: Confirm photo taken within one month

Print Quality

• Photo paper: Use high-quality photographic paper
• Colour accuracy: Ensure accurate colour reproduction
• No damage: Check for scratches, folds, or marks
• Proper cutting: Verify exact dimensions after cutting

Conservation Tips

• Storage: In dry and cool place
• Protection: Avoid direct light and humidity
• Handling: Carefully to avoid fingerprints and folds
• Backup copies: Maintain digital file

Special Considerations

For Children

• Same requirements: All specifications apply regardless of age
• Parental assistance: May need help maintaining proper position
• Natural expression: Avoid forcing expressions
• Multiple attempts: May need several tries for perfect photo

For Elderly Applicants

• Assistance available: Help available at photo studios
• Medical considerations: Accommodations for physical limitations
• Clear visibility: Ensure glasses don’t obstruct view
• Comfortable positioning: Allow time for proper positioning

For People with Disabilities

• Reasonable adjustments: Alternative arrangements possible
• Professional assistance: Specialized photographers available
• Advance planning: Contact authorities for specific requirements
• Flexible standards: Some requirements may be adapted

Document-Specific Variations

Passport Photos

• International standards: Must comply with ICAO requirements
• Biometric compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition
• Security features: Integration with passport security elements
• 10-year validity: Photos used for extended periods

Driving Licence Photos

• DVLA standards: Specific requirements for driving licences
• 10-year validity: Long-term use of photo
• Identity verification: Primary identification document

BRP Photos

• Immigration standards: Must meet UK Immigration requirements
• Biometric data: Used for residence permit cards
• Security integration: Compatible with BRP security features

Visa Photos

• Application specific: Used for visa application process
• Biometric enrollment: Taken at visa application centers
• Multiple uses: May be used for various immigration documents

Need perfect 35×45 mm photos for your UK documents? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official UK Government requirements for quick approval.