Australian passport photo requirements: strict about editing
Australia's size rule is simple. Its editing rule is the strictest of the countries we support. Everything here comes from the Australian Passport Office photo guidelines and its camera operator guidelines (PDF).
At a glance
| Size | 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high |
| Head size | 32–36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or light grey, not digitally removed or replaced |
| Glasses | Not allowed unless medically required, with proof |
| Where to submit | Apply online or on a paper form, then lodge in person at a participating Australia Post outlet or passport office in Australia, or an Australian embassy or consulate overseas |
| Official source | passports.gov.au photo guidelines |
Size
- Photo 35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high. A standard 35 × 45 mm photo fits.
- Face, chin to crown: 32–36 mm.
What the Passport Office won't accept
- No removal or replacement of the background, no retouching, no filters, no removing moles, wrinkles or scars.
- No glasses unless medically required, with proof. No reflections if worn.
- No shadows on the face or background, no other people or objects, no hair or headwear over the forehead, eyes or eyebrows.
- Photos must be professionally printed on glossy, heavy paper (200 gsm or more).
How to use PassPhotoSnap for Australia (honestly)
Because background replacement isn't allowed, our Australia setting switches to “Keep original”. Take the photo in front of a plain white or light grey wall with even light, at least 1.2 m from the camera. Then use the tool to check framing (32–36 mm face) and export a 35 × 45 mm crop or a 4×6 sheet to take to a photo lab for a professional glossy print. If the checklist flags the background, re-shoot against a better wall rather than editing.
Children
For children under 3 the mouth may be open, but no one else (including a parent's hand) and no objects can be in the photo.
Check an Australian passport photo →
PassPhotoSnap is not affiliated with the Australian Passport Office or DFAT. Even compliant photos are reviewed by Passport Office staff and systems.