Australian Passport Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide
Everything you need to know about Australian passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background colour, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
Australian Passport Photo Specifications
Requirement
Specification
Country
Australia
Document Type
Passport
Photo Size
35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Accepted Size Range
35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high
Resolution (DPI)
600
Face Size (Chin to Crown)
32–36 mm (1.25–1.41 inches)
Background Colour
Plain white or light grey
Printable
Yes — dye-sublimation process on glossy or matte photo paper (200+ gsm)
Digital Photo Size
826 × 1062 pixels minimum
Number of Photos Required
2 identical colour photos
Colour
Colour only
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Australian Passport Photo Size Diagram
Key measurements: The photo must be 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high. Your face (from chin to crown of head) must measure 32–36 mm. There should be 3–5 mm of space between the top of your head and the upper edge of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45 mm size, remove and replace the background, adjust the face size, and ensure your photo meets all official Australian passport requirements.
Detailed Australian Passport Photo Requirements
The Australian Passport Office has strict requirements. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Photo Basics
Your photo must be in colour
Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
Must be clear, sharp and in focus
No retouching — do not remove moles, wrinkles, scars, or red eyes
No red-eye in the photo
Must reflect your current appearance
Size and Dimensions
Standard photo size: 35 × 45 mm (accepted range: 35–40 mm × 45–50 mm)
Your face (chin to crown of head): 32–36 mm
Space above your head: 3–5 mm
Printed using dye-sublimation process (not inkjet — inkjet photos can show lines when scanned)
Heavy-weight, glossy or matte photo paper (minimum 200 gsm)
Pose and Expression
Face the camera directly — head not tilted or turned
Neutral expression — no smiling, laughing, or frowning
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
Keep your mouth closed
Hair off your face so the edges of your face are visible
Shoulders must be visible
Background
Plain white or light grey background
Background must contrast with your face
No patterns, shadows, or objects visible
Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed in Australian passport photos since 1 July 2018. This applies even if you wear glasses daily. The only exception is a signed medical certificate — vision impairment alone is NOT an acceptable reason.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons
Must be plain material without patterns (even small patterns are not allowed)
Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead
Both edges of your face must be visible
Jewellery and Piercings
Jewellery is acceptable as long as it does not obscure any part of your face
No reflection from nose rings, studs, or other facial jewellery
Clothing
Wear normal everyday clothing
Do not wear uniforms
Avoid white or light tops that blend with the background
Children and Baby Photos
Child must be the only person in the photo
For children under 3: an open mouth is acceptable
No toys, dummies, or pacifiers visible
Lay babies on a plain white or light grey blanket
No other person or object visible in the photo
Guarantor Endorsement
For a full passport application (not a renewal), one of your two photos must be endorsed on the back by your guarantor. The guarantor writes "This is a true photo of [your full name]" and signs it. Renewal applications do not require guarantor endorsement.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Australian passport photo at home.
1
Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera
Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Clean the lens and set to highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to help — avoid selfies.
2
Find Good Lighting
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor lights to eliminate shadows.
Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfect. Our AI tool will automatically replace it with the required white or light grey.
3
Dress Appropriately
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. Keep hair off your face so edges are visible.
4
Pose Correctly
Stand about 1.5 metres from the camera. Head facing directly forward, shoulders relaxed, head level. Your face and shoulders must be visible.
5
Maintain a Neutral Expression
Neutral expression with mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling, laughing, or frowning.
Good and Bad Examples of Australian Passport Photos
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Australian passport photo?
An Australian passport photo must be 35–40 mm wide by 45–50 mm high. The standard size is 35×45 mm. Your face (chin to crown of head) must measure 32–36 mm.
Can I wear glasses in my Australian passport photo?
No. Since 1 July 2018, glasses are not permitted in Australian passport photos, even if you wear them every day. The only exception is for medical reasons with a signed medical certificate.
Can I smile in my Australian passport photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, laughing, or frowning is permitted.
Can I take my Australian passport photo with my phone?
Yes! Upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Australian passport photo requirements.
What background is required?
Plain white or light grey that contrasts with your face. No patterns, shadows, or objects visible. Our tool will automatically replace your background if needed.
How many passport photos do I need?
You need 2 identical colour photos. For a full application (not renewal), one photo must be endorsed by your guarantor on the back.
How recent must my photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Can I wear a head covering?
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. They must be plain without patterns, and your full face from chin to forehead and both edges must be clearly visible.
