- To obtain an Australian passport, send two identical color photos of yourself with your application.Australian Passport image by dc_slim from Fotolia.com
Whether you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing an old passport, you must send two recent photographs of yourself along with your application. The Australian government requires that your photos be less than six months old. Specifications are numerous, but following them is simple once you understand that the government wants to see your full face in your passport photo, making it easy for officials to recognize and approve you when you hand them your passport at check points. - When preparing to take the photo, choose a background in a light color; the government recommends cream, white or pale blue. The photo must be 45 to 50 mm tall and 25 to 40 mm wide, with a view of your face that is 32 to 26 mm from your crown to your chin. The government will not accept photos in which you appear too close or far from the camera. Photos must be in color.
- When taking the photo, keep everything off your face so the edges of your face are showing. Do not wear a hat or any other kind of facial adornment, like sunglasses, although you may wear a scarf around your head for religious purposes if you keep it pushed back off your face. You may wear prescription glasses if you normally wear them. Brush your hair out of your eyes before taking the photo. Look straight at the camera and keep your lips closed.
- Photos cannot be computer-generated or enhanced. The government does not allow you to edit your photos on the computer to remove spots or wrinkles. There should be no red eye, flash reflection or inappropriate contrast, nor should the photographs be too light or too dark. Leave the photo untrimmed and uncropped.
- Include two identical photos in your passport application. If you are renewing your passport, on the back of one photo print your full name. If it is a new application, on the back of one photo print the words, "This is a true photo of [your name]." Do not staple the photo to the application.
- Infant photos should be the same size as adult photos. Infants must look straight at the camera, without any objects in the background--not even a parent's guiding hand. Make sure there are no shadows or flash reflections before sending.
