Australian Passport Photo Requirements

About Australian Passport

The Australian passport is an official travel document issued to Australian citizens, enabling international travel and serving as proof of Australian citizenship and identity. It’s one of the most powerful passports globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

What is it used for?

• International travel and border crossings
• Proof of Australian citizenship and identity
• Visa applications for foreign countries
• Opening international bank accounts
• Employment verification abroad
• Emergency identification overseas
• Consular services and assistance
• Age verification for various services

How to Obtain an Australian Passport

Eligibility:

• Australian citizens by birth, descent, or conferral
• Must be able to prove Australian citizenship
• No outstanding legal issues preventing travel

Required Documents:

For First-Time Applicants:

1. Citizenship Evidence:
   • Australian birth certificate, or
   • Certificate of Australian citizenship, or
   • Evidence of Australian citizenship by descent
2. Identity Documents (100 points required):
   • Driver’s license, Medicare card, etc.
3. Passport Photos (2 identical copies)
4. Completed Application Form (PC7 or PC8)

For Renewals:

1. Most recent Australian passport
2. Passport Photos (2 identical copies)
3. Completed Renewal Form (PC7)
4. Additional identity if name has changed

Application Process:

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Collect all required citizenship and identity documents
• Ensure documents meet the 100-point identity check
• Obtain compliant passport photographs

Step 2: Complete Application

• Fill out Form PC7 (renewal) or PC8 (first passport)
• Have guarantor sign if required (for first-time applicants)
• Ensure all sections are completed accurately

Step 3: Lodge Application

• Australia Post: Most convenient option, available at participating outlets
• Passport Office: Direct lodgement at Australian Passport Office
• Overseas: At Australian diplomatic missions

Step 4: Interview (if required)

• First-time adult applicants may need an interview
• Children under 16 must attend with parent/guardian
• Bring all original documents for verification

Processing Times:

• Priority processing: 2 business days (additional $225)
• Standard processing: 3 weeks from lodgement
• Overseas applications: 6-8 weeks
• Peak periods: Allow extra time (December-February)

Fees (2024):

• Adult passport (10 years): $325
• Child passport (5 years): $160
• Priority processing: Additional $225
• Overseas surcharge: Additional $123

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain, light-colored, uniform (white or light grey)
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even, natural lighting without harsh shadows

Strict Australian Requirements

• Glasses: Generally NOT permitted unless medically necessary with doctor’s letter
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Prohibited except for religious or medical reasons
• Background: Must be plain and light-colored
• Expression: Serious, neutral expression required
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking at camera

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Insufficient resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Digital alterations or filters applied
• Poor color reproduction

Background Problems

• Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects or people visible in background
• Dark or non-uniform backgrounds

Composition Errors

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Head not centered or tilted
• Too much or too little space around head
• Improper cropping of shoulders

Appearance Issues

• Wearing glasses (unless medically necessary)
• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Multiple exposures or double images
• Wrong file format for digital submission

Tips for Perfect Australian Passport Photos

Professional Photography

• Use a professional photographer experienced with Australian passport requirements
• Ensure they understand the strict no-glasses policy
• Verify they can provide exact 35×45mm dimensions

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Pure white or light grey wall
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing for contrast

Before Submission

• Remove glasses unless medically necessary
• Ensure hair is neat and away from face
• Check all measurements and specifications
• Verify photo is recent (within 6 months)
• Print on high-quality photo paper

Special Requirements

For Children Under 16:

• Parent or guardian must be present at lodgement
• Same photo requirements apply
• Additional consent forms required
• Birth certificate mandatory

For Glasses Wearers:

• Glasses generally not permitted in passport photos
• Medical exemption requires doctor’s letter
• If approved, glasses must have no reflections
• Clear prescription lenses only

For Religious Headwear:

• Face must be fully visible from hairline to chin
• Ears should be visible unless covered for religious reasons
• No shadows cast on face by headwear
• Religious exemption letter may be required

For Name Changes:

• Additional documentation required (marriage certificate, deed poll)
• May require guarantor verification
• Processing time may be extended

Guarantor Requirements

Who Can Be a Guarantor:

• Australian citizen who has known you for at least 12 months
• Must be from approved occupation list (doctor, dentist, pharmacist, etc.)
• Cannot be related to you or living at same address

Guarantor Responsibilities:

• Verify your identity and citizenship
• Sign application form and one passport photo
• May be contacted by passport office for verification
• Must provide their contact details and occupation

Ready to apply for your Australian passport? Our AI-powered tool creates perfect passport photos that meet all official Australian Passport Office requirements.