AU Australia adult proof of age card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Document Checklist - Everything You Need

Requirements

• Photograph size: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (5 × 5 cm) with head height 31–36 mm and 3–5 mm clearance above hair
• Background: plain pale grey or cream with no shadows, patterns or objects visible
• Photo quality: high-resolution full-colour print on matte, non-glare paper with sharp focus and no ink specks or creases
• Head position & expression: centred and facing camera straight on, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open, no tilt or turn
• Glasses & eyewear: everyday prescription glasses allowed with thin frames and clear lenses, no glare, no tinted or sunglasses
• Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons, but must not obscure facial features from chin to forehead and both cheeks
• Photo recency: taken within the last six months to accurately reflect current appearance
• Completed application form: all fields filled in legibly, signed and dated where required by your state or territory authority
• Primary identity document: original Australian birth certificate or current Australian passport (certified copy if posted)
• Secondary identity document: current Australian driver licence or state/territory photo ID card
• Proof of address: recent utility bill, bank statement or lease agreement dated within three months showing full name and current residential address
• Name-change documentation: certified copy of marriage certificate, deed poll or change-of-name certificate if your current name differs from primary ID
• Signature requirement: sign the back of one photo in black or dark blue ink and ensure your signature matches other ID documents
• Application fee payment: pay the correct fee via approved methods (card, cheque or money order) as specified by your issuing authority

Step-by-Step Process

• Complete and sign the Adult Proof of Age Card Application Form: download the form from your state’s registry website, fill in all fields legibly in black ink or digitally, sign and date to confirm your declaration.
• Gather primary and secondary identity documents: select one primary photo ID (e.g., birth certificate or passport) and two secondary IDs (e.g., driver licence, Medicare card, bank statement) ensuring each is current and valid for the 100-point identity check.
• Have two 35×45 mm colour photos taken: visit a professional photographer or participating retailer to get front-on, neutral-expression images printed on high-quality photo paper with a plain light background and your face covering 70–80% of the frame.
• Certify your ID document copies: have a Justice of the Peace, pharmacist, teacher, or other authorised person stamp, sign, and date clear photocopies of your primary and secondary documents to prove authenticity.
• Complete the Document Checklist: tick off each item—signed application form, certified ID copies, original IDs for verification, two compliant photos, and payment receipt—to ensure nothing is missing.
• Pay the application fee: use credit/debit card, EFTPOS, or bank transfer as specified on the application form, then retain the payment receipt or transaction reference as proof of payment.
• Lodge in person at a registry or Service NSW centre: bring your originals, certified copies, photos, signed form, and payment receipt; present everything to the counter officer for final verification and collect your acknowledgement slip with processing timeframe.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precision photo size: use a 35×45 mm color photo with a plain light background and 80% face coverage to meet card specs and avoid instant rejection.
• Valid identity documents: submit one primary ID (e.g., passport) plus two secondary IDs with matching details to prevent mismatches and processing delays.
• Current proof of address: provide a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months showing your full name to eliminate auto-rejections for outdated documents.
• Consistent personal details: verify that your name, birth date, and spelling are identical across all forms and attachments to avoid verification failures.
• Certified copies prepared: if originals aren’t accepted, get copies certified by an authorised person (e.g., justice of the peace) to satisfy legal requirements and speed up approval.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring your 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) Adult Proof of Age Card application meets every requirement is vital for a smooth, rejection-free process. By adhering strictly to the document checklist, you safeguard against delays and verify your identity with confidence.

Key Points Summary:

• Card size: precise 35 × 45 mm photograph (5 × 5 cm)
• Photo specs: neutral expression, plain light background, head 32–36 mm high, no shadows or reflections
• Identity documents: original birth certificate or passport, plus one secondary ID (e.g., driver licence)
• Proof of address: recent utility bill or bank statement with matching name and address
• Application form: fully completed, signed, and dated in black or blue ink
• Fees: exact payment via approved methods (credit card, money order or cheque)
• Submission: in-person at approved Australia Post outlets or participating Service NSW centres

By satisfying each checklist item – from photo precision to supporting documents – you’ll secure your Adult Proof of Age Card swiftly and without avoidable setbacks.