Requirements

Content about AU Australia Passport 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Requirements Guide - requirements

Step-by-Step Process

• Understand Australian Passport Photo Specifications: confirm exact dimensions are 35 × 45 mm, head height (crown to chin) 32–36 mm, eyes 15–20 mm from top, plain white/light-grey background, colour photo taken within last 6 months.
• Dress and Groom According to Guidelines: wear everyday attire (no uniforms), remove glasses/hats unless for religious purposes, ensure hair does not cover eyes or face, maintain neutral expression with mouth closed.
• Prepare Background and Lighting Setup: position a plain white or light-grey backdrop at least 1 m behind subject, set two diffused lights at 45° angles to subject to eliminate shadows, avoid direct flash and reflections.
• Position Camera and Subject Correctly: mount camera on tripod 2–5 m from subject at eye level, have subject stand 1 m from background, centre head and shoulders in frame, maintain natural posture.
• Configure Camera Settings and Capture Photo: select high resolution (≥ 600 dpi), aperture f/4–f/6 for depth of field, manual focus on eyes, shoot multiple frames in RAW or high-quality JPEG to ensure at least one compliant image.
• Crop and Resize Precisely to 35 × 45 mm: import best image into editing software, set canvas to 35 × 45 mm at 300 dpi, align head height at 32–36 mm and eye line 15–20 mm from top, crop without distorting proportions.
• Verify Image Quality and Compliance: inspect printed or digital proof for even lighting, no shadows/reflections, natural skin tones, no red-eye, sharp focus on both eyes, no dust/scratches or compression artifacts.
• Produce Final Print or Digital File: for print use high-quality glossy paper at true size (1:1) with no scaling; for digital submission save as JPEG ≤ 10 MB, retain EXIF data, ensure colour space sRGB, upload via official passport portal or attach to application form.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact dimensions and framing: Ensure your photo is exactly 35×45 mm with head height 32–36 mm and 5 mm margin above the crown—mis-sizing or wrong cropping is the #1 cause of rejects, so use an official template or editing tool.
• Neutral expression and clear eyes: Maintain a natural, closed-mouth expression with both eyes fully visible—smiling or obscured eyes often trigger automatic refusal, so practice in front of a mirror and remove stray hair.
• Plain, light background: Use a smooth, light grey or off-white backdrop with even lighting and no shadows or patterns—background flaws commonly fail digital checks, so test with diffused light and retouch only minor marks.
• No obstructions or accessories: Remove glasses, hats, scarves and jewellery that cover any part of your face or ears (except permitted religious headwear with full facial visibility)—covered features lead to instant rejection, so review exception rules carefully.
• High-quality print and paper: Print on high-resolution matte photo paper with true-to-life skin tones and no ink streaks or pixelation—poor print quality is a frequent cause of refusal, so use a professional service or calibrated printer and check under natural light.

Conclusion

In summary, adhering to Australia’s 35 × 45 mm passport photo requirements ensures a smooth application process and avoids costly delays:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high with sharp, clear edges
• Head size and positioning: head height 32–36 mm, centered vertically with top of hair 3 mm from top edge
• Background and lighting: plain white or light grey background, even frontal lighting, no shadows on face or background
• Facial expression and appearance: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no eyeglasses, hats or head coverings (except for approved religious reasons)
• Image quality and finish: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), true-to-life skin tones, non-reflective, matte finish on quality photographic paper
• Compliance check: verify size, alignment, background, lighting, and expression before printing to meet Australian Passport Office standards

Following these key points guarantees a compliant photo that accelerates your passport approval. Good luck with your application!