Australia Driver Licence Photo Requirements 2026
Australian driver licences are issued by individual state and territory road authorities (Service NSW, VicRoads, Transport for NSW, Department of Transport WA, etc.), but biometric photos follow the standard 35×45 mm equivalent specification. In practice, your photo is captured on-site at the licensing centre during your application or renewal.
Key details
- Photo captured on-site at the state licensing centre — not at home or photo studios.
- Each state has its own renewal cycle (typically 5–10 years).
- NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT all use similar biometric standards.
Shared rules with the country overview
These apply to every document this country issues — see the full breakdown on the country page.
Background
Plain light grey, light blue, or off-white. Pure white is also accepted in practice. No patterns, no shadows.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed. Both eyes open and clearly visible. No smiling, no frowning.
Glasses
Glasses are not recommended. If worn, frames must not obscure the eyes and there must be no glare on the lenses.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own photo for the Australian driver licence? +
Are driver licences the same in every Australian state? +
How often is the driver licence photo retaken? +
Can I practice at home before the licensing photo? +
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