Passport photos

Passport photos

Australian passports have strict photo guidelines and are different to New Zealand (NZ) passport photos and must be less than six months old. Poor quality photos are the most common reason your application may be delayed.

Please review the photo requirements and camera operator guidelines carefully and discuss them with your photographer, making them aware you need Australian-sized passport photos.  In particular, we suggest that you check that your photographer:

• can produce glossy prints that are printed at the highest resolution.

• does not use an inkjet printer (dye sublimation is acceptable).

• has studio lighting so that there are no shadows behind your ears/head, and the lighting across your face is even.

We are unable to accept photos taken at NZ photo booths as the resolution is not high enough to meet our requirements.

If your photos are rejected upon first assessment of your application, we will request new physical photos.  

If your photos are rejected during the eligibility process, we will request .jpeg digital photos. Therefore, it is advisable when getting passport photos taken to have a digital .jpeg file version ready.