Home > Passport Photo Requirements > New Zealand Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)

New Zealand Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document Photo Maker
35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Size and Requirements

Country

New Zealand

Document type

Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document

Passport picture size

Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm

Resolution (DPI)

600

Image definition parameters

Head size: maximum 80% of the photo

Background color

plain and light

Printable photo

Yes

Digital photo for online submission

Yes

Digital photo size

Width: 1800 pixels , Height: 2400 pixels

Photo Paper type

matte

Detailed requirements
Last Update: July 26, 2026

Requirement	Specification
Printed photo size	35 mm wide × 45 mm high
Number of photos	2 identical colour photographs
Photo age	Taken within the last 6 months
Head position	Centred and facing directly towards the camera
Head size	Head, including hair, must be no more than 80% of the photograph
Background	Plain and light, but not white
Expression	Neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed
Lighting	Even lighting with no shadows, glare or reflected light
Image quality	Sharp, in focus and free from red-eye
Photo paper	High-quality, high-resolution photo paper or suitable low-gloss coated thermal paper

Printing your photographs

Print two identical colour photographs at exactly 35 × 45 mm.

Use high-quality, high-resolution photo paper or suitable low-gloss coated thermal paper. Do not use matt paper, heavy-backed thermal paper or an inkjet printer.

Do not staple, glue or paperclip the photographs to the application form because this may damage them. Your witness must write your full name, sign and date the back of one photograph.

Create your 35 × 45 mm photo online with our photo editor IDPhotoDIY

Upload your photograph to:

Crop it to the required 35 × 45 mm dimensions
Position your face within the crop guide
Prepare a printable photo sheet
Download a single digital image for personal printing

Frequently asked questions

What size is a New Zealand Refugee Travel Document photo?

The required printed photograph size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high.

How many photographs do I need?

The application requires two identical colour photographs taken within the previous six months.

Should the background be white?

No. The official instructions require a plain, light background that is not white, with clear contrast and no shadows.

Can I smile in the photograph?

No. You should maintain a neutral expression with your eyes open and mouth closed, without smiling or frowning.

Can I wear glasses?

Glasses are acceptable when your eyes are clearly visible and there is no reflection. Heavy frames, sunglasses and tinted lenses that obscure your eyes are not acceptable.

Can I submit a digital photograph?

The current Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document application form asks for two printed colour photographs. Follow the instructions on the latest official application form when submitting your application.

Source: https://www.passports.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/54752/PAS205-Application-for-a-certificate-of-identity-or-refugee-travel-document.pdf

Source

Do not worry about the photo size requirements. IDPhotoDIY online tool will help you make correct New Zealand Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document size photos.

How to make New Zealand Certificate of Identity / Refugee Travel Document photo online

Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.

Note: No need to worry about the background as our online passport photo generator will automatically remove or change the background for you.

unacceptable passport photo

Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.

Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.

Your face must still be fully visible. Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.

No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

acceptable passport photo

Step 4: Pose for a passport

Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.

Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.

Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.

Position the camera in the same height as the head.

unacceptable passport photo

Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.

Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.