New Zealand Evidence of Age Document/Kiwi Access Card Photo Specifications

• Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high

• Orientation: Portrait

• Number required: Two identical printed colour photos

• Photo age: Taken within the last 12 months

• Paper: Colour photo-quality paper

• Background: Plain, light-coloured and free from shadows

• Pose: Full front view of the face and shoulders

• Expression: Neutral expression with the mouth closed

• Image quality: Clear, sharp and in focus

• Selfies: Not accepted

• Editing: The image must be a true likeness and must not be altered or distorted

How to Make a Compliant Kiwi Access Card Photo with IDPhotoDIY

Step 1: Take a photo

Stand in front of a plain, light-coloured background and ask someone to take a sharp, front-facing photo of you. Ensure your face is fully visible, your eyes are open, and you have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Use good lighting and avoid any shadows on your face or the background.

Step 2: Upload your photo to IDPhotoDIY

Upload your image to our photo tool.

Step 3: Adjust and crop the photo

Our passport photo tool automatically removes the background and crops your image to the correct 35 × 45 mm size. It will also centre your face and ensure your head is properly positioned and meets the required proportions.

Step 4: Download and use your photo

Once your photo is correctly formatted, download the final result - including both a single digital image for online submission and a printable template.

Facial Expression and Head Position

Look directly at the camera with your head straight.

Keep a neutral expression and close your mouth. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible. Keep your hair away from your eyes and the sides of your face.

Can You Wear Glasses?

You may wear ordinary prescription glasses if:

• The lenses are clear rather than tinted.

• There is no glare or flash reflection.

• The frames do not cover your eyes.

• The frames are not excessively thick.

• There is a visible gap between your eyes and the frames.

Sunglasses and dark or tinted glasses are not accepted.

Headwear and Religious Coverings

Do not wear a hat, hood, headband or head covering unless it is required for religious or medical reasons. Your facial features must remain fully visible.

Additional information may be required on the application form when a religious or medical head covering is worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Kiwi Access Card photo?

A printed Kiwi Access Card photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high.

How many photos do I need?

A paper application requires two identical, recent, passport-sized colour photos.

How recent must the photo be?

The photo must have been taken within the last 12 months.

Can I use a selfie?

No. Ask another person to take the photo or use a tripod and timer while keeping the camera approximately 1.5 metres away.

Can I smile in my Kiwi Access Card photo?

Use a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.

Does the background have to be white?

Use a plain, light-coloured background with strong contrast and no shadows. Avoid a background that blends into your face or hair.

Can I wear prescription glasses?

Yes, provided your eyes remain clearly visible and there is no tint, glare, reflection or heavy frame covering your eyes.

Can I use a prepared digital photo for an online application?

The official online application takes your photograph using your device’s camera or webcam. Prepared 35×45 mm photos are mainly intended for paper applications.

Official Source

https://kiwiaccess.co.nz/photo-requirements/