Australia Passport Photo Requirements 2026: 35x45 mm DFAT Rules and No Glasses Guidance
Australia passport photo requirements from the Australian Passport Office: 35x45 mm size, 32-36 mm head height, light plain background, and strict print-quality guidance.
Overview
Australian passport photos must meet strict standards set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Whether you are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or obtaining travel documents for your children, your photo must comply with these requirements or your application will be rejected.
You will need a compliant passport photo when applying for a new Australian passport, renewing an expired passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or applying for an Australian travel document such as a Document of Identity or Convention Travel Document. If you are comparing Australia with other 35x45 mm countries, use the passport photo requirements hub and the passport photo DPI and pixels hub before you export.
Australian passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. Since the photo is printed directly in the passport and stored digitally, it must be of high quality and meet all official specifications. For home printing or sheet planning, pair this page with passport photo print layouts instead of treating printing as a secondary step.
Official Specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Document | Passport |
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Background | Light / neutral |
| Head height | 32–36 mm |
| Note | Allowed size range: 35–40mm × 45–50mm. |
The standard Australian passport photo measures 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall. The image must be recent, taken within the last 6 months, and must be a true likeness of the applicant. Photos must be printed on high-quality photographic paper with no visible pixels, ink marks, or creases.
The head height, measured from the chin to the crown of the head, must be between 32 mm and 36 mm. The face must be centred in the frame, and the applicant must be looking directly at the camera.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 35 mm x 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light, plain, uniform |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Paper | High-quality photo paper |
| Colour | Full colour, no filters |
Background Requirements
The background must be light in colour, plain, and uniform with no patterns, textures, or other objects. A light grey or off-white background is preferred. Pure white backgrounds are acceptable but may cause issues if the applicant has very light hair or skin, as there must be clear contrast between the subject and the background.
Shadows on the background are not permitted. The lighting should be even and diffused so that no shadow is cast behind the applicant. Similarly, there should be no shadows on the face itself.
- Light, plain, and uniform background only
- No patterns, textures, or visible objects behind the subject
- No shadows on the background or the face
- Sufficient contrast between the background and the applicant’s hair and skin
Clothing and Appearance
The applicant must have a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Glasses
As of recent DFAT guidelines, glasses should not be worn in Australian passport photos. This applies to both prescription glasses and sunglasses. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, you will need to provide a signed letter from your medical practitioner.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If a head covering is worn, it must not obscure any part of the face, and the full facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be clearly visible.
Jewellery and Accessories
Small items of jewellery such as earrings or a necklace are acceptable provided they do not obscure any facial features. Large or reflective jewellery that causes glare should be removed. Hair accessories that cover the forehead or hairline are not permitted.
Tip for Parents
For babies and young children, the child must be photographed alone with no other person, hands, or toys visible. The child’s eyes should be open and mouth closed, though slight allowances are made for infants.
How to Make It with Passlens
Passlens makes it simple to create a compliant Australian passport photo from the comfort of your home. Follow these steps to get a photo that meets all DFAT requirements.
- Open Passlens and select the Australia Passport preset from the country list.
- Take a photo or upload an existing one. Use natural, even lighting and stand in front of a plain, light-coloured wall.
- Passlens will automatically detect your face, remove the background, and crop the image to the correct 35x45 mm dimensions with the proper head height.
- Review the result. Check that your head height is within 32–36 mm, your expression is neutral, and the background is uniform.
- Download the final image or print it directly on standard 4x6 photo paper.
Where to Submit
Australian passport applications can be submitted through several channels depending on your location and circumstances.
Within Australia
You can lodge your application at any Australia Post outlet that offers passport services. You will need to present your photos along with your completed application form, identity documents, and the applicable fee. Processing typically takes 6 to 8 business days for standard service, or 2 business days for priority processing (additional fee applies).
Overseas
If you are abroad, submit your application at the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate. Processing times overseas are generally longer, typically 4 to 6 weeks, and priority processing is not available at all locations.
Online Renewal
Eligible adults can renew their passport online at passports.gov.au. You will need to upload a digital photo that meets the same specifications. Passlens provides digital-ready files that are optimised for online submission.
Common Mistakes
The Australian Passport Office rejects a significant number of photos each year. Here are the most common reasons for rejection specific to Australian applications:
- Head size out of range: The head must measure 32–36 mm. Photos taken too far from or too close to the camera often fail this requirement.
- Wearing glasses: Even clear prescription glasses are no longer accepted without a medical certificate.
- Shadows on the background: Uneven lighting that casts a shadow behind the subject is a frequent cause of rejection.
- Mouth open or smiling: A neutral expression with the mouth closed is mandatory. Even a slight smile can lead to rejection.
- Photo too old: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must be a true likeness of the applicant.
- Red-eye or digital alterations: Photos must not be digitally altered beyond standard colour correction. Red-eye removal tools that distort the iris shape are not acceptable.
- Low resolution or poor print quality: Inkjet-printed or low-resolution photos are frequently rejected. Use proper photo paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my Australian passport photo at home?
Yes. DFAT does not require that photos be taken by a professional photographer. You can take your own photo at home as long as it meets all the official specifications. Using a tool like Passlens ensures your photo is correctly sized, cropped, and formatted.
Can I wear makeup in my Australian passport photo?
Natural makeup is acceptable. However, heavy or theatrical makeup that significantly alters your appearance is not permitted. The photo must be a true likeness of how you normally appear.
How many passport photos do I need for an Australian passport application?
You need two identical photos for an in-person application. One photo is attached to the application form and the other is kept on file. For online renewal, one digital photo is sufficient.
What if my child won’t keep their eyes open for the photo?
For infants under 12 months, slight allowances are made. The child must still be photographed alone, facing the camera, but minor deviations in eye openness or expression may be tolerated. DFAT recommends having another person hold the child just out of frame and taking multiple shots.