Australian passport photo requirements (35×45 mm)

Last reviewed July 19, 2026 by the My New ID Photo editorial team. Rules change—confirm details with the issuing authority before you apply.

Written and reviewed by the My New ID Photo editorial team.

Practical notes for applicants and travelers. This is not legal advice—compare every requirement with the official checklist linked below.

See the Australian Passport Office website for printable examples and common rejection reasons.

Measurements

35 × 45 mm with correct head size and eye line as illustrated in official samples.

Glasses and hair

If glasses are worn, ensure no glare and eyes are clear. Hair must not cover eyes or eyebrows.

Background

Plain white or light grey background without texture.

Common rejection and upload quirks

Australian passport applications require two identical printed photos, each 35×45 mm with a head height of 32–36 mm. The photo must be no more than six months old and cannot be retouched. Shadows on the face or background are a common reason for rejection, especially from overhead lighting. A neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open is required. For online passport applications, you can upload a digital photo, but the quality and framing must match the printed standard.

Printing and submission tips

Post offices and many chemists offer passport photo services. Photo booths are also common, but verify the output is 35×45 mm and not a different size. If printing at home, use a 4×6 inch photo paper sheet and print at actual size. The photos should be on good-quality photo paper with a plain white or light background. Check that both prints are identical—do not retouch one differently from the other.

How our tools handle tricky backgrounds

Australian passport offices reject retouched photos, but they do accept a clean, naturally-edged portrait on a plain background. Our tool removes the original backdrop and composites the official colour, while Edge Refine handles the hairline and collar details that automatic removal sometimes misses.

Making this photo in My New ID Photo

Choose Australia and Passport for 35×45 mm. The Passport Office publishes sample passes and fails—compare your export side by side. Plain light background; no visible shadows. Export suitable for both online upload and physical submission.

Official sources

We link to primary sources where possible. Embassy pages, PDF checklists, and ICAO references are listed so you can read the wording yourself—not rely on a summary alone.

• Australian Department of Home Affairs — Passport photo evidence ↗
• ICAO — Machine Readable Travel Documents (Doc 9303) ↗

Reminder: Embassies and motor vehicle offices update photo rules without notice. Re-read the official page on the day you submit.

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