Quick answer
Can I wear glasses or smile in an Australian passport photo?
No to both. The Australian Passport Office does not allow glasses unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons, and anyone over 3 needs a neutral expression with eyes open. Photos must be 35–40 × 45–50 mm, face 32–36 mm, on plain white or light grey, less than 6 months old.
Quick answers about Australian passport photos and other ID photos. For full details, follow the links to each guide.
35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high, with your face measuring 32–36 mm from chin to crown. See the full Australian passport photo requirements.
No, unless you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Vision impairment alone is not accepted. Licence photos are also taken without glasses.
No. Anyone over 3 needs a neutral expression with eyes open. Children under 3 may have their mouth open.
Plain white or light grey, contrasting with your face. Citizenship photos use a neutral or light grey background, and the ImmiCard an 18% grey backdrop.
Not on an inkjet printer. The Australian Passport Office requires dye-sublimation prints on heavy-weight glossy paper of at least 200 gsm. See taking and printing your own photo.
For a first passport on a paper form, your guarantor writes "This is a true photo of [your full name]" and signs. For a renewal, you write your own full name. See passport guarantors.
Less than 6 months old for passports, citizenship, visas and the ImmiCard. Victoria's Working with Children Check accepts photos up to 12 months old.
Yes, for religious reasons, if it is plain, without patterns, and shows your whole face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
No. Do not remove moles, wrinkles, scars or red eye, smooth your skin or change the background. Cropping is fine.
The standard rules apply, except that children under 3 may have their mouth open. No one else, including a parent's hand, may be in the photo. See baby and child passport photos.
Usually not: licence photos are taken at the service centre. Supplied photos are only used for photo kits and remote renewals. See driver licence photos.
Often. The UK ETA and the US ESTA both ask for a photo or selfie, and visas for India, Vietnam and many long stays need a visa photo. See visa photos for Australians.
No. This is an independent guide. We link to the official Australian Passport Office, Home Affairs, state government and university pages that each article is based on. Always check the official source before applying.
Official sources
- Australian Passport Office: Passport photos
- Australian Passport Office: Guarantors, referees and witnesses
- Home Affairs: Photo requirements for citizenship applications
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.