Can I submit a photo online for a NZ passport?

Yes — NZ passports support a digital photo. This tool outputs the correct 35×45mm size; follow the official pose and lighting rules for acceptance.

Does New Zealand allow smiling?

No — a neutral expression with mouth closed is required. The tool sets the size and background; you provide the neutral pose.

Will a white background pass New Zealand's photo check?

Generally yes, provided your head and shoulders stand out from it. With very fair hair or a white top the checker can lose the outline, and the official advice is light grey or cream; pick light grey as the background colour in the tool.

Can I make a baby's passport photo this way?

Yes, the format is the same. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet, make sure no hand, toy or dummy is in the frame and the face is clearly visible; the background removal works best with nothing overlapping the child.

New Zealand Passport Photo (35x45mm) — Free Maker

Make a New Zealand passport photo (35×45mm) with a plain background — free, private.

Document type

Replace the background automatically (AI, recommended)

Background colour

Drop an image here or click to choose

your photo is processed on your device — never uploaded

New Zealand runs one of the most digital passport services anywhere: most applications are made online, the photo is uploaded as a file, and an automatic checker looks at it before a person does. The paper route still exists, and it wants a 35 by 45 millimetre print. Either way the content rules are the same: plain, light background with no shadows, head centred and taking up most of the height, neutral expression with the mouth closed, and a photo taken within the last six months.

With the New Zealand preset selected, this page lifts you out of the original background with an AI model running on your device, puts you on white or light grey, and sizes the image to the 35 by 45 format. It hands back a digital photo for the online form and a print sheet with several copies for a paper application.

One New Zealand-specific point: the official guidance accepts white but recommends light grey or cream when the applicant has very fair hair or wears a white top, because the checker needs a visible outline of the head. If that applies to you, pick light grey as the background colour, and wear something darker than it. The pose, the lighting and the six-month rule remain yours to get right, and the current pixel requirements for the upload are on the passports website, so compare them with the digital file before submitting.

More sizes & options

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit a photo online for a NZ passport?: Yes — NZ passports support a digital photo. This tool outputs the correct 35×45mm size; follow the official pose and lighting rules for acceptance.
Does New Zealand allow smiling?: No — a neutral expression with mouth closed is required. The tool sets the size and background; you provide the neutral pose.
Will a white background pass New Zealand's photo check?: Generally yes, provided your head and shoulders stand out from it. With very fair hair or a white top the checker can lose the outline, and the official advice is light grey or cream; pick light grey as the background colour in the tool.
Can I make a baby's passport photo this way?: Yes, the format is the same. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet, make sure no hand, toy or dummy is in the frame and the face is clearly visible; the background removal works best with nothing overlapping the child.

Guides

How to take a passport photo at home that gets accepted The rules that get home-made passport photos rejected are about the photo you take, not the software. Lighting, distance, background, expression and the exact sizes for the US, UK, EU, India and Canada, plus how to print several copies for the price of one.

Related tools

🔒 Your files are processed on your device. This tool runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.