Quick Reference: Australian Passport Photo Specs
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Printed size | 35mm × 45mm |
| Digital dimensions | Min 600 × 800 pixels (JPEG) |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg) |
| File size | 70KB–3.5MB |
| Face height | 66–80% of photo height |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Glasses | Allowed (no glare or tinting) |
| Ears | Both ears must be visible |
Digital Photo Requirements
If you're applying online through the Australian Passport Office, you'll need to upload a digital photo. DFAT has specific technical requirements:
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: Minimum 600 × 800 pixels
- File format: JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg)
- File size: Between 70KB and 3.5MB
- Colour: Must be in full colour (not black and white)
- Aspect ratio: Portrait orientation (taller than wide), matching 35mm × 45mm proportions
Online Application Upload
The Australian Passport Office allows online applications for renewals and some new applications. When uploading your photo, the system will run automated checks on the image. If your photo does not meet the technical requirements, the system will reject it at the upload stage and you'll need to submit a new one.
Composition Rules
Your photo must show your full face, centred in the frame, from the top of your hair to below your chin. Your face (from chin to crown) should take up 66–80% of the photo height. Both ears must be visible. You should be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
Do
- • Take photo against a plain white background
- • Face the camera directly
- • Keep both eyes open and visible
- • Ensure both ears are visible
- • Use even lighting on your face
Don't
- • Use filters or digitally enhance the photo
- • Have shadows on your face or background
- • Include other people or objects
- • Wear sunglasses or tinted lenses
- • Use a photo older than 6 months
Printed Photo Requirements
If you're applying in person at an Australia Post office or by post, you'll need to submit printed photos. DFAT requires the following specifications:
Size Specifications
- Photo size: 35mm × 45mm
- Face height: 66–80% of photo height
- Face position: Head centred, looking directly at the camera
- Quantity: 2 identical photos required
Print Quality Requirements
- Printed on high-quality photographic paper
- Must be a professional-quality print — not a home inkjet printout
- No creases, tears, smudges, or marks
- No borders or white edges around the photo
- Must not be cut from a larger photo — should be individually printed
Important
One of your two photos must be endorsed on the back by your guarantor (someone who can verify your identity). The guarantor must write "I certify that this is a true photo of [your name]", sign it, and include the date. Do not staple or paper-clip photos to the application form.
Appearance Rules
These rules apply to both digital and printed photos. The Australian Passport Office uses facial recognition technology to verify your identity, so following these rules precisely is critical to avoid rejection.
Face & Expression
- Neutral expression with mouth closed — no smiling, grinning, or exaggerated expressions
- Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
- Face the camera directly — head should not be tilted or turned
- No hair covering your eyes or face
- Both ears must be visible
- Nothing covering your face (masks, face paint, etc.)
- Your face should take up 66–80% of the photo height
Background
- Plain white background
- No patterns, textures, or gradients
- No objects or other people visible
- No shadows on the background
- Ensure clear contrast between you and the background
Lighting
- Even, balanced lighting on your face
- No shadows on your face or on the background behind you
- No red-eye effect
- Natural daylight is usually best — face a window for even illumination
- Avoid overhead lighting that creates undereye shadows
Photo Editing & Digital Manipulation
No Digital Enhancement or Manipulation
DFAT strictly prohibits any digital enhancement or manipulation of passport photos. Photos processed with beauty filters, AI face-editing tools, background replacement apps, or any form of digital retouching will be rejected. The Australian Passport Office uses automated screening to detect digitally altered images, and submitting a manipulated photo may delay your application.
Babies & Children: Special Rules
Taking passport photos of babies and young children is one of the most challenging parts of a child's passport application. Here's what DFAT requires:
Photo Requirements for Infants
- Same 35mm × 45mm size requirement as adults
- Baby's eyes must be open — this is strictly enforced
- No pacifiers, dummies, or bottles visible in the photo
- No other person visible — no hands, arms, or fingers supporting the baby
- Lay baby on a plain white sheet or blanket and photograph from above
Children Under 18
- Child passports are valid for 5 years (not 10 years like adults)
- Both parents or guardians must consent to the application
- Can apply through Australia Post or online via the Australian Passport Office
Rules That Still Apply to All Children
- Child must be the only person in the photo
- No toys, pacifiers, blankets, hats, or dummies
- Same background and quality requirements as adults
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
Tips for Baby Photos
- Time it right — take the photo after a feed and nap when your baby is calm and alert
- Use a white sheet — lay baby on a plain white sheet on a flat surface
- Natural light — position near a window but avoid direct sunlight that causes squinting
- Photograph from above — stand directly over the baby looking down
- Take many shots — babies are unpredictable, so take dozens of photos and pick the best one where the eyes are open
Glasses & Head Coverings
Glasses Are Allowed (With Conditions)
Unlike many countries, Australia allows prescription glasses in passport photos. However, there are strict conditions to ensure your eyes remain clearly visible for biometric matching:
Allowed
- • Prescription glasses (clear lenses)
- • Thin frames that don't cover eyes
- • Eyes clearly visible through lenses
- • No glare or reflections
Not Allowed
- • Sunglasses
- • Tinted or transition lenses
- • Glare or reflections on lenses
- • Heavy frames that obscure eyes
- • Any eyewear on top of head
Tip: Remove Glasses If Unsure
While glasses are permitted, removing them eliminates any risk of rejection due to glare or reflections. If you can see without your glasses, it's often easier to simply take them off for the photo.
Religious Headwear
Religious head coverings are permitted in Australian passport photos, including hijabs, turbans, and other religious headwear. However, you must meet these requirements:
- Your full face must be visible from chin to forehead, and both sides of the face
- The covering must not cast shadows on your face
- No face veil — the face cannot be obscured in any way
- The head covering must be worn for religious or medical reasons
Medical Headwear
Head coverings worn for medical reasons (such as for alopecia or post-surgery recovery) are also permitted with appropriate medical documentation. The same rules apply: your full face must be visible and the covering must not cast shadows.
Never Allowed
- • Hats (baseball caps, beanies, fashion hats)
- • Headphones or earbuds
- • Hair accessories that obscure the face
- • Any non-religious, non-medical head covering
Common Reasons Photos Get Rejected
Photo problems are one of the most common causes of Australian passport application delays. Here are the top rejection reasons:
Incorrect head size
Face must occupy 66–80% of the photo height — too close or too far causes rejection
Ears not visible
Both ears must be clearly visible — hair covering ears is a common cause of rejection
Glare on glasses
If wearing glasses, ensure no glare or reflections on the lenses — or remove glasses entirely
Shadows on face or background
Uneven lighting creating visible shadows anywhere in the photo
Wrong background
Background must be plain white — no colours, patterns, or objects
Blurry or out of focus
Photo must be sharp and clear with no motion blur
Wrong expression
Mouth open, smiling, eyes closed, or looking away from camera
Hair covering eyes or face
Both eyes and full face from chin to hairline must be completely visible
Digital enhancement detected
Beauty filters, background swaps, or any digital manipulation — strictly enforced
Wrong dimensions or file size
Photo not 35×45mm (printed) or under 600×800 pixels / outside 70KB–3.5MB (digital)
Photo older than 6 months
Must reflect your current appearance — taken within the last 6 months
Red-eye
Red-eye in the photo or digitally corrected red-eye — both are rejected
What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected?
If your photo doesn't meet requirements, the outcome depends on how you applied:
- Online application: The system may reject your photo at the upload stage, allowing you to immediately submit a new one. If the photo passes the automated check but is later found non-compliant during manual review, you'll be contacted to provide a new photo.
- Australia Post (in person): The staff may identify issues at the time of lodgement. If the photo passes initial checks but is later rejected, you'll be contacted to provide new photos, adding 2–4 weeks to processing time.
- By post: Your application will be returned with a request for new photos.
Where to Get Australian Passport Photos
You have several options for getting your passport photo taken in Australia. Prices and availability vary:
| Location | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Post | A$15–A$20 | Official passport photo service; can lodge application at the same time |
| Photo studios / photographers | A$15–A$25 | Professional quality; may offer digital copies |
| Pharmacies | A$15–A$20 | Many pharmacies offer passport photo services; availability varies |
| Photo booths | A$12–A$18 | Available in shopping centres; printed photos only |
| EasyPassportPhoto Online — from your phone | A$12.99 | Take from home, instant DFAT compliance check, digital + printable, money-back guarantee |
Why Take Your Photo Online?
Online passport photo services like EasyPassportPhoto offer several advantages over traditional options:
- Convenient — take your photo from home, no driving or waiting in a queue
- Affordable — A$12.99 compared to A$15–25 at photo studios
- Unlimited retakes — not happy with the first shot? Take as many as you need
- Compliance guaranteed — AI-powered checks ensure your photo meets all DFAT requirements before you submit
- Both formats — get a digital file for online applications and a printable file for in-person applications
- Ready for online submission — upload your photo directly to the Australian Passport Office system
Australian Passport Fees (2025)
Australian passport fees depend on whether you're an adult or child and the type of application. Here are the current fees set by DFAT:
Standard Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (32-page) | A$398 | 10 years |
| Adult (64-page) | A$598 | 10 years |
| Child (under 18) | A$199 | 5 years |
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 6–8 weeks |
| Priority processing | 2–4 business days (additional fee) |
Note: Processing times may vary during peak travel season (December/January and school holidays). DFAT recommends applying at least 6 weeks before planned travel. Priority processing is available for urgent travel.
How to Apply
- Online: Available for eligible renewals. Visit passports.gov.au
- Australia Post: Lodge your application in person at participating Australia Post offices. This is the most common method for new passports.
- Australian Passport Office: Visit in person for urgent applications. Offices located in state capital cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Official Sources
This guide is based on official DFAT guidance. For the most up-to-date requirements, always check the official sources: