New Zealand Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A New Zealand passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain light background. The head — chin to crown — must be 32 to 36 mm. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) applies these specifications. Online passport renewal supports digital photo upload, and DIA's photo validation rejects ~1 in 4 home-taken photos — strict adherence to the rules matters.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| New Zealand Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| New Zealand Driver Licence | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain light grey or off-white. No textures or patterns.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed in New Zealand passport photos (since 2016 update). Remove them.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear that does not cover the face.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Digital format
For RealMe online passport renewal, photos must be JPEG at minimum 900×1200 pixels.
Country-specific notes
- Glasses are not allowed in New Zealand passport photos since 2016.
- DIA online photo validation is strict — about 1 in 4 home-taken photos are rejected.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wearing glasses.
- 2 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 3 Background has shadows or is not plain.
- 4 Photo older than six months.
- 5 Insufficient resolution for online upload.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Plain light background
Stand 0.5 m from a plain light wall. Diffuse daylight in front, no shadow behind.
Remove glasses, neutral expression
Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away. No glasses. Mouth closed, no smile.
Verify DIA compliance
Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 32–36 mm. Our app verifies the rules before saving.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a New Zealand passport photo? +
Can I wear glasses for a New Zealand passport photo? +
Why are so many NZ passport photos rejected? +
Does the same photo work for an NZ visa or driver licence? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.