Free check · by the document rules
New Zealand Passport photo checker
Upload a photo — we check it against every requirement of the document and give you a verdict.
- Your photo never leaves your device
- Free, no sign-up
- 33 checks by the authority rules
Passportlight, not whiteglasses — no glaresample
Step 1 · Upload a photo
or drop the file onto the drawing on the left
- Your photo never leaves your device
- Free, no sign-up
What we check — the document requirements
- 1Size and filePhoto and file size — as this document expects themfrom 900 × 1200 px
- 2Head in the photoHow much of the photo the head takes — from the crown to the chin70–80 % of the photo height · ICAO
- 3Eye heightHow high the eyes sit — measured from the bottom edge of the photo55–70 % from the bottom of the photo
- 4BackgroundColour and evenness of the background behind the headlight, not white
- 5Glasses and headwearWhether glasses and head coverings are allowed — by this document's rulesglasses — no glare
- 6Pose and faceLooking straight at the camera, mouth closed, a calm faceneutral face
- 7Light and sharpnessEven light on the face, a sharp colour photoeven light, sharp photo
Notes to the sheet
New Zealand Passport photo requirements at a glance
- The New Zealand Passport photo is submitted as a from 900 × 1200 px file.
- The head takes up 70–80 % of the photo height: the authority gives no numbers of its own, this is the ICAO baseline.
- The eyes sit at 55–70 % from the bottom of the photo.
- Background: light, not white.
- Glasses are fine if the lenses are clear and free of glare.
- Head coverings only for religious reasons, with the whole face visible.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed.
- File: at least 900 × 1200 px · 250–5120 KB · JPEG / JPG file.
- Rules: Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand, checked against the official text on 1 Oct 2026.
Why New Zealand Passport photos are rejected most often
- Photo taken as a selfie or in a non-passport style
- File outside the accepted range
- Photo older than 6 months
What we don't check
- When the picture was taken. We read the date from the file if it survived, but re-saving wipes it — and many authorities ask for a recent photo.
- Whether the picture was edited. Retouching, filters and AI changes cannot be proved from a file.
- Whether you have sent this picture before. Some authorities reject a photo that was already used in an earlier application.
- How the photo will be printed. Paper, trimming and print quality cannot be judged from a file.
- The route you apply through. Some countries want a code from an approved photographer, or take the picture at the office themselves.
Frequently asked
What size is the New Zealand Passport photo?
It is submitted as a from 900 × 1200 px file, with the head taking up 70–80 % of the photo height. The check compares your photo with these numbers and fits the file for free.
What background does the New Zealand Passport photo need?
Light and plain, but not white — light grey or light blue, for example. If yours does not fit, the free fix replaces it.
Can I wear glasses in the New Zealand Passport photo?
Yes, if the lenses are clear, free of glare and the frame does not cover the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.
Can I smile in the New Zealand Passport photo?
No: the expression is neutral, the mouth closed, the eyes looking straight into the camera.
Can I wear a head covering in the New Zealand Passport photo?
Only for religious reasons — and the whole face must stay visible, from chin to forehead, without shadows.
How do I take a child's photo for the New Zealand Passport?
Choose who is in the photo on the sheet: under 11, under 6 or under 1. Where the document has no child numbers of its own, the check uses the ICAO rules for children: the head takes up 50–90 % of the photo height; children under 6 may turn the head slightly (up to 15°) and need not keep a neutral face; babies under one may have their eyes closed.
Which rules is the New Zealand Passport photo checked against?
The rules of the authority that issues the document: Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand. The numbers are checked word for word against the official text; every verdict row has a «Why» with the rule quote and a link to the source.
Do I need to print the New Zealand Passport photo?
No: it is submitted as a from 900 × 1200 px file. Download the fixed file — it is already the right size.
Is the check free? Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
Free, no sign-up. The check and the fix run right in your browser — the photo never leaves your device; it goes to a server only if you choose the AI yourself.