New Zealand Passport, Visa, and ID Photo Requirements
Get your photos ready for New Zealand passports, visas, driver licences, and official applications using the tool above.
Covered New Zealand Documents
You need proper photos for many official documents in New Zealand. This page covers the New Zealand passport photo, New Zealand driver licence photo, and New Zealand international driving permit photo[1][2][3].
You also need them for the New Zealand visitor visa photo, New Zealand work visa photo, New Zealand student visa photo, and New Zealand resident visa photo[4]. Other included documents are the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority photo, New Zealand citizenship by grant application photo, New Zealand firearms licence photo, and New Zealand private security licence photo[4][5][6][7].
When you prepare for any of these applications, gathering your paperwork and getting your photo ready ahead of time helps you avoid delays. Make sure you check whether your specific application requires digital uploads or printed copies before you start the process.
Standard Photo Size and Dimensions
The supplied facts list 35×45 mm for all the documents covered here. They classify some sizes as common and others as official[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
The supplied facts do not list head-height measurements for these documents[1][4].
Because the dimensions are standard across these applications, you can often use a single well-taken base photo if you crop it to the correct proportions. Pay close attention to the framing so your entire head and shoulders fit nicely within the frame without cutting off the top of your hair.
Passports and Travel Documents
The supplied information lists a common size of 35×45 mm and digital submission for New Zealand passport photos[1].
For an Electronic Travel Authority, you also use a 35×45 mm digital photo format[4]. Keep your expression neutral and look straight at the camera lens without smiling[1][4].
When taking photos for travel documents, lighting plays a big role. Avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head by standing a short distance away from your background wall. A plain, light-coloured wall works best if you do not have a professional white backdrop.
Visas and Citizenship Applications
The supplied information lists an official 35×45 mm size and both printed and digital submission for visitor, work, student, and resident visa photos[4].
The supplied facts list 35×45 mm as a common size for citizenship by grant photos and list both printed and digital submission[5].
If you submit your application online, check the file size and format requirements for your digital image. If you apply on paper, take care when cutting out printed copies so the final dimensions match the required size precisely.
Licences and Permits
The supplied information lists 35×45 mm as a common size with printed submission for driver licence photos[2]. It lists an official 35×45 mm size with printed submission for international driving permit photos[3].
The supplied information lists 35×45 mm photos for firearms and private security licences[6][7].
Check the relevant application instructions for photo-paper requirements.
Tips for Taking Your Photo at Home
Stand facing a bright window to get even lighting on your face. Ask someone else to take the picture instead of trying to take a selfie.
Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Remove your glasses and keep your hair away from your eyes so your face is fully visible.
Check your posture before the shot. Keep your shoulders square to the camera and relax your face into a neutral expression. Wearing dark clothing that contrasts with a light background helps create a clean outline around your head and shoulders.
Checking Your Crop and Print Size
Before you finalise your image, check the crop using a digital grid if one is available. Your eyes should sit roughly on a level line, and your face should be centred horizontally.
If you plan to print your photo at home or through a local store, set your printer scaling to one hundred percent. Do not use fit to page scaling settings, because automatic scaling can stretch the image and change the 35×45 mm dimensions.
Use a physical ruler to measure the printed photo before you cut it out. A fraction of a millimetre off can sometimes cause issues during manual processing at an office counter.
Frequently asked questions
What size do New Zealand ID photos need to be?
Can I smile in my New Zealand passport photo?
No, you must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera[1].
Do I need digital or printed photos for a visa?
Immigration New Zealand accepts both digital uploads and printed photos depending on whether you apply online or on paper[4].
Can I wear glasses in my driver licence photo?
Check the application instructions for rules about wearing glasses in a driver licence photo.