This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Find out more on how we use cookies. x
New Zealand Government
New Zealand Government | Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa
  1. Home /
  2. Passport photos

Notice

From 2 May 2025, passport and travel document fees have changed. See the Department of Internal Affairs media release for details.

Official Home

Passport photos

  • How to take a passport photo
  • Check your photo meets the technical requirements

Passport photos

  • How to take a passport photo
  • Check your photo meets the technical requirements

Passport photos

Your passport photo must be less than 6 months old, and meet certain requirements. You can either use a professional service or ask someone you know to take your photo. Selfies are not accepted.

Option 1: Use a passport photo service

You can get your photo taken:

  • at Warehouse Stationery's guaranteed passport photo service
  • at selected pharmacies, or
  • by a professional photographer.

Ask the photographer to email you a digital copy of the photo. Scans of physical photos will not be accepted.

Check your photo meets our technical requirements

Option 2: Ask someone you know to take your photo

If you get a friend or family member to take your photo, first check how to take a photo that meets passport requirements.

Your application may be delayed if your photo doesn't meet requirements.

You cannot use a selfie in your passport. If the camera is too close, your face will look distorted and the photo may be rejected when a passport officer checks it.

Step 1:

Learn how to take a photo that meets requirements

Step 2:

Check your photo meets our technical requirements

In this section

How to take a passport photo

Your passport photo must be a portrait image, in colour, and taken within the last 6 months. Selfies are not accepted.

Check your photo meets the technical requirements

Check your photo meets the technical requirements, and test it with our online photo checker.

Print

Last Updated

Page last updated: 12 July 2024

About

  • About this site
  • Your privacy
  • Copyright
  • Terms of use
  • Accessibility

Contact us

  • In New Zealand
  • In Australia
  • In the United Kingdom
  • In any other country

Apply

  • Start application

 

  •  
Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua
New Zealand Government New Zealand Government

Back to top