New Zealand ID Card Photo Requirements

Background and lighting

The background must be white or light grey, uniform and completely shadow-free. Requirements:

• Uniform colour — no gradients, patterns, or textures
• No shadows cast on the background or on the face
• Evenly lit — no dark spots or bright patches
• No other people or objects visible in the frame

Avoid wearing clothing that matches the background colour, as it can blend in and cause rejection.

Expression and appearance

• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed, no smiling.
• Eyes: both open, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye or glare.
• Ears: Both visible must be visible.
• Glasses: not permitted. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.
• Head covering: Religious only. Full face must be visible with no shadows.
• Hair: must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features.
• Clothing: everyday attire. Uniforms not permitted.

Common rejection reasons

• Wrong background — must be white or light grey. Any deviation causes rejection.
• Glasses — not permitted unless medically documented.
• Shadows — on the face or background from poor lighting.
• Head size incorrect — face must fill 70–80% of the frame.
• Non-neutral expression — smile, raised eyebrows, or open mouth.
• Photo too old — must be taken within ≤ 6 months.
• Low resolution or blur — minimum 300 DPI for print submissions.
• Digital retouching — beauty filters or skin smoothing cause rejection.

Frequently asked questions

← All countries