Australian Passport Photo Size: 35–40 × 45–50 mm, Printed on Glossy Photo Paper

Official rules: 35–40 × 45–50 mm print, background: plain white or light grey, contrasting with face. Source: passports.gov.au, checked 24 Oct 2026.

Australia Passport photo size at a glance

The Australia Passport photo is a printed photo, 35–40 × 45–50 mm.

Printed size35–40 × 45–50 mm (SafeResize makes 35 × 45 mm)
In other units (a conversion)35 × 45 mm · 3.5 × 4.5 cm · 1.38 × 1.77 in · 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI · 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI · ratio 7:9
Pixels (official rule)Print only: 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high
File sizeNo file: the rules ask for printed photos
BackgroundPlain white or light grey, contrasting with face
Head size71% to 80% of the photo height, chin to top of head
Sourcepassports.gov.au
Checked24 Oct 2026
Size diagram of the Australia Passport photo: 35–40 × 45–50 mm, with the head 71% to 80% of the photo height
The Australia Passport photo, drawn to its shape: 35–40 × 45–50 mm, with the head 71% to 80% of the photo height. From the official rules (passports.gov.au, checked 24 Oct 2026).

What the official pages say about the Australia Passport photo

Applications made in Australia are lodged at a participating post office, whether the form was completed online or on paper, together with 2 printed photos. On a paper form for a new passport, a guarantor signs section 11 and the back of one photo in black pen, adding 'This is a true photo of' and your full name. The online form uses a referee instead, who signs nothing but may be contacted. When renewing, you write your own full name on the back of one photo, and you need no guarantor.

Your photo must meet the guidelines so that biometric technology can match your face against your passport image. The Passport Office recommends a professional provider, such as a post office, camera store, photographer or some pharmacies, but warns that online photo services and mobile apps may expose you to identity fraud. Prints must come from dye sublimation, not an inkjet printer. Smiling and a subtle expression appear among the unacceptable examples, as do too much make-up and wireless earbuds, while hearing aids may stay. If a medical condition stops you meeting a rule, provide a medical certificate or a B-11 form.

Sources, checked 24 Oct 2026: Passport photos (Australian Passport Office), Guarantors, referees and witnesses (Australian Passport Office) and Adult passport: new passport and renewal (Australian Passport Office).

How to make your Australia Passport photo

  1. Stand about an arm's length from the camera in front of a plain wall (plain white or light grey, contrasting with face). Face a window for soft, even light.
  2. Add the photo on this page. It stays on your device.
  3. Drag and zoom until your face fills the green oval: top of the head on the top line, chin on the bottom line.
  4. Download the 4 × 6 inch print sheet and print it at actual size (100%).
  5. Cut out the photos along the grey lines.

Questions and answers

What size is the Australia Passport photo?

The photo is 35 × 45 mm. The official rule: Print only: 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high. This document takes printed photos, so there is no file to upload. SafeResize makes a 4 × 6 inch print sheet with several copies at exactly this size.

What is the Australia Passport photo size in cm, inches and pixels?

35 × 45 mm is 3.5 × 4.5 cm or 1.38 × 1.77 inches, in a 7:9 shape. Printed at 300 DPI it is 413 × 531 pixels, and at 600 DPI 827 × 1063 pixels. These are conversions of the official size, not extra rules.

What background colour does the Australia Passport photo need?

Plain white or light grey, contrasting with face. Stand in front of a plain wall with no pattern, and face a window so there are no shadows behind you. The official rules do not allow edited photos, so SafeResize does not change the background for this document: a plain wall is the way.

How big should my head be in the Australia Passport photo?

From the chin to the top of the head, your head should fill 71% to 80% of the photo height. The face guide in the tool shows both lines.

Can I wear glasses in my Australia Passport photo?

The official rules say: No glasses unless medically needed.

What photo does a baby or child need for the Australia Passport?

The official rules say: Neutral expression, eyes open (children under 3 may have mouth open).

Can I get an Australian passport photo at a pharmacy?

Yes. The Australian Passport Office lists some pharmacies and chemists among the professional providers it recommends, with post offices, professional photographers, many camera stores and some large chain stores with printing facilities. Your photos must still meet its guidelines, or you may be asked for new ones when you lodge or while your application is assessed.

What does the guarantor write on the back of an Australian passport photo?

Using a black pen, your guarantor writes 'This is a true photo of' followed by your full name, signs the back of that one photo, and also signs section 11 of the paper form. If you renew, you write your own full name on the back of one photo instead.

Can I smile in my Australian passport photo?

No. Anyone over 3 must face the camera straight on with eyes open and a neutral expression, and the Passport Office shows smiling and a subtle expression as unacceptable. Children under 3 may have their mouth open.

Can I wear AirPods or a hearing aid in my Australian passport photo?

A hearing aid you usually wear can stay in, for adults, children and infants. AirPods and other wireless earbuds are not considered hearing aids and must be removed.

What else do the Australia Passport photo rules say?

Chin to top of head 32–36 mm. Under 6 months old, not retouched. Neutral expression, eyes open (children under 3 may have mouth open). No glasses unless medically needed. Plain religious head covering OK if whole face and edges show. Avoid photo apps and online services. In Australia you lodge the application, online renewals included, at a post office with 2 prints.

Can I take this photo at home?

Yes. The Australian Passport Office does not forbid photos you take yourself, but every photo must meet its guidelines. It recommends a professional passport photo provider and does not recommend online passport photo services or mobile apps, which it says may put you in danger of identity fraud. SafeResize runs on your device and uploads nothing. Download the 4 × 6 inch print sheet and have it printed at 100% (actual size) at a photo shop, because the rules ask for 2 colour prints, dye-sublimation on glossy paper (at least 200 gsm), not inkjet. Then cut along the lines.

Is my photo uploaded to SafeResize?

No. The photo is processed inside your browser and never leaves your phone or computer.

Source: passports.gov.au, checked 24 Oct 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.

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