Australian child passport photo (37.5×47.5 mm)

Official Size and Head Dimensions

For an Australian child passport, submit two good-quality photos that meet the Passport Office guidelines^[1]. Photos must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high; face height from chin to crown must be 32–36 mm^[1]. A 37.5 × 47.5 mm crop is the midpoint of the allowed size range, not the only permitted size.

Measure from the bottom of the child’s chin to the top of their head, or crown, to check the required face height.

Background and Lighting Requirements

Use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts with the face^[1]. The photo must have uniform lighting, with no shadows or reflections^[1].

When you take the picture at home, find a plain wall that does not have texture or patterns. Stand the child a small distance away from the wall to avoid harsh shadows behind them. Natural light from a large window works well, but watch out for bright spots on the face or dark shadows under the nose and chin.

Expression, Glasses, and Headwear

Children over 3 must face the camera with eyes open and a neutral expression^[1]. Children must not wear glasses unless they cannot remove them for medical reasons; if worn, frames must not obscure the eyes and lenses must not reflect light^[1]. A child who usually covers their head for religious reasons may wear a plain covering that leaves the whole face and its edges visible^[1].

Ask the child to look straight at the camera and keep a neutral expression. If they cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, make sure the frames do not cover their eyes and the lenses do not reflect light.

Rules for Infants and Young Children

For children under 3, the mouth may be open, but no one else may be visible in the photo^[1]. The Passport Office also shows a toy in a baby’s photo as an unacceptable example^[1].

Photographing a baby can be tricky because they cannot pose on command. Laying your baby on a plain white or light grey sheet on the floor is a common method. Stand directly above the baby to take the shot. Keep your hands, arms, and any toys completely out of the frame so that no other person or visible item is caught in the picture.

Professional Recommendations and Submission

The Passport Office recommends a professional photo provider and requires two good-quality colour prints^[1]. The prints must be made using dye sublimation, not an inkjet printer, and on glossy paper of at least 200 gsm^[1].

If you use a photo provider, check that the prints are glossy, at least 200 gsm, and made using dye sublimation rather than an inkjet printer^[1].

Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step

The cited guidelines specify the photo requirements but do not recommend a particular way to pose or photograph a child^[1]. Make sure the final photo meets the size, background, lighting and framing rules, and that no one else is visible^[1].

Start by setting up your camera or phone at eye level with the child. Use the main camera on your phone rather than the front selfie camera for better image quality. Take multiple shots so you have options to choose from when you check the crop on your computer.

Checking Your Crop

Before you print your images, use the online crop tool to check the dimensions. Line up the top of the head and the chin with the guide marks to hit the correct head height range. Verify that the lighting looks even and the background is plain white or light grey.

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Check that face height is 32–36 mm, the lighting is uniform, and no one else is visible in the photo^[1]. The Passport Office may ask for a new photo if it does not meet the guidelines^[1].

Common errors include shadows cast by the photographer or poor lighting that hides facial features. Double-check the head measurements before you print to save time and avoid delays with your child's passport application.