Official Dimensions at a Glance
| Measurement | Required Value |
|---|---|
| Photo width | 35 mm |
| Photo height | 45 mm |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32 mm – 36 mm |
| Head position | Centred horizontally, eyes in upper half |
| Print resolution | Minimum 300 DPI |
| Digital size equivalent (300 DPI) | Approx. 413 × 531 pixels |
| Colour | Full colour (not black & white) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
Always verify: Specifications may be updated by the Australian Passport Office. Check the official APO website before submitting.
Understanding Head Size Requirements
The 35×45 mm measurement refers to the total photo, not just the face. Within that space, the head itself (chin to the natural top of the head, not including hair above the crown) must measure between 32 mm and 36 mm in height.
This means your face should fill roughly 70–80% of the photo's height. A head that is too small (below 32 mm) or too large (above 36 mm) will result in rejection. This is one of the most common sizing errors.
Print Resolution: What 300 DPI Means in Practice
DPI stands for dots per inch. At 300 DPI, a 35×45 mm photo requires:
- Width: 35 mm ÷ 25.4 × 300 = 413 pixels
- Height: 45 mm ÷ 25.4 × 300 = 531 pixels
Most modern smartphones produce photos well above this resolution, so resolution is rarely an issue when the photo is taken correctly. The issue arises when photos are saved at low quality or excessively compressed.
Digital Photo Requirements
For online Australian passport applications or renewals, digital photos must meet these additional criteria:
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Minimum file size | Not specified, but quality must be maintained |
| Maximum file size | 10 MB |
| Minimum pixel dimensions | 413 × 531 px (300 DPI at 35×45 mm) |
| Colour space | sRGB recommended |
| Compression | Minimal — no visible compression artefacts |
Print Layout: How Many Photos Per Page?
Our AI tool outputs a ready-to-print sheet. Common print layouts:
| Print size | Number of photos | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) | 4 photos | 2 columns × 2 rows |
| A4 (21×29.7 cm) | Up to 20 photos | 4 columns × 5 rows |
Our service provides both a 10×15 cm and A4 print sheet after payment — ready to take to any photo lab or printer.
Size-Related Rejection Reasons
- Head height below 32 mm (head too small in frame)
- Head height above 36 mm (head too large / cropped too tight)
- Photo dimensions not exactly 35×45 mm when printed
- Low resolution resulting in visible pixelation or blur
- Head not centred in the frame
- Eyes not positioned in the upper half of the photo