Everything you need to know about digital photo requirements for your New Zealand online passport renewal or application. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) requires a specific 33x44mm digital photo with a 3:4 aspect ratio — different from the 35x45mm used for paper applications.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Document Type | Passport (Online Application) |
| Photo Size | 33 x 44 mm (3:4 aspect ratio) |
| Pixel Dimensions | 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels |
| File Format | JPG / JPEG |
| File Size | 250 KB - 5 MB |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Height | 32-36 mm from crown of head to chin |
| Head Proportion | 70-80% of the photograph |
| Background Colour | Plain, light-coloured (light grey or beige). Must contrast with face |
| Number of Photos | 1 digital photo |
| Colour | Colour only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
When applying for a New Zealand passport online through the SmartStart website, you must upload a digital photo that meets the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) requirements. Photos that do not meet the requirements will be rejected, causing delays to your application.
The online passport photo has a unique size of 33x44mm with a 3:4 aspect ratio, which is different from the standard 35x45mm used for paper applications. The digital photo must be uploaded as a JPG or JPEG file, with specific pixel dimension and file size requirements. Understanding these digital-specific rules is essential for a successful online application.
Glasses are allowed in New Zealand passport photos, provided they meet these conditions:
When applying online through the SmartStart website:
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant digital photo for your NZ online passport application using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and colours that blend with the light grey or beige background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 metres (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible. Stand about 0.5 metres from the background to minimise shadows.
Keep your face completely relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile — New Zealand passport photos require a neutral expression. No squinting, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
For online passport applications, the digital photo must be 33x44mm with a 3:4 aspect ratio. Pixel dimensions must be between 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels. This is different from paper applications which use 35x45mm.
The background must be plain and light-coloured, typically light grey or beige. It must provide clear contrast with your face. Plain white backgrounds are not accepted for New Zealand passport photos.
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted in New Zealand passport photos. Keep your face relaxed and natural with both eyes open.
The digital photo must be in JPG or JPEG format, with a file size between 250KB and 5MB. The pixel dimensions must be between 900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels with a 3:4 aspect ratio.
Yes, glasses are allowed as long as they are clear and untinted, the frames are not too thick, and there is no glare or reflection on the lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted.
Paper applications require 35x45mm printed photos on semi-gloss paper, while online applications require a 33x44mm digital photo with a 3:4 aspect ratio (900-4500 x 1200-6000 pixels) in JPG/JPEG format, 250KB-5MB.
Your New Zealand passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. The photo should reflect your current appearance.
During the online passport application on the SmartStart website (passports.govt.nz), you will be prompted to upload a digital photo. The photo must be 33x44mm (3:4 ratio), JPG/JPEG format, 250KB-5MB, with a plain light grey or beige background. The system will check your photo before accepting it.
