Australian Passport Photo Requirements (2026)
Australian passport photos must be 35×45mm with a white background, neutral expression, and no glasses. Australia tightened its rules in 2024 — here's every specification you need to get it right the first time.
Australian Passport Photo Specs
| Size | 35mm × 45mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Background | White or light-coloured (white is safest) |
| Head height | 32mm to 36mm (chin to crown) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (banned January 2024) |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
Australian passport photos must be 35mm × 45mm with a plain white background, neutral expression, and no glasses. These specs are set by the Australian Passport Office (APO), part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Getting any detail wrong means your application gets sent back — and that adds weeks to your timeline.
Glasses Banned Since January 2024
Australia no longer allows glasses in passport photos. This is a recent change — if your last passport photo was taken before 2024, the rules have changed. Remove all glasses before taking your photo.
Full Specifications
| Photo size | 35mm × 45mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32mm to 36mm |
| Background | White or light-coloured (plain, no shadows) |
| Expression | Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (banned January 2024) |
| Eyes | Open, looking directly at camera |
| Head position | Straight, facing forward, no tilt |
| Photo age | Taken within last 6 months |
| Digital format | JPEG, 420×540px minimum, 50KB–500KB |
| Print paper | Photo-quality paper, no inkjet |
Size and Dimensions
Australian passport photos follow the international biometric standard: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. This is a rectangular portrait format — not the square 2×2 inch format used by the United States.
Your head — measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your crown (not including hair that stands above your skull) — must be 32mm to 36mm tall in the printed photo. That means your face fills roughly 70–80% of the frame height.
Critical measurements:
- Width: 35mm
- Height: 45mm
- Head height: 32–36mm chin to crown
- Face centred: Equal space on left and right sides
- Top margin: Small gap between crown and top edge
Common size mistakes:
- Using US 2×2 inch photos (51×51mm — wrong aspect ratio entirely)
- Head too small in the frame (standing too far from camera)
- Head too large (cropped too tight)
Digital Photo Specs
For online applications through photos.gov.au, you need a digital file:
- Format: JPEG
- Minimum resolution: 420 × 540 pixels
- File size: 50KB to 500KB
- Colour space: sRGB
Background Requirements
Australia requires a plain white or light-coloured background with no patterns, shadows, or textures. White is the safest choice — light grey or cream may technically pass but introduces risk during automated validation.
The background must be evenly lit. Even a faint shadow behind your head can trigger rejection. Stand at least half a metre from the wall when taking your photo to avoid casting shadows.
Expression and Pose
Australia enforces expression rules more strictly than many countries. The APO requires a completely neutral expression — mouth closed, no teeth showing, and no smiling of any kind.
Not Allowed
- ✕ Smiling or showing teeth (25% of rejections)
- ✕ Raised eyebrows or squinting
- ✕ Head tilted or turned to one side
- ✕ Eyes closed or looking away
- ✕ Heavy makeup that changes appearance
Required
- ✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed
- ✓ Eyes open, looking directly at camera
- ✓ Face straight and centred (no tilt or turn)
- ✓ Both ears visible where possible
- ✓ Natural makeup (light, non-dramatic)
Glasses, Headwear, and Accessories
Glasses — NOT Allowed (Since January 2024)
Australia banned glasses in all passport photos starting January 2024. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. If you wore glasses in your last passport photo, you cannot do so again.
Medical exemptions exist but are rarely granted. You need a signed certificate from your doctor and approval from the APO.
Religious and Medical Headwear
Religious head coverings (hijab, turban, kippah) are allowed provided your full face is visible from chin to forehead. The covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Medical headwear is allowed with a doctor’s certificate.
Accessories
Not Allowed
- ✕ Glasses of any kind (prescription, reading, tinted)
- ✕ Hats, caps, or fashion headwear
- ✕ Headphones or earbuds
- ✕ Scarves or high collars covering neck or chin
- ✕ Coloured contact lenses
Allowed
- ✓ Religious head coverings (face must be visible)
- ✓ Medical headwear (with doctor's certificate)
- ✓ Small earrings that don't obscure your face
- ✓ Hearing aids
Common Rejection Reasons
1. Smiling (Most Common)
Smiling accounts for roughly 25% of all Australian passport photo rejections. Even a slight closed-mouth smile or smirk is flagged. Keep your face completely relaxed.
2. Glasses in Photo
Many people don’t realise Australia changed its glasses policy in January 2024. If your previous passport allowed glasses, the new one will not.
3. Wrong Background
A non-white or shadowed background is caught by automated checks. Patterns, textures, and uneven lighting all cause rejection.
4. Wrong Size or Format
Submitting a US 2×2 inch photo instead of the required 35×45mm format is an instant rejection. This is especially common for Australians living abroad.
5. Photo Too Old
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (different hairstyle, facial hair, weight), an older photo will be rejected even within the 6-month window.
Where to Get Your Photo
In Australia
- Australia Post: Most common option. ~A$20 for a set. Available at most branches. Staff trained on current requirements.
- Photo-Me booths: Self-service booths at shopping centres and train stations. ~A$15–20 per set.
- Officeworks: Can print custom-size photos from your own digital file.
- Photo studios: A$20–40. Professional quality.
Online (Anywhere)
Upload a photo to our tool, and we format it to exact 35×45mm Australian specs with white background. A$1.50 ($1 USD) for the digital file. Upload directly to photos.gov.au or print at any photo printer.
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo + print | ~A$1.50 | 5 minutes |
| Photo-Me booth | A$15–20 | 5 minutes |
| Australia Post | ~A$20 | 10–15 minutes |
| Photo studio | A$20–40 | 15–30 minutes |
For detailed printing instructions, see our Australian printing guide.
Source
Official photo requirements: Australian Passport Office (passports.gov.au). Digital upload: photos.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Australian passport photos?
Australian passport photos are 35mm wide × 45mm tall (1.38 × 1.77 inches). This is the same format used by most European countries. It is NOT the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format.
Are glasses allowed in Australian passport photos?
No. Australia banned glasses in passport photos effective January 2024. You must remove all glasses including prescription, reading, and tinted lenses. Medical exemptions require a doctor's certificate and APO approval, which is rarely granted.
Can I smile in an Australian passport photo?
No. Australia requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed and no teeth showing. Smiling is one of the most common rejection reasons, accounting for roughly 25% of all rejections.
What background colour do I need for an Australian passport photo?
White or light-coloured background. White is the safest choice. The background must be plain with no patterns, shadows, or textures. Light grey or cream may be accepted but risks flagging during automated checks.
How recent must an Australian passport photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and must represent your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your hairstyle, weight, or facial hair since the photo was taken, you need a new one.
What is the digital photo size for Australian passport applications?
For online applications via photos.gov.au, upload a JPEG file with minimum resolution of 420×540 pixels. File size must be between 50KB and 500KB.
Can I take my own Australian passport photo at home?
Yes. You can take a photo at home with a smartphone and process it through <a href='/au/passport/'>1 Dollar Passport Photo</a> for about A$1.50. The tool formats it to 35×45mm and removes the background. You can then upload to photos.gov.au or print it.
Create your Australian passport photo now
Upload a photo, get a compliant 35×45mm file in minutes. Works for photos.gov.au upload or printing.
Select Australia → Passport~A$1.50 (~$1 USD). Photos never leave your device.