Australia Passport Photo – Free Online Maker
Australian passport photos must be 35×45 mm, with the head height from chin to crown between 32 mm and 36 mm, on a plain white background. DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) requires the photo to be taken within the last 6 months and rejects photos with red-eye or shadows on the face. PicPassport crops to DFAT specs in-browser — nothing is uploaded.
The white background requirement is a key difference from the UK: Australian passport photos require plain white, while the UK requires light grey or cream. The photo dimensions (35×45 mm) are the same for both countries, but submitting an Australian photo with a grey background — or a UK photo with a white background — will result in rejection.
A neutral expression is required with the mouth closed and both eyes open. Smiling is not permitted. DFAT requires a neutral facial expression for biometric processing; a relaxed, neutral face ensures consistent face geometry across all recognition systems used at Australian border control. No glasses are permitted regardless of lens type.
For digital submission via the Australian Passport Office online portal, the file must be a JPEG with minimum dimensions of 413×531 pixels and a maximum file size of 5 MB. For paper applications, a guarantor must write their name and “This is a true photo of [name]” on the back of one of the two required prints. Children under 12 have relaxed expression rules and do not need to look directly at the camera.
Official Australia Passport Photo Requirements
- Size:35×45 mm — same physical dimensions as UK, but different background colour requirement
- Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
- Background: Plain white — not grey, no patterns, no shadows
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious or medical reasons
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- Children under 12: Relaxed rules apply — no other people visible, head coverings, or dummy/pacifier
- Digital format:JPEG, minimum 413×531 px, maximum 5 MB
How to Make Your Australia Passport Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Remove glasses before taking the photo.
- Adjust the crop.The tool automatically sets the crop to the 35×45 mm ratio. Drag the frame so your head height is between 32–36 mm in the final photo.
- Download and submit.Click Download to save your 35×45 mm photo. Submit it digitally via the Australian Passport Office online portal, or print it for a paper application.
Australia vs UK vs US Passport Photo
| Feature | Australia | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm | 35×45 mm | 51×51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Background colour | Plain white | Light grey or cream | Plain white |
| Photo validity | 6 months | 1 month | 6 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a 2×2 inch (US) photo.Australian photos are 35×45 mm — a rectangular format. Submitting a square US-sized photo will result in automatic rejection.
- Using a grey background. Australia requires a plain white background. Even a light grey background — acceptable for UK photos — will be rejected by DFAT.
- Shadows on the background or face. Ensure even lighting with no shadows cast on the wall behind you or across your face.
- Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted in Australian passport photos regardless of whether they are prescription or non-prescription.
- Smiling or open mouth. Your expression must be neutral with your mouth closed. A broad smile may cause the photo to be rejected.
Official Source
Requirements sourced from the Australian Passport Office photo requirements guide, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which sets binding specifications for all Australian passport applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Australian passport photo?
An Australian passport photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (35×45 mm). The head height must be between 32 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown. This is the same physical size as a UK passport photo, but Australia requires a plain white background rather than a light grey one.
What is the Australian passport photo size in inches?
The Australian passport photo is approximately 1.38 inches wide and 1.77 inches tall (1.38×1.77 inches). This is notably different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square format. Using a US-sized photo for an Australian passport application will result in rejection.
Is Australian passport photo background white or grey?
The Australian passport photo background must be plain white. This is an important difference from the UK, which accepts a light grey background. DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) specifically requires a plain white background with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible behind the subject.
Why are smiling photos rejected for Australian passport photos?
DFAT requires a neutral facial expression for biometric processing. A relaxed, neutral face with both eyes open ensures consistent face geometry, which is essential for the automated facial recognition systems used at Australian border control. Even a slight smile can alter key facial measurements used for biometric matching, causing the photo to fail automated checks. Children under 12 are exempt from this strict expression requirement.
Is Australian passport photo the same size as UK?
The physical dimensions are the same — both are 35×45 mm. However, there are key differences: Australia requires a strictly white background, while the UK accepts light grey. Head height requirements also differ slightly. You should always use the specific requirements for the country you are applying to.
How recent must an Australian passport photo be?
Your Australian passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. This is the same recency requirement as the US passport photo. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance, including any changes to hair, facial hair, or other distinguishing features.
Does the Australian Passport Office require a guarantor endorsement on the photo?
For paper applications, a guarantor must write their name and "This is a true photo of [full name]" on the back of one of the two required prints. The guarantor must be an Australian citizen who has known you for at least 12 months. Online renewal applications submitted through the Australian Passport Office portal do not require a guarantor endorsement on the photo.
What if my child cannot maintain a neutral expression for an Australian passport photo?
Children under 12 have relaxed expression rules. They do not need to look directly at the camera and a slight expression is acceptable. However, the child must be the only person visible in the photo — no parents, toys, or other objects. The background must still be plain white and the face must be clearly visible and in focus. These relaxed rules apply to children under 12 only.
See general passport photo FAQ →