Australia
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 4 document types.
Passport
35 × 45 mm
PR Card
35 × 45 mm
Student Visa
35 × 45 mm
Baby Passport
35 × 45 mm
Helpful pages for document photos in Australia
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
Obtaining a valid Australian passport photo requires strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These standards ensure that your identity is captured clearly for secure processing by the Australian Passport Office. Whether you are applying for a first-time document or a renewal, following these specific technical criteria is essential to avoid unnecessary delays in your travel plans.
Australian passport photos must measure exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high. The background must be plain white or light grey, and you must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera. Glasses are generally not permitted, and head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons, provided they do not obscure your facial features. You can easily ensure your photo meets these precise dimensions by using idpic.app.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:8486607f§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
While most Australian passport applications are lodged in person at an Australia Post outlet, the digital renewal process for eligible adults is increasingly common. If you are submitting your application online, your photo must be a high-quality digital file that meets the same strict lighting and composition standards as physical prints. Ensure your digital file is saved in a standard format like JPEG to be accepted by the official government portal.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Australia include poor lighting that creates shadows on the face or background, and incorrect head size relative to the frame. Many applicants also struggle with the 'neutral expression' rule, often showing a slight smile which can lead to processing delays. Furthermore, ensuring your hair does not obscure your eyes is a critical requirement that often catches people out during the application process.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
For the most reliable results, visit an Australia Post outlet that offers professional passport photo services, which typically cost between 20 and 30 dollars. If you prefer a DIY approach, ensure you use a tripod and natural lighting in front of a plain wall to avoid the common pitfalls of home photography. Always remember that your photo must be less than six months old and be endorsed by a qualified guarantor to be valid.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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