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

Requirements

• Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high on plain white photographic paper, printed at 600 dpi or higher
• Head dimensions: 32–36 mm from chin to crown, head centred and occupying 70–80% of frame
• Background: uniform light grey or pale blue, no shadows, patterns or objects visible
• Facial expression: neutral with mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at camera
• Headwear: no hats or head coverings except for everyday religious garments that do not obscure facial features
• Eyewear: no tinted lenses, glasses frames must not cover eyes or cast shadows, no glare on lenses
• Photo age: taken within the last 6 months, accurately reflecting current appearance
• Photo quality: high resolution, sharp focus, correct contrast, no red‐eye, no creases or marks
• Paper and print finish: matte or semi‐matte finish, no borders or perforations, durable photo stock
• Application form: fully completed and signed proof of age card application (Form APU-1)
• Proof of identity: original Australian birth certificate or current Australian passport
• Secondary ID: current Australian driver’s licence or government‐issued photo ID card
• Proof of residency: recent utility bill or bank statement (dated within last 3 months) showing current address
• Witness declaration: application signed in presence of an authorised witness (JP, solicitor, police officer)
• Photo attachment: affix photo to form using glue or stamp as specified, do not use staples or tape
• Fee payment: correct application fee paid by credit/debit card, cash or EFTPOS at time of lodgement
• Signature: applicant’s signature in designated box on application form matching photo pose
• Eligibility age: applicant must be at least 18 years old at time of application
• Card validity: 5 years from date of issue, replacement fee applies for lost, stolen or damaged cards

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify eligibility and card type: confirm you’re an Australian resident aged 18 or over and that the 35×45 mm adult proof-of-age card is the correct state/territory ID (e.g., NSW Photo Card, VIC Proof of Age, QLD 18+ card) so you apply under the right scheme and avoid rejection.
• Gather primary identity documents: collect one original from this list—Australian birth certificate, Australian passport (current or expired within 2 years), or citizenship certificate—because these prove your full legal name and date of birth.
• Collect secondary identity documents: obtain two originals from different categories (e.g., current driver’s licence, Medicare card, bank statement, utilities bill) to verify your signature and residential address; each must show your name exactly as on your primary document.
• Prepare proof of residential address: if your secondary IDs don’t show your current address, add a recent (within 3 months) utility bill, council rate notice, or tenancy agreement in your name so the issuing authority can confirm where you live.
• Have documents certified if required: check your state’s rules—some jurisdictions (e.g., VIC, QLD) allow originals, others demand certified copies by an authorised witness (Justice of the Peace, lawyer) to guard against fraud and ensure photocopies are accepted.
• Obtain compliant photos: get two identical 35×45 mm colour head-and-shoulders photos taken within the last 6 months on a plain light background; ensure your face fills 70–80% of the frame, no shadows, neutral expression, and no head coverings unless for religious reasons.
• Complete the application form: fill in all fields legibly in black pen or online, matching exactly the names and dates on your identity documents; sign where indicated and date the form to certify accuracy.
• Pay the application fee: check the current fee with your state/territory authority (ranges A$30–A$35), and pay by the accepted methods (online, in-person, money order) to trigger processing.
• Submit in person or by post: deliver your original or certified documents, photos, application form, and payment receipt to an authorised service centre or mail them per the authority’s instructions; include a return-paid envelope if posting.
• Track and collect your card: retain your receipt or reference number to track processing (usually 10–15 business days); once approved, pick up in person with your receipt or await registered mail delivery.

Tips and Best Practices

• Accurate Photo Specifications: Ensure your headshot is exactly 35×45 mm printed on high-quality matte paper against a plain light background—cropped or low-resolution prints trigger automatic rejections so verify dimensions with a ruler and use a professional lab.
• Certified Copies of Identity Documents: Provide certified copies of your primary photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) plus secondary support documents certified by an authorised Australian witness—unsworn or uncertified copies are frequently returned, so confirm your certifier meets government guidelines.
• Complete the 100-Point Identity Check: Combine one 70-point primary document with additional 30 points (birth certificate, Medicare card, utility bill, etc.)—incorrect point combinations or expired documents commonly delay processing, so tally points carefully and replace any out-of-date items.
• Consistent Personal Details: Match your full name, date of birth and signature exactly across the application form, photos and all ID documents—any discrepancies or name variations lead to manual reviews, so review every field before submission.
• Payment and Form Integrity: Attach the correct application fee via approved payment methods and sign the form in the presence of your referee—missing receipts, unsigned forms or cash payments often result in unprocessed applications, so double-check payment confirmation and witness requirements.

Conclusion

Ensuring your AU Adult Proof of Age Card application is complete and your photo meets the 35×45 mm specifications will help avoid delays or rejections. Key points to remember:

• Photo: 35×45 mm (5×5 cm), head 80 % of frame, plain white background, matte finish
• Application: fully completed and signed official form
• Primary ID: original Australian passport or driver licence
• Secondary ID: Medicare card or similar government-issued document
• Proof of address: recent utility bill or bank statement (last 3 months)
• Payment: correct fee paid at lodgement
• Lodgement: present originals and copies in person at Service NSW or participating centre