May 29, 2026 · Australia
Australian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – DFAT Complete Guide
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) follows the ICAO 35×45mm biometric standard. Key requirements include no glasses (banned since 2018), a plain white or off-white background, a photo taken within the last six months, and — for paper applications — a signed guarantor. This guide covers every DFAT rule including digital submission via myPassport, New Zealand citizen notes, and child photo requirements.
Dimension convention note
DFAT lists the photo size as 45×35 mm (height × width), which is the reverse of the common W×H convention. The physical size is the same ICAO portrait format: 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall. Both notations refer to the same photo dimensions.
Core Photo Requirements
- Size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (ICAO portrait format).
- Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (including hair) within the 45 mm photo height.
- Background: Plain white or off-white, uniform and free of shadows, patterns, or objects.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted since 2018. Remove all glasses — prescription lenses and reading glasses included.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months and accurately reflecting your current appearance.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Print quality: Minimum 300 DPI photographic quality. For digital submissions: minimum 600×800 pixels, JPEG format, sRGB colour space.
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious or medical reasons. Full face must remain visible — no shadows on the face.
No glasses since 2018: DFAT updated its guidelines in 2018 to no longer accept glasses in Australian passport photos. This aligns Australia with the ICAO biometric standard. Remove all glasses — including prescription lenses — before taking your passport photo. Contact lenses that do not change your eye colour are permitted.
Digital Submission via myPassport Portal
Australian passport renewals can be completed online through the Australian Passport Office myPassport portal. You upload a digital photo file that is automatically checked for biometric compliance. No printed photo or guarantor signature is required for eligible online renewals.
The digital photo must be a JPEG file with minimum dimensions of 600×800 pixels at the correct 35×45 mm proportions (sRGB colour space). The file must not exceed the upload size limit specified by the portal.
For first-time Australian passport applications and child applications, an in-person application at Australia Post is typically required, along with printed photos and a guarantor countersignature.
Guarantor (Countersignatory) Requirement
For paper passport applications (first-time and child applications), one of your two printed photos must be countersigned on the back by an Australian guarantor. The guarantor must:
- Be an Australian citizen aged 18 or older
- Have known the applicant personally for at least 12 months
- Hold a current valid Australian passport
- Be in an approved occupation
Approved guarantor occupations include:
- ✓General practitioner (GP) or medical specialist
- ✓Teacher, lecturer, or school principal
- ✓Dentist, optometrist, or pharmacist
- ✓Accountant, solicitor, or barrister
- ✓Nurse or midwife
- ✓Police officer or court official
- ✓Justice of the Peace
- ✓Bank manager or financial planner
The guarantor writes on the back: "I certify that this is a true likeness of [full name]", then signs with their name, occupation, and phone number. Do not write on the front of the photo.
New Zealand Citizens: Passport Applications in Australia
New Zealand citizens living in Australia who wish to renew or obtain a New Zealand passport must apply through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), not DFAT. DIA uses the same 35×45 mm ICAO portrait format, but the guarantor requirements differ — the guarantor must be an NZ citizen and the process follows DIA rules.
New Zealand citizens who have become Australian citizens (having met residency requirements) and wish to apply for an Australian passport follow DFAT rules as described in this guide.
Both DFAT and DIA use the same 35×45 mm format and white/off-white background — the photo specifications are compatible, but the guarantor and submission processes differ.
Child and Baby Passport Photos
Children's passport photos follow the same DFAT requirements as adult photos. DFAT makes practical allowances for very young children:
- Babies and infants do not need to have their eyes fully open
- The child must appear alone — no parent's hands or body may be visible
- The face must still be clearly visible and centred in the frame
- A plain white or off-white surface works as a background for laying the child down
- No toys, dummies/pacifiers, or accessories in the photo
Child passports have a 5-year validity (under 16s vs 10 years for adults), so the photo does not need to remain a likeness for as long.
Australia vs ICAO vs New Zealand: Photo Format Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australian Passport | 35×45 mm (W×H) | White / off-white | Not permitted | DFAT |
| 🌍 ICAO Standard (EU, JP, etc.) | 35×45 mm (W×H) | White / light grey | Not permitted | ICAO Doc 9303 |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand Passport | 35×45 mm (W×H) | Plain white / light | Not permitted | DIA / RealMe |
Always verify current requirements with the Australian Passport Office (passports.gov.au) or the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (dia.govt.nz).
Common Rejection Reasons
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not exempt.
Background not plain white or off-white
Use a uniformly white or off-white background. Avoid patterned or grey backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall. Use even front lighting.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application date.
Head size outside 32–36 mm range
Ensure the head (chin to crown) measures between 32 mm and 36 mm within the 45 mm photo height.
Digital filters or beauty retouching applied
Submit the photo without any digital filters, skin smoothing, or appearance alterations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Australian passport photos?
Australian passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall (width × height). Note that DFAT states the dimensions as 45×35mm (height × width), which matches the ICAO standard portrait format. The head must occupy 32–36mm of the 45mm height.
Are glasses allowed in Australian passport photos?
No. Since 2018, DFAT no longer accepts glasses in Australian passport photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. Contact lenses are permitted if they do not change your eye colour.
Do I need a guarantor for an Australian passport photo?
For paper applications (first-time and child applications), one of your two photos must be countersigned by an Australian guarantor — an Australian citizen aged 18+ who has known you for at least 12 months and holds a valid Australian passport. For digital online renewals via the myPassport portal, no guarantor signature is required.
Can I submit my Australian passport photo online?
Yes. Australian passport renewals can be completed online through the Australian Passport Office myPassport portal. You upload a digital JPEG photo file that is automatically checked for biometric compliance. No printed photo or guarantor signature is required for eligible online submissions.
Do New Zealand citizens have special passport photo requirements in Australia?
New Zealand citizens living in Australia apply for an NZ passport through DIA (New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs), not DFAT. DIA uses the same 35×45mm ICAO standard but requires an NZ-based guarantor. If a New Zealand citizen wishes to obtain an Australian passport, they follow DFAT rules.
What are the Australian passport photo requirements for children?
Children's passport photos follow the same DFAT rules as adult photos: 35×45mm, white or off-white background, both eyes open and visible, neutral expression. For very young children and babies, the eyes do not need to be fully open, but the face must be clearly visible and centred. No other person may appear in the photo.
Always verify current requirements with the official Australian Passport Office at passports.gov.au before submitting your application. DFAT requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official DFAT guidance.
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