Australia Passport Photo Requirements
An Australian passport photo is 35×45 mm with a head height of 32–36 mm — taller than the UK's rule for the same print size — on a plain white background with even lighting and no shadows.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 32 – 36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom edge | Eyes open, clearly visible, level |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Print type | Photo paper (printed applications); digital file accepted online |
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • Even lighting — no shadows on the face or background
- • Eyes must be open and clearly visible; no glare from glasses
- • Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
Australian passport photo rules explained
Australia shares the 35×45 mm size with the UK and EU, but the head-height window is different: 32–36 mm versus the UK's 29–34 mm. If you use a UK-spec crop for an Australian application it will likely be rejected for head size. The background is also white rather than the UK's light grey.
The other strict rule is lighting: DFA rejects photos with shadows on the face or behind the head, and glare on the face from uneven light sources. Daylight from a window, a plain white wall and standing a step away from the wall covers almost every case.
How to take one at home
- Stand against a plain white wall in indirect daylight — no direct sun, no overhead spotlights.
- Look straight at the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
- Frame the shot from about chest height with the full head visible.
- Crop to 35×45 mm with head height between 32 and 36 mm.
- Print on photo paper, or use the digital file for an online application.
Make your Australian passport photo free
Upload a photo — get the exact 35×45 mm crop with the 32–36 mm head check and white background. In your browser, nothing uploaded.
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