You need to send in a photo that meets strict biometric standards when you apply for a New Zealand passport. It's more vital than ever to send in a photo that fits the required 900x1200 pixel resolution now that submissions are digital. If you don't, you could face delays or even rejection. We'll show you how to take a passport photo for New Zealand that meets official standards using only your phone in this article. You can get the right size, lighting, and formatting for your photos without going to a photo studio with programs like PhotoGov.net.
Use your phone (ideally the back camera) to take a picture in front of a basic light background
Go to PhotoGov.net and choose "New Zealand Passport 900x1200 px" to upload it
Our program will automatically crop, resize, and change the photo to meet official standards
Download the optimized image so you may print it or send it in online
If you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of locating and hiring a professional photographer to take your picture, you can simply take your own from home. So long as you follow the below instructions carefully, you can capture the perfect passport photo yourself:
Open up the PhotoGov.net photo service and take your picture. Make sure you’re not wearing any headcovers or glasses, do not wear a uniform, and keep your expression neutral. Ensure that the area is well-lit and that you are standing against a neutral background.
Watch "How to take a photo" (00:46)
Next, upload your image and process it through our site.
Finally, you can download your ID photo. These images can be printed off, or you can simply use them as digital photos.
Here is a complete technical table for the digital version of the New Zealand passport photo:
Wide | 900 pixels |
Height | 1200 pixels |
Aspect Ratio | 3:4 |
Head Height (top of hair to chin) | Between 70% and 80% of image height (approx. 840–960 px) |
Distance from top to top of hair | At least 6 mm space (approx. 60–80 px) |
Image Definition Parameters | Sharp, clear, in color, no compression artifacts |
Background Color | Plain, light grey, white or off-white |
Resolution (dpi) | 300 dpi minimum for digital files |
Facial Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling |
Glasses | Not recommended; glare or frames over eyes = rejection |
Head Covering | Only for religious/medical reasons; full face must be visible |
File Format | JPEG or JPG |
File Size | Between 250 KB and 10 MB |
Printable | Not required for online submission |
Suitable for Online Submission | Yes |
New Zealand has accepted digital submissions, which is different from many other countries that only accept printed passport images. This means that your photo must meet pixel-based standards (900x1200 px) and not just size limitations like 35x45 mm.
The head should take up 70% to 80% of the frame, and the lighting should be natural, with no harsh shadows or color casts. It is against the rules to use filters from phone apps.
Stand in front of a window to get gentle, natural light. Don't use lights above your head
Make sure your eyes are level and your face is centered in the frame
Wear basic clothes that stand out against the light background
Don't smile or open your mouth; just keep your face neutral
After you take your picture, upload it to PhotoGov.net. Our AI technology will:
Cut your picture down to 900 by 1200 pixels
Put your head in the middle
If necessary, change the backdrop to a solid light gray
Make sure the file size is less than 500 KB
Create a digital version that may be sent online
Below are examples of correct and incorrect photos
When taking pictures of babies and children for passport, many of the same rules apply; for example, they must still adhere to the dress code, and the photograph must be high-quality and well-lit. With that being said, the State Department is generally more forgiving when it comes to the neutral expression requirement.
For slightly older babies:
Following New Zealand's DIA picture rules exactly
Automatic cropping and changing the background
PEG image in digital form that is ready to be sent
No extra fees, no need to make an appointment
You don't need any specialized skills or knowledge to use our online passport photo service.
Wrong size: sending in pictures that are 600x800 or 2x2 inches instead of 900x1200 px
Filters or retouching — this will automatically have your application turned down
Bad lighting — shadows or an inconsistent tone on the face
Smiling or tilting your head will both make your images non-biometric
Wearing glasses, especially ones with clear lenses, might induce glare
With PhotoGov, you don't have to worry about these problems because it has automated inspections and compliance tools
Can I smile in my New Zealand passport photo?
Can I wear makeup?
Can I wear a hijab or turban?
How do I upload the photo to the passport application?
Is a printed version needed?
Other documents for the New Zealand
New Zealand
13 doc.