Australian Passport Photo Guidelines and Requirements
Getting your Australian passport photo right is important for your application[1]. Follow these official rules to prepare your photos correctly[1].
Official Size and Dimensions
Australian passport photos must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high[1]. Face height, measured 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.
The Australian Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sets these exact specifications for all passport applications[1]. These dimensions are strictly enforced by the issuing authority to verify your identity correctly during processing.
Background and Lighting
You must use a plain white or light grey background that contrasts with your face[1]. Do not use a patterned wall, wallpaper, or a background with objects and furniture visible behind you.
Make sure there are no colored objects or textures showing in the frame. When you take the picture, stand a short distance away from the wall to prevent shadows from forming behind your head.
Good lighting is also very important for a clear picture. Face a large window with natural light or use two balanced lights to illuminate your face evenly. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates dark shadows under your eyes or nose.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Your facial expression must be neutral when the picture is taken[1]. You must keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows[1]. Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and focused.
You must not wear glasses unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons[1]. If you wear them, the frames must not obscure your eyes and the lenses must not reflect light[1].
A plain religious head covering is allowed if you usually wear one. It must show your entire face from chin to forehead and the edges of your face[1]. The source does not list medical headwear as an exception.
Rules for Children and Infants
Australian passport photo guidelines apply to children and babies as well[1]. Photographing a young child can take some extra patience, but the same rules for lighting and background still apply.
Children under the age of three may have their mouth open in the photo[1]. For infants, you can lay the child on a plain white or light grey sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above.
No one else may be visible in the photo[1]. The source also shows a parent’s hand in a baby photo as unacceptable[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home
Taking a photo at home requires careful attention to distance and angles. Position your camera or phone at your exact eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Do not use a selfie camera, as it can distort your facial features; ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead. Using a tripod can help keep the camera steady and keep the framing level and accurate.
Once you have a clear picture, you can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct official dimensions and check your head height.
Printing and Submission
Submit two good-quality colour prints[1]. The Passport Office recommends a professional provider. Prints must be made using dye sublimation, not an inkjet printer, and on glossy paper of at least 200 gsm[1].
Have the photos printed to the Passport Office’s requirements: dye sublimation on glossy paper of at least 200 gsm[1].
Check that the finished prints meet the stated size and print-quality requirements[1].
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Face height must be 32–36 mm[1]. If the photo does not meet the guidelines, the Passport Office may ask you to provide a new one[1].
The photo must have a plain white or light grey background, uniform lighting, and no shadows or reflections. People over 3 must face the camera with eyes open and a neutral expression[1]. Headwear is generally not allowed except for qualifying religious coverings, and glasses are allowed only when they cannot be removed for medical reasons[1].
Inspect your printed photos closely under bright light to verify that the colors look natural and the focus is sharp before mailing or bringing them to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Australian passport photo?
Glasses are conditional and generally not allowed unless you need them for medical reasons[1].
What size must the passport photo be?
The official size is 37.5 by 47.5 millimeters[1].
Can babies have their mouths open in the photo?
Yes, children under three years old may have their mouth open[1].
Do I need printed photos for my application?
Yes, you must supply two recent printed colour photos[1].
Can I take my passport photo at home?
While a professional provider is recommended by the authority[1], you can take and prepare your photo at home.