Mistake 1: Wrong Background Colour
The most common rejection reason. Background must be plain white or very light grey.
Common errors:
- Using a cream or off-white wall
- Photographing against a blue, grey, or coloured wall
- Having a visible shadow behind you on the background
Fix: Stand 1 metre from a plain white wall, or use our background removal tool.
Mistake 2: Head Too Small or Too Large
Head (chin to crown) must be 32–36 mm in a 45×35 mm photo.
Errors:
- Standing too far away (head too small)
- Standing too close (head too large)
- Cropping the photo incorrectly after taking it
Fix: Use our AI tool to automatically crop and size your photo correctly.
Mistake 3: Glasses
Glasses are not permitted in Australian passport photos (except with valid medical reason).
Even clear or thin-framed glasses will trigger rejection.
Fix: Remove glasses before taking the photo.
Mistake 4: Smiling or Expression Issues
DFAT requires a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open.
Errors:
- Smiling with teeth visible
- Mouth slightly open
- Eyes squinting
- Raised eyebrows
Fix: Adopt a natural, relaxed neutral expression.
Mistake 5: Poor Lighting
Errors:
- Shadows on face or background
- Overexposure (face washed out)
- Flash causing red-eye
- Backlight from window behind you
Fix: Use natural daylight from a window facing you. Avoid flash.
Mistake 6: Head Tilt or Off-Centre
Head must be:
- Looking directly at the camera
- Perfectly centred (not tilted left/right or up/down)
- Both eyes at the same height
Fix: Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo at eye level.
Mistake 7: Blurry or Low-Resolution Photo
DFAT requires a sharp, focused photo at minimum 300 DPI.
Errors:
- Camera shake
- Subject moving during shot
- Excessive compression
- Pixelation from upsizing a small image
Fix: Use a tripod and take multiple shots. Use our tool to verify resolution.
Mistake 8: Wearing a Hat or Head Covering (Without Exemption)
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons.
Hats, caps, and fashion accessories are not allowed.
Fix: Remove hats and non-religious head coverings.
Mistake 9: Hair Covering Face or Eyes
Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or create shadows on your face.
Fix: Tie back or pin hair away from your face before taking the photo.
Mistake 10: Wrong Photo Dimensions
Australian passport photos must be exactly 45 mm × 35 mm.
Errors:
- Using a square 50×50 mm format
- Printing at 35×35 mm
- Cropping to the wrong aspect ratio
Fix: Our tool automatically outputs the correct 45×35 mm format.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wrong background is the most common reason, followed by incorrect head size and glasses.
Yes — DFAT will request a new compliant photo. This adds weeks to processing time.
Use our free Australian passport photo checker before submitting. It validates all key DFAT requirements.
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