Preparing Your Australian Child Passport Photo
Get the exact requirements for an Australian child passport photo and learn how to prepare your prints using the tool above.
Official Size and Dimensions
The photo must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high. A 35×45 mm crop fits within that range[1].
The face height, from chin to crown, must be 32–36 mm[1].
When you crop the photo, pay close attention to these measurements. If the head is too large or too small, the office may reject the application. Use a digital cropping tool to measure the chin and the top of the head accurately before you print.
Background and Lighting
The background behind your child must meet official standards. You must use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts with the face[1].
Avoid using textured walls, patterns, or dark colors. Good lighting is just as important as the background color. Try to face a bright window for soft, even light, and make sure there are no harsh shadows on the face or the wall behind your child.
Use even lighting and avoid shadows on your child's face and the background[1].
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
The Australian Passport Office has clear rules for how your child must look in the photo. Your child must maintain a neutral expression with no smiling[1].
Glasses are not allowed unless they cannot be removed for medical reasons; in that case, the frames must not obscure the eyes and the lenses must have no reflection[1]. A religious head covering is allowed if it is plain and leaves the face and its edges visible[1].
Checking these details helps you avoid common pitfalls. Make sure the eyes are fully open and looking straight toward the camera lens.
Special Rules for Babies and Young Children
For children under 3 years old, the mouth may be open[1].
This makes it much easier to take a natural picture of a baby. However, no one else can appear in the photo[1], so you cannot hold your child or have your hands visible in the frame.
To take a photo of an infant without holding them up in the shot, try laying them down on a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor. Stand directly above them to take the picture while keeping your hands entirely out of the frame.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take the photo yourself at home before printing. Lay a plain white sheet flat or use a plain wall that matches the background rules.
Keep the camera or phone at the child's eye level, about one to one and a half meters away. Have someone help grab the child's attention so they look straight at the lens with their mouth closed if they are over three years old.
Taking multiple shots gives you more choices. Small children move quickly, so taking a burst of photos lets you pick the one where their head is straight and their expression is neutral.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keep your child's head straight and facing the camera[1].
Check that the lighting is even across the entire face. Shadows under the chin or dark areas on one side of the face often cause the office to ask for a new photo.
Never use digital filters or touch-up tools to change facial features, skin tone, or background colors, because the authority expects a true and unaltered likeness.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
Submit two good-quality photos that meet the official requirements[1].
Include two photos with the application[1].
When you print the photos at home or at a local shop, print them on high-gloss or matte photo paper at the correct physical dimensions. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut the edges cleanly along the 35×45 mm dimensions before adding them to your paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
What size does an Australian child passport photo need to be?
The photo must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high. The face height, from chin to crown, must be 32–36 mm[1].
Can my baby have their mouth open in the photo?
Yes. Children under 3 may have their mouth open. Anyone over 3 must have their eyes open and a neutral expression[1].
Can I be in the photo holding my baby?
No, no one else can appear in the photo[1]. You must take the picture of the child alone.
What background color is required?
You must use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts with the face[1].
How many photos do I need to print?
Two printed photos are required for the application[1].
Are glasses permitted in the child passport photo?
Glasses are not allowed unless they cannot be removed for medical reasons. If worn for medical reasons, frames must not obscure the eyes and lenses must have no reflection[1].