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The Challenge
Australia requires 35–45mm photos for passport and visa applications with strict head height (32-36mm chin to crown), matte paper, recent photos within 6 months, and no retouching. One specification error = automatic rejection and weeks of processing delays.
One photo format for Australian passports and visas
Australia uses standardized 35×45mm photos for passport applications (new, renewal, child), all visa types (visitor, work, student, partner), and eVisitor applications. Same dimensions, same head height requirements (32-36mm chin to crown), same background rules. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period.
Australian passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- Taken within last 6 months showing current appearance
- 35-40mm wide by 45-50mm high with head height 32-36mm (use crop guidelines)
- Plain white or light grey background with uniform lighting, no shadows
- Face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
- Both eyes open and clearly visible (no hair covering)
- No glasses unless medical exemption (glare and reflections prohibited)
- At least 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI for printing
- Printed using dye sublimation on matte photo paper
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
- Two identical high-quality colour prints required
Common rejection reasons by Australian Passport Office
- Head size outside 32-36mm range (most common rejection)
- Photo older than 6 months or doesn't show current appearance
- Shadows visible on face or background
- Wearing glasses without medical documentation
- Smiling, laughing, or mouth open
- Hair covering eyebrows, eyes, or edges of face
- Low resolution causing pixelation or poor quality
- Using glossy paper instead of required matte finish
- Printed using inkjet instead of dye sublimation
- Background too dark or has patterns/objects visible
- Retouching or digital enhancement visible
How to print Australian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper (required by Australian Passport Office). Dye sublimation printing preferred. Available at Officeworks, Big W, Harvey Norman, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode. Use photo printer with dye sublimation if available.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines to get exact 35×45mm dimensions.
- Quality check: Photos must be clear, focused, with no marks or red-eye. Head height must be 32-36mm—use ruler to verify.
- Alternative: No suitable printer? Print at Officeworks ($12-18 for 4 photos), Big W Photo Centre, Harvey Norman Photo, or local photo shop. Specify 'passport photo on matte paper, dye sublimation'.
Taking passport photos of babies and infants
- Setup: Lay baby on plain white or light grey blanket or sheet on floor. Ensure fabric is smooth with no wrinkles casting shadows.
- Lighting: Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash. Ensure uniform lighting with no shadows on face or background.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centered in frame. Eyes should look straight at camera.
- Australian rules: Infants under 3 can have mouth open. Eyes should be open but slight closing acceptable for very young babies.
- Support: Hand supporting head must not be visible in photo. Position hand behind or under head outside frame area.
- Props: Remove dummies (pacifiers), toys, bottles from frame. No other people or objects visible. Baby must be alone in photo.
- Multiple attempts: Expect 15-30 shots for one compliant photo. Take photos when baby is calm and alert, ideally after feeding.
Australian visa photo requirements
Australian visa applications (visitor visas, work visas, student visas, partner visas, eVisitor) use identical 35×45mm specifications as passports. Department of Home Affairs requires photos taken within last 6 months, matte paper, head height 32-36mm, plain background. You can use the same photo for visa and passport applications if taken within 6 months. Both digital submissions (scanned at 600 DPI minimum) and postal applications (printed on matte paper) are accepted depending on visa type.
Good vs bad Australian passport photo examples
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Australia
- Professional photo studio: $15-25 for 4 photos
- Australia Post passport photo service: $16.95 for photo + $6.50 photo guarantee (optional)
- Officeworks: $12-18 for 4 photos on matte paper
- Big W Photo Centre: $10-16 for 4 photos
- Harvey Norman Photo: $12-20 for 4 photos
- Chemist Warehouse/Priceline: $12-18 for 4 photos (selected stores)
- This tool: Free. Print at home for $0.30-0.70 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: $10-25 per application. Family of four saves $40-100 using DIY approach.
Online passport renewal vs postal applications
Australia offers two passport application methods: online renewal (limited eligibility) and postal applications. Online renewals accept digital photo uploads (JPEG format, 826×1062 pixels minimum at 600 DPI, under 5MB), no physical photo needed. Postal applications require two identical printed photos on matte paper using dye sublimation. This tool generates both formats: download single JPEG for online renewals, or print sheet for postal submissions. Online processing is faster (approximately 3 weeks priority, 6 weeks standard vs 6+ weeks postal).
Head coverings and religious attire
You can wear head covering in Australian passport photos if you usually wear it for religious or medical reasons. The covering must be plain without patterns, worn so your face is visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead. Face edges on both sides must be visible. No shadows from head covering on face. If head covering is for religious reasons, guarantor or referee must confirm this is your normal appearance. Medical head coverings require doctor's letter.
Need Taxi/Private Hire Vehicle ID Card photo?
Australia uses different 65×65mm square format for Taxi Cab/Private Hire Vehicle ID Card applications. State transport authorities have separate requirements. This tool is for passport/visa photos (35×45mm). For taxi driver ID photos, use the dedicated taxi driver photo tool with 65×65mm specifications.
Official Australian Government Resources
- Passport Photos - Australian Passport Office Complete photo requirements and guidelines
- Photo Guidelines Brochure (PDF) Printable photo specifications guide
- Camera Operator Guidelines (PDF) Technical photography requirements
- Adult Passport Application Complete passport application process
- Citizenship Photo Requirements Department of Home Affairs photo specifications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Head
Select Enhancement Version
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35–45 mm (width 35-40mm, height 45-50mm)
- Resolution
- 826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (chin to crown, 71-80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white or light grey, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Matte photo paper (dye sublimation)
- Valid For
- Passport, visa applications
Best Practices
- Australian photos are valid for 6 months—one photo works for passport and visa if both applied within 6 months
- Matte paper with dye sublimation is required—glossy paper or inkjet printing will be rejected
- Plain white or light grey backgrounds work best with uniform lighting and no shadows
- Use crop guidelines to ensure head height is 32-36mm (automatic rejection if outside this range)
- Remove glasses unless you have medical exemption letter from doctor
- Ensure hair is off face so edges of face, eyebrows, and eyes are clearly visible
- For online passport renewal, download single photo as JPEG (826×1062 pixels, under 5MB)
- For postal applications, print 4R sheet with multiple copies on matte paper and cut along grey lines
- Infants under 3 can have mouth open (Australian-specific relaxation of ICAO standards)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Australian passport photo requirements?
Australian passport photos must be 35-40mm wide by 45-50mm high, taken within last 6 months, on matte photo paper using dye sublimation. Head must be 32-36mm from chin to crown (71-80% of frame), face centered, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible. Plain white or light grey background with no shadows. No glasses unless medical exemption.
Can I use the same photo for Australian passport and visa?
Yes. Australian passport and all visa types (visitor, work, student, partner, eVisitor) use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for multiple applications as long as it's less than 6 months old and meets Department of Home Affairs requirements.
How recent must Australian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months to show current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected by Australian Passport Office.
What paper type for Australian passport photos?
Matte photo paper using dye sublimation printing is required. Glossy paper will be rejected. Inkjet printing is not acceptable—dye sublimation produces higher quality, more durable prints required by Australian Passport Office.
Can I wear glasses in Australian passport photos?
No, unless required for medical reasons with signed doctor's statement. Even with medical exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare or reflections, frames must not cover eyes or obstruct face. Most applications are rejected if glasses are worn without proper medical documentation.
Do babies need eyes open in Australian passport photos?
Eyes should be open, but for infants under 3 years, slight eye closing is acceptable. Babies under 3 can also have mouth open. This is Australian-specific relaxation of standard ICAO rules for very young children.
Can I use this for online passport renewal?
Yes. Download single photo as JPEG (826×1062 pixels at 600 DPI, under 5MB). Upload directly to Australian Passport Office online renewal system. No physical photo needed for eligible online renewals.
Where can I print Australian passport photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper with dye sublimation printer (cheapest: $0.30-0.70 per sheet), or print at Officeworks ($12-18), Australia Post ($16.95), Big W ($10-16), Harvey Norman ($12-20), or photo shops. Always specify matte finish and dye sublimation.
What's the difference between Australian passport and taxi driver ID photos?
Passport/visa use 35×45mm rectangular format. Taxi Cab/Private Hire Vehicle ID Card uses larger 65×65mm square format with different specifications. They are completely different photo types—use the correct tool for each application.
Can I use this for Australian visa applications?
Yes. All Australian visa types (visitor visas subclass 600, work visas, student visas subclass 500, partner visas, eVisitor subclass 651) use 35×45mm passport photo specifications. Department of Home Affairs accepts same format for visa and passport applications.