Australia passport photo guide
Passport Photo Size Australia
Australia passport photos are accepted within a size range of 35-40 mm wide and 45-50 mm high on a plain white or light background. Use the helper crop below, then verify the final printed photo against official guidance.
Printed size
35-40 mm wide x 45-50 mm high
Helper export
413 x 531 px based on 35 x 45 mm helper crop
Background
Plain white or light background
Format
Good-quality colour passport photo
File size
No standard public KB rule for the printed-photo guideline
Create it now
- check_circleUpload your photo now
- check_circleSee a passport-style portrait preview
- check_circleDownload a helper crop before final print verification
Verify the final rule on Australian Passport Office photo guidelines before submission.
What makes Australia different?
Australia is different because the official guidance allows a size range rather than one exact fixed dimension, so the helper crop should be treated as a starting point, not the final authority.
Use the tool for crop, ratio, dimensions, JPG export, and file-size checks only. It does not check head size, background quality, or official approval.
Common mistakes
- NoUsing a casual 35 x 45 mm crop without checking the wider Australian accepted size range.
- NoSubmitting a shadowed or textured background instead of a plain white or light one.
- NoOver-editing the photo or smoothing skin before export.
- NoAssuming a digital helper crop replaces the final official photo review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australia passport photo size?expand_more
Does Australia require a white background?expand_more
Can I use a 35 x 45 mm crop for Australia?expand_more
Does this tool guarantee acceptance for Australia?expand_more
After export
Understanding Australia's Flexible Photo Size Range
Unlike most countries that specify an exact size (such as the USA's 2×2 inch or Canada's 50×70 mm), Australia accepts passport photos within a size range: 35–40 mm wide by 45–50 mm high. This flexibility exists because Australian passport applications accept photos from a variety of sources, including professional photographers, Australia Post outlets, and photo booths, which may produce slightly different sizes.
The most commonly used size is 35×45 mm, which falls at the smaller end of the accepted range and matches the ICAO international standard. If you are using a standard photo booth, this is likely the size it produces. At 300 DPI, 35×45 mm translates to approximately 413×531 pixels.
For digital online applications, the Australian Passport Office has specific upload requirements that may differ from the printed size. Always check the current requirements on the official Australian Passport Office website before submitting.
Detailed Australian Passport Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo width | 35–40 mm |
| Photo height | 45–50 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm in the printed photo |
| Background | Plain white or light coloured |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Photo quality | Good-quality colour, no filters or editing |
| Glasses | Not permitted in passport photos |
| Quantity (printed) | 2 identical recent photos |
Where to Get Australian Passport Photos
Australia offers several convenient options for obtaining compliant passport photos:
- ✓Australia Post — Many post offices offer passport photo services for around $19.95 AUD. This is one of the most popular options because staff are trained on current requirements and can ensure compliance.
- ✓Photo booths — Available in shopping centres, train stations, and airports. Look for booths that display the “Australian passport photo” option. Costs typically range from $15–$20 AUD.
- ✓Professional photographers — Photography studios and some chemists (pharmacies) offer passport photo services with professional lighting and backgrounds.
- ✓DIY at home — You can take your own photo at home and print it, but you must ensure it meets all official specifications. Use our tool to check dimensions and crop ratio before printing.
How to Take an Australian Passport Photo at Home
- Use a plain white or light-coloured wall — Avoid textured walls, wallpaper, or any background with visible patterns or objects.
- Stand well in front of the wall — At least 50 cm away to prevent shadows falling on the background behind you.
- Use natural, even lighting — Face a large window for soft, diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight, camera flash, and overhead lights that create harsh shadows.
- Remove glasses and hats — Glasses are not permitted in Australian passport photos. Remove all head coverings except those worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Maintain a neutral expression — Keep your mouth closed, look directly at the camera, and do not tilt your head.
- Crop to passport ratio — Use our tool to crop the photo to a 35×45 mm ratio and verify that your head fills the correct proportion of the frame.
- Print on quality photo paper — Use glossy or semi-gloss photo paper. Standard printer paper is not acceptable for passport photos.
Child and Baby Australian Passport Photos
All Australian citizens, including newborns and infants, need their own passport for international travel. Child passport photos follow the same general guidelines with some relaxations:
- •The child must be the only person visible in the photo — no hands, arms, or supporting objects.
- •For babies under 12 months, slightly open eyes or a minor mouth opening may be accepted.
- •Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above.
- •Child passports are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults), so photos need updating more frequently.
More Questions About Australian Passport Photos
Can I wear glasses in my Australian passport photo?
No. The Australian Passport Office does not accept passport photos with glasses. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo.
How much do Australian passport photos cost?
Australia Post charges approximately $19.95 AUD. Photo booths range from $15–$20 AUD. Professional photographers may charge $20–$30 AUD. Taking your own photo at home is free if you have a smartphone and can print on photo paper.
Is 35×45 mm acceptable for an Australian passport photo?
Yes. 35×45 mm falls within Australia's accepted range of 35–40 mm wide by 45–50 mm high. This is the most commonly produced size by standard photo booths and online tools, and it matches the ICAO international standard.
Can I apply for an Australian passport online?
Yes. Australian passport renewals can be done online through the Australian Passport Office website. You upload a digital photo during the application process. The digital photo requirements may differ from printed photo requirements — check the website for current upload specifications.