GB UK ID / residence card 45x35 mm (4.5x3.5 cm) Document Checklist - Everything You Need

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 45 mm tall × 35 mm wide measured edge to edge with no cropping or border
• Head size & position: crown-to-chin height 29–34 mm, eye line 20–28 mm from bottom edge, head centered horizontally
• Background: uniform light grey or off-white, free of shadows, patterns or objects
• Facial expression: neutral—mouth closed, eyes open, no smile, frown or raised eyebrows
• Lighting & exposure: even lighting with no shadows, glare or red-eye; natural skin tones and clear facial details
• Print quality: high-resolution color print on smooth, matte or glossy photo paper, no creases, tears or pixelation
• Recent photograph: taken within the last month to accurately represent current appearance
• Glasses & eyewear: prescription glasses allowed if lenses clear of glare and eyes fully visible; dark or tinted lenses and sunglasses prohibited
• Head coverings: permitted only for religious or medical reasons; must not obscure face or cast shadows, forehead to chin and both cheeks clearly visible
• Hair & face visibility: hair must not cover eyes, eyebrows or cheeks; ears may be visible or covered as long as facial outline remains clear
• Photo copies: submit two identical prints, cut to size with clean edges; avoid stickers or lamination
• Digital submissions (if applicable): scan at 600 dpi, file format JPEG, max 10 MB, no compression artifacts, color profile sRGB

Step-by-Step Process

Content about GB UK ID / residence card 45x35 mm (4.5x3.5 cm) Document Checklist - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Accurate cropping: ensure final image is exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall with no white borders — off-size photos are automatically rejected by UK ID scanners
• Perfect head placement: centre your face so head height measures 29–34 mm from chin to crown with eyes 15–20 mm from the top edge — misaligned heads disrupt biometric verification
• Uniform background: use a plain light grey or off-white backdrop free of shadows or textures — patterned or uneven backgrounds often trigger manual rejections
• High-quality print: print at 600 dpi on matte photo paper in true-to-life colours with no compression artifacts — low resolution or glossy finishes can distort facial details under ID readers
• Recent likeness: use a photo taken within the past 30 days reflecting your current hairstyle, eyewear and skin tone — outdated images risk identity mismatches and application delays

Conclusion

In summary, adhering to the GB UK ID/residence card 45×35 mm document checklist ensures a smooth application process, minimizes the risk of rejection, and expedites your card issuance. By following each specification—photo dimensions and quality, required supporting documents, and submission protocols—you demonstrate compliance with Home Office standards and protect your status in the UK.

• Photo requirements: exactly 45×35 mm, neutral expression, uniform lighting, plain background
• Identity proof: valid passport or national ID showing full name and date of birth
• Residence evidence: tenancy agreement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within 3 months
• Immigration status: Biometric Residence Permit (if replacing) or visa vignette copy
• Additional documents: letters from employer or educational institution when applicable
• Submission tips: check legibility, avoid creases or marks, and include original documents plus certified copies
• Final review: verify all fields are complete and photos meet specifications before mailing