How to take an I.D. Photo (using a smartphone or other device)

Applicants are no longer required to purchase a Passport photo.  We now accept a digital image taken from a suitable camera device.  See sample photo below.

As per NZ Dept. of Internal Affairs’ acceptable photo standards, please ensure images adhere to the following criteria below (photos must be in colour, and less than 6 months old.  Selfies are NOT accepted):

Notes: 

  • DO NOT supply a photograph of another photo or paper print.
  • DO NOT supply your favourite Facebook or Social Media photo from 2+ years ago.
  • DO NOT supply an old photo (unless it was taken within 6 months and is of suitable passport quality)
  • DO NOT alter the digital photo – we will make any necessary adjustments.

  1. Have an assistant take your photo using the back camera of the device:
    • DO NOT take selfies: a front camera has a wide-angle lens, unsuitable for close up photography (i.e. facial photography will appear distorted).
    • Adjust your camera app settings to capture photos of at least 3 Megapixels (MP) quality.  The higher, the better.
  2. Turn OFF the electronic flash.
  3. Do not aim the camera into direct light.  This results in a darker image (i.e. the camera attempts to compensate for the backlighting).
  4. The subject’s facial expression should be neutral.
  5. Have the subject remove any tinted (or thick-framed) glasses.
    • Note 1: reflections in the lens is unacceptable as this obscures the subject’s eyes.
    • Note 2: non-tinted, thin-framed glasses are acceptable.
    • Note 3: if the subject wears prescription glasses during the course of their duties, please supply a photo wearing these glasses (with no reflection in the lens).
  6. Have the subject remove any hats, hoods, headbands or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons).
  7. Have the subject look directly at the camera lens.
  8. Have the camera operator stand approximately 1 metre away from the subject to take a Head & Chest photo (allow suitable clearance around the subject – see sample photo below).
    • Note 3: photos taken too close (i.e. no clearance) cannot be cropped for the ID card software.
    • Note 4: photos taken too far away from the subject are unsuitable for reproduction (i.e. results in blur when enhanced).
  9. Hold the camera at eye level.
  10. Take the photo in Colour (black and white is unacceptable).
  11. The AVP must send the original digital image file (e.g. jpg file on your device) to CPNZ.
    • Please DO NOT alter the original photo – we will make any necessary adjustments.

Notes: 

  1. We often receive unsuitable photos.  Usually because:
    • the patrol AVP has not understood our new photo requirements.
    • the applicant has not received our photo instructions, or misunderstood our new requirements.
  2. Where possible, CPNZ prefers the AVP take a digital photo of the applicant at time of the interview (unless the applicant is capable of supplying one to our specifications).
  3. Digital photos should be of similar quality for a Passport application.  If in doubt, refer to the  Online Photo Checker.  However, we can usually modify most photos.
  4. We require the original photo file taken from the device (we do not accept copies of paper photos).
    • Please DO NOT alter the original photo – we will make any necessary adjustments.

 

Reasons for rejected photos:

  • Face is too dark
  • Reflection in the lens of prescription glasses (obscuring subject’s eyes)
  • Photo taken too close (unable to crop).
  • Photo taken too far away (poor quality image after enhancing)
  • Photo is not in original digital format
  • Text (or other object) obscuring head/neck area
  • Paper prints are no longer accepted

Photo taken 1 metre from subject (please allow sufficient room around the subject for further cropping).