Australia · Passport / Visa Photo
Australia Passport Photo Size & Specs
An Australian passport photo is 35×45 mm with a plain white or light grey background. The Australian Passport Office accepts photos taken at home as long as they meet the size, background, and head-position requirements. Australia Post outlets across the country also offer photo services, but the AUD 17–20 cost is avoidable if you can print the photo yourself.
Official spec
- Size
- 35×45 mm at 300 DPI
- Background
- Plain white or light grey
- Head height
- 32 mm to 36 mm chin to crown (about 75% of photo height)
- At 300 DPI
- 413 × 531 px
Accepted for
- Australian passport (new + renewal)
- Citizenship by descent applications
- Driver's licence in some states
Make your Australia photo now
AI removes your background, sets the correct colour, sizes the photo to the official spec, and lays out a printable 4×6 sheet. Pro feature — $9/month flat.
Rules that get checked
- Neutral expression with mouth closed.
- Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
- No glasses since 2020.
- Photo taken within the last six months.
- No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons.
Common reasons photos get rejected
These are the issues passport / visa authorities flag most often for Australia applications. Most are avoidable with a careful re-shoot or the AI background tool.
- Background has shadows or is not uniform.
- Glasses (banned since 2020).
- Head height too small (photo is too zoomed out).
- Photo printed on regular paper, not photo paper.
- Photo is over six months old.
FAQs
Can I take an Australian passport photo with my phone?
Yes — the Australian Passport Office doesn't require a professional photographer. A phone selfie with even lighting and a plain wall behind you works, especially when the background is replaced with the proper colour using a tool like ImageSuite.
Australia Post charges ~AUD 17 for passport photos. Is that necessary?
No — that fee covers convenience and instant printing. If you generate the photo digitally and print at a drug store photo kiosk (Big W, Officeworks, Kmart Photos), the same result costs under AUD 2.
Can I wear my glasses?
No. The ban took effect in 2020. Take them off even if you wear them daily.
How do I print at home?
You need photo paper and a colour inkjet — the print quality on regular paper isn't accepted. Most people use a drug store kiosk instead, where a 4×6 print costs about AUD 0.50.
Official source: verify these specs against the Australia passport authority before submitting.
https://www.passports.gov.au/getting-passport-how-it-works/photo-guidelines