How to Take an Australia Passport Photo at Home (2026)
With your phone, a plain light background and a free tool, you can crop a compliant 35×45 mm Australian passport photo and print it at home in minutes.
Plain, light and uncluttered (white or light grey)
Expression
Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Quantity
Two identical photos for a paper application
Taken within
Last 6 months
Australian applications usually need two identical photos, and one may need to be endorsed on the back by your guarantor. This guide helps with size and quality — always confirm the current rules on passports.gov.au before submitting.
Step by step: take the photo
Plain light wall, standing about half a metre away so no shadow falls behind your head.
Soft daylight from a window for even lighting — avoid harsh overhead light.
Someone photographs you from about 1.2 m at eye level, phone upright, you facing the lens.
Neutral expression — mouth closed, eyes open, no smiling.
Take several and keep the sharpest, most evenly lit one.
💡 Two-photo rule: like several countries, Australia typically asks for two identical prints for a paper application. Print a pair on one 4×6 sheet to save money.
Common reasons Australian passport photos get rejected
Shadows on the face or background — use even front lighting.
Busy or dark background — keep it plain and light.
Head too large or small in the frame.
Smiling or glare on glasses — neutral face, clear eyes.
Only one photo when two identical prints are required.
FAQ
What size is an Australian passport photo? 35 × 45 mm, with the head roughly 32–36 mm from chin to crown on a plain light background.
Can I make it at home with my phone? Yes for the photo. Remember Australia usually needs two identical prints, one possibly endorsed on the back.
Does the tool change my background? No. Start against a plain light wall; the tool only crops to the correct size.