Australia Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules
Australia flag

Australia Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Australian Passport Office (APO) / DFAT. Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

35 × 45 mm Plain white or off-white background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 Australia Passport Photo Specifications

SpecificationRequired Value
Photo Size35 × 45 mm  1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Dimensions413 × 531 pixels minimum
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG
File Size80 KB – 5 MB (online) / 600×750 px minimum
BackgroundPlain white or off-white  No colour
Face CoverageFace 32–36 mm in height (70–80%)
GlassesRemove recommended — glare causes rejection
Photo RecencyWithin last 6 months
Face height32–36 mm from chin to crown
Digital upload600×750 px minimum, JPEG, 80 KB–5 MB
Head positionCentred, facing forward, both ears visible
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed
LodgementIn person at Australia Post — all applicants 16+
HeadwearNot allowed (except religious/cultural)
Issuing AuthorityAustralian Passport Office (APO) / DFAT

Ready to create your Australia passport photo?

Create Australia Passport Photo Free →

✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

  • Photo taken Within last 6 months
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Plain white or off-white background — no patterns or shadows
  • Face centred and occupying 70–80%) of the photo
  • Head upright, looking directly at the camera
  • Even lighting — no shadows on face
  • High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
  • Remove recommended — glare causes rejection
  • No headwear (except religious with documentation)
  • No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
  • No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

  • Photo older than 6 months
  • Dark or coloured background (must be plain white or off-white)
  • Face too small or too large (must be 32–36 mm height)
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Smiling with teeth visible
  • Head not centred or looking away
  • Glasses with glare or frames obscuring eyes
  • Edited, filtered, or digitally altered photo
  • Portrait mode or AI background blur
  • File outside 80 KB–5 MB range for online submissions

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

  • Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
  • Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
  • Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
  • Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo
  • Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
  • Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
  • Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
  • Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 35 × 45 mm size automatically.

Create Compliant Photo Now →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 inches). The face must be 32–36 mm in height within the photo. For online renewal, the digital file must be JPEG, minimum 600×750 pixels, between 80 KB and 5 MB.
A plain white or off-white background with no patterns, shadows, gradients, or textures. Coloured walls, outdoor backgrounds, and digitally blurred backgrounds are not accepted. Stand at least 1 metre from the wall to prevent shadows.
Glasses are not outright banned by DFAT, but the Australian Passport Office strongly recommends removing them. Photos where glasses cause glare, reflections, or frames that partially obscure the eyes are rejected. To avoid any risk, remove glasses before taking the photo.
Within the last 6 months and an accurate likeness of how you currently look. Significant changes in appearance — weight, hairstyle, or facial hair — require a new photo even within that window.
Yes. Stand against a plain white wall in natural daylight, use the rear camera at eye level, disable portrait mode and beauty filters, and ensure no shadows on your face or background. You must still lodge the application in person at a participating Australia Post outlet — all applicants aged 16 and over must attend in person.