Ruqayyah Snyder
Australian passport photos have specific requirements that must be met for the application to be accepted. The photo must be a recent, colour image, taken within the last six months, with a neutral facial expression and a closed mouth. The image must be clear, sharp, and well-lit, with no shadows, glare, or reflections obscuring the face. The size of the photo should be 35x45 mm or 40x50 mm, with the face centred and looking directly at the camera. Two identical prints are required for submission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high |
| Face (chin to crown) | Minimum of 32mm and a maximum of 36mm |
| Head position | Facing the camera straight on, not tilted |
| Eyes | Open, visible, and positioned at eye level |
| Facial expression | Neutral with a closed mouth |
| Lighting | Uniform with no shadows or reflections |
| Brightness and contrast | Appropriate levels to show natural skin tone |
| Attire | Everyday clothing, no uniforms or costumes |
| Hats and head coverings | Not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons |
| Glasses | Not allowed unless for medical reasons |
| Hearing aids | Allowed if usually worn |
| Quantity | Two identical photos |
| Quality | High-resolution, clear, sharp, and in focus |
| Format | .pdf,.jpg,.gif,.bmp or .png |
| File size | Advisable to keep under 300kB |
| Lens resolution | 600DPI |
| Background | Plain light grey |
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What You'll Learn
Photo dimensions: 35mm x 45mm or 40mm x 50mm
An Australian passport photo must be 35mm by 45mm or 40mm by 50mm. The photo should be a recent, high-resolution image, taken within the last six months. The image should be clear and sharp, with all facial features and details easily distinguishable. The photo should be in colour, accurately representing your natural skin tone and hair colour. The background should be plain light grey, with no shadows.
The camera should be at the same level as the head, with the face centred and looking straight at the camera. The eyes should be open and visible, positioned at eye level with the camera, and unobstructed by glasses, hair, or jewellery. The head should be facing the camera straight on, with no tilt in any direction. It is preferable to have a neutral facial expression and a closed mouth, though it is acceptable to smile.
Hats and head coverings are generally not allowed, unless worn for religious reasons. If worn for religious reasons, the head covering must be plain and worn so that the face is visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, with the sides of the face also showing. Glasses are not permitted, unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons. If you are unable to remove your glasses, the frames must not obscure your eyes, and there must be no reflection from the lenses.
It is recommended that you get your passport photo taken by a professional passport photo provider, as they will be able to ensure that your photo meets all the requirements.
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Lighting and shadows
When taking a passport photo in Australia, it is important to pay attention to lighting and shadows. Even slight shadows in passport photos may result in them getting rejected. The photo must have uniform lighting, with no shadows or reflections, and appropriate brightness and contrast to show natural skin tone. The ideal lighting is soft and diffused, evenly illuminating the face without harsh shadows or highlights.
To achieve this, find a room with a suitable light background—flat, light-coloured walls are perfect. A neutral background, typically white or off-white, is recommended. If you cannot find a suitable wall, hang up a white or off-white sheet, ensuring it is as flat as possible. Position yourself about 1–2 feet away from the background to avoid casting a shadow.
The lighting should come from the front or evenly from all sides. A bright window or door can be a good source of natural light, providing consistent, indirect light. North- or south-facing windows are ideal as they offer indirect light throughout the day. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause uneven lighting, harsh shadows, and squinting. If using a window, ensure the light hits the front of your face. You can soften bright light by using a lampshade or hanging a thin cloth or curtain in front of it.
Multiple light sources will likely cause passport photo shadows. Professional photographers use light sources of equal wattage symmetrically and reflectors to even out any possible shadows. Ensure there are no obstructions, such as hats, scarves, or thick glasses, that shade your face.
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Facial expressions
When taking an Australian passport photo, it is important to maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. This means avoiding any extreme emotions or expressions that could be interpreted as happy, sad, angry, or surprised. A straight face is preferred, but it is okay to smile slightly if desired.
The photo must be taken with uniform lighting to avoid shadows or reflections on the face, and the brightness and contrast should be adjusted to show the person's natural skin tone. The face should be centred and looking directly at the camera, with the camera positioned at the same level as the head.
Any head coverings, such as hats or caps, are generally not permitted in passport photos. However, if an individual wears a head covering for religious reasons, it may be included in the photo as long as it is plain and does not obscure any facial features. This means that the bottom of the chin, the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face must be clearly visible.
Glasses are typically not allowed in passport photos, as they can obscure the eyes and cause reflections. If an individual cannot remove their glasses for medical reasons, the frames must not block the eyes, and there should be no reflections from the lenses. Vision impairment is not a valid reason to wear glasses in the photo.
For infants under three years of age, the rules are slightly different. Passport photos for infants may include an open mouth, but all other requirements must still be met. No other person or object can be visible in the photo, and the infant's face must be clear of shadows.
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Attire and accessories
When preparing for an Australian passport photo, it is important to follow the guidelines for clothing and accessories. Here are some key points to consider:
- Everyday attire: Wear clothing that you would normally wear daily. Avoid uniforms, costumes, or clothing that resembles official attire. It is recommended to choose something semi-casual or elegant. Avoid shirts that look too casual, such as tank tops, as they may not be acceptable.
- Hat and head covering: Generally, hats and head coverings are not allowed. However, if you wear them for religious reasons, you may submit a signed statement verifying their religious significance. If worn for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement. Ensure that your face is clearly visible, without any shadows or coverage. The head covering must be plain, without patterns, and should not obscure any part of your face.
- Glasses and headphones: Glasses are not allowed in passport photos unless you have a documented medical reason and provide a signed note from your doctor. Similarly, headphones or wireless devices are not permitted.
- Jewellery and piercings: Jewellery and facial piercings are generally permitted as long as they do not obscure your facial features, especially the eyes, mouth, and nose. Large earrings or hair accessories that may hide your jawline should be avoided. Permanent tattoos are acceptable.
- Makeup and cosmetics: Makeup is allowed in biometric passport photos as it does not prevent proper identification. However, avoid using highlighters or shiny cosmetics that may cause glare or shine on your face.
- Lighting and shadows: Ensure that the lighting is even and there are no harsh shadows or glares on your face. Avoid using flash or excessive lighting. Taking the photo near a window on a sunny day can help with lighting.
Remember, the key is to present your natural appearance without any obstructions or modifications that may hinder proper identification.
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Photo quality
The Australian Passport Office provides detailed guidelines for passport photos to ensure that the photos are of acceptable quality. Here are the key points to consider for achieving the required photo quality:
Lighting and Background:
The lighting for the photo must be uniform, with no shadows or reflections on the face or in the background. The Australian Passport Office recommends facing a bright window or a door when taking the photo to avoid shadows. The lighting should have appropriate brightness and contrast to show the natural skin tone. Additionally, the background should be plain and light-coloured, with no texture. If taking the photo indoors, ensure that there are no creases or wrinkles on the backdrop.
Face and Expression:
The face should be centred in the photo, looking straight at the camera without any tilt. The hair should not cover the face or obscure the eyes. For individuals with long bangs, pinning the hair back with bobby pins is recommended to ensure the eyebrows are visible. While it is preferable to also show the ears, this is not mandatory. A neutral facial expression is preferred, but it is acceptable to smile as well. For infants under three years of age, a photo with an open mouth is acceptable.
Clothing and Accessories:
Uniforms are not permitted in passport photos. Regular street clothes should be worn. Hats are not allowed unless they are religious headgear, such as a headscarf or yarmulke. Glasses are not permitted, but if you cannot remove them for medical reasons, ensure that the frames do not obscure your eyes, and there should be no reflection from the lenses. Hearing aids, on the other hand, are allowed in the photo if you usually wear them.
Photography and Printing:
The Australian Passport Office recommends getting your passport photo taken by a professional passport photo provider to ensure quality. They specifically advise against using online passport photo services and mobile apps due to potential identity fraud concerns. If using a professional photographer, ensure they can provide a digital copy of your photo in JPEG format. This will be useful in case the printed photo has imperfections or gets damaged. When submitting the photos, provide two identical, good-quality colour prints, less than six months old, produced using dye sublimation rather than an inkjet printer.
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Frequently asked questions
The required dimensions are 35mm to 40mm in width and 45mm to 50mm in height.
The image resolution should be 600 DPI for online applications.
The size of the face from the chin to the crown can be up to 36mm and a minimum of 32mm.
Yes, you should wear everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, costumes, or clothing that resembles official attire. Hats and head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
You can get your passport photo taken by a professional passport photo provider, such as a camera store or a pharmacy. You can also use online tools to ensure your photo meets the required specifications.
