Australia Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to australia passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
Australian passport photos must be 35x45mm with a plain white background and no patterns or shadows. Glasses are not recommended, and if worn, lenses must be untinted with no glare obscuring the eyes. Digital submissions require 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI, saved as a JPEG between 100 KB and 5 MB, with no retouching or digital alterations permitted. These guidelines are set by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian Passport Office, and a guarantor must verify the photo resembles the applicant. PassportPic ensures your photo meets every DFAT guideline, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 35mm x 45mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 750 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 60-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 100 KB - 5 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Glasses
Not recommended; if worn, no tinted lenses or glare
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons
Additional Requirements
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Face must be directly facing the camera
- Photo must have a white background with no patterns
- No retouching or digital alterations permitted
- Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
- Guarantor must verify the photo resembles the applicant
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 60-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for Australia Passport photos: not recommended; if worn, no tinted lenses or glare. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 35mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 600x750 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
Get Your Australia Passport Photo Now
Upload a selfie and get a compliant australia passport photo in under 60 seconds. 100% acceptance guaranteed.
Create My PhotoFrequently Asked Questions
What size should my Australia Passport photo be?▾
What background colour is required for a Australia Passport photo?▾
Can I wear glasses in my Australia Passport photo?▾
Can I smile in my Australia Passport photo?▾
How recent does my Australia Passport photo need to be?▾
Related Photo Requirements
Helpful Guides
- How to take a passport photo at home — lighting, background, distance, and what to wear
- Passport photo prices compared — PassportPic $4.99 vs CVS, Walgreens, UPS, and studios
- Are AI passport photos legal? — what agencies actually require, honestly answered
Last updated
2026-01-10