Quick answer
What does a passport guarantor write on the back of the photo?
For a first Australian passport on a paper form, your guarantor writes "This is a true photo of [your full name]" on the back of one photo in black pen and signs it. They must have known you for more than 12 months. The Australian Passport Office needs no guarantor for renewals.
For a first Australian passport on a paper form, a guarantor confirms your identity by signing your application and the back of one of your photos. If you use the online form, you name a referee instead, who signs nothing. Renewals need neither: you sign the back of a photo yourself.
What goes on the back of the photo
| First passport (adult) | Your guarantor writes "This is a true photo of [your full name]" and signs, in black pen |
|---|---|
| Child passport | The guarantor writes "This is a true photo of [your child's full name]" and signs |
| Renewal | You write your own full name on the back of one photo, in black pen |
| Online form | Your referee does not sign anything |
Sign gently, on one photo only
Write on the back of one photo only and press lightly, so the ink does not show through or mark the front. Heavy back-printing can make a photo unacceptable.
Who can be a passport guarantor
Your guarantor must:
- be an adult Australian citizen,
- have known you for more than 12 months, or since birth for a baby under 1, and
- either hold a current Australian passport with at least 2 years' validity, or have been on the electoral roll at their current address for at least 12 months.
Guarantors overseas must belong to one of the APO's approved occupational groups.
Who cannot be your guarantor
- Relatives by birth or marriage
- Your partner, or anyone who lives at your address
- Passport Officers and Australia Post employees
How to get your passport photo signed
- Check whether you need a guarantor. You need one for a first passport on a paper form. With the online form you name a referee, who signs nothing, and renewals need neither.
- Choose an eligible guarantor. An adult Australian citizen who has known you for more than 12 months, is not a relative, partner or someone at your address, and holds a current passport with at least 2 years' validity or has been on the electoral roll at their address for at least 12 months.
- Have them write on one photo. In black pen, on the back of one photo only: "This is a true photo of [your full name]", with their signature. Press lightly so the ink does not show through.
- Renewing? Sign it yourself. Write your own full name on the back of one photo, in black pen.
Your photo still has to pass
A guarantor's signature confirms who is in the photo; it does not make a non-compliant photo acceptable.
Passport guarantor FAQ
"This is a true photo of [your full name]", in black pen, with their signature. For a child, they write the child's full name.
No. The Australian Passport Office says you don't need a guarantor or a referee to renew. Write your own full name on the back of one photo instead.
No. Relatives by birth or marriage, partners and people who live at your address cannot be your guarantor.
A guarantor signs your paper form and the back of one photo. If you apply with the online form, you name a referee instead, who does not need to sign anything.
Official sources
- Australian Passport Office: Guarantors, referees and witnesses
- Australian Passport Office: Adult passport
- Australian Passport Office: Camera operator guide (PDF)
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.