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New Zealand evidence of age document photo requirements

The 35 × 45 mm photo rules set by Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand for the New Zealand evidence of age document, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 8 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What size is the New Zealand evidence of age document photo?

A paper application for a Kiwi Access card, the evidence of age and photo ID card run by Hospitality New Zealand, needs 2 identical colour prints, 35 x 45 mm, taken within the last 12 months. Use a plain, light background that is not white, look straight ahead with a neutral expression and leave space around your head. Selfies and altered images are refused. If you apply online, your webcam or phone camera takes the photo during the application instead.

The Kiwi Access card replaced the 18+ Card. Hospitality New Zealand owns and manages it, and issues it as an evidence of age document under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, so licensed premises can accept it as proof that you are over 18. Many people without a passport or driver licence also carry it as everyday photo ID. A card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

The photo is part of what makes the card legal. Regulation 5 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013 approves a card issued by Hospitality New Zealand only when it contains a photograph of the holder and information giving their date of birth.

You can apply in two ways. The online form photographs you through your computer webcam or phone camera as you go, so there is nothing to print. The paper form is taken in person, with your ID and 2 printed photos, to a participating NZ Post shop or AA Centre. You must be in New Zealand to apply.

New Zealand evidence of age document photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand:[1]

Print sizePaper application: 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in), portrait. Online: no print, a webcam takes the photo
Digital sizeNo file to upload: the online form photographs you with your webcam or phone camera
BackgroundPlain, light coloured background that is not white, with no objects, other people or shadows
ColourColour, printed on photo quality paper
Photo ageTaken within the last 12 months
Print qualityPaper application: 2 identical colour photos on photo quality paper
Pixels when printed413 × 531 px at 300 dpi · 827 × 1063 px at 600 dpi (calculated)
35 mm45 mm
35 × 45 mm photo drawn to scale. Background: plain.

In the official words

Exact wording from the official sources, quoted because the details matter:

The image must be a true likeness and not be altered or distorted in any way.

Photo Requirements[1]

Use a plain, light coloured background that is not white and does not contain objects or other people.

Photo Requirements[1]

plain and light, and with no shadows

Photo Requirements[1]

Key requirements

  • Two matching prints

    A paper application needs 2 identical colour photos, each 35 mm wide and 45 mm high in portrait orientation, printed on photo quality paper. The photos are paid for separately from the card.

  • Light background, never white

    Kiwi Access wants strong contrast between you and a plain, light coloured background that is not white. Keep objects, other people and shadows out of it; standing slightly away from the wall helps.

  • Space all round the head

    Centre your head and leave a clear gap at the sides, above the head and below the chin. The application form explains that the gap is needed to print the card. Show your full face and shoulders, front on.

  • No selfies

    Selfies are refused because they can distort the face. Have a helper hold the camera 1.5 m from your face, level with your eyes. A camera held closer makes the nose and forehead look larger and the ears less visible.

  • An unaltered likeness

    Kiwi Access wants a true likeness that has not been altered or distorted in any way, so do not filter, retouch or otherwise edit the picture. It must also be in focus, without red-eye or reflected light on your face.

  • Even light, neutral face

    Balance the lighting so no shadows fall on your face; natural light is best. Face the camera with your mouth closed and a neutral expression, and keep your hair off your eyes and the sides of your face.

  • A named sticker on the back

    If you prove who you are with photo ID, write your name on a sticker and attach it to the back of one print. With non-photo ID, your identifier writes your name, the date and their signature on that sticker instead.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Have the photos taken professionally if you can, as Kiwi Access recommends.
  • Choose a pale wall in a colour other than white.
  • Ask someone else to take the picture from 1.5 m.
  • Fix the prints to the form with double-sided tape or sticky dots.
  • Put a named sticker on the back of one print.
  • Take the form and both prints to the store yourself.

Don't

  • Do not use a white background.
  • Do not take the photo as a selfie.
  • Do not staple, glue or paper-clip the prints to the form.
  • Do not wear sunglasses, dark or tinted lenses, or thick frames.
  • Do not use a photo taken more than 12 months ago.
  • Do not edit, filter or retouch the image.

Sample photos

How a New Zealand evidence of age document photo should look, and the mistakes that most often get photos rejected. Each example is drawn to this document's 35 × 45 mm and background colour.

Correct
Open-mouth smile
Head tilted
Too close: head too big
Too far: head too small
Busy background
Shadows on face or background
Glare on glasses

Illustrations, not real photos. The official rules above always take priority; some documents do not allow glasses at all.

Glasses

You may wear your normal glasses in a Kiwi Access photo. Dark glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses and thick frames are ruled out, and there must be no glare or flash reflection on the lenses.

Kiwi Access also asks for a clear space between your eyes and the frames, so that the rims do not run across your eyes.

Headwear and religious dress

Hats, hoods, headbands and headscarves must come off unless you wear them for religious or medical reasons. The paper form has a field in its photo step where you must give details if you are wearing headwear in the picture for one of those reasons.

Babies and children

The Kiwi Access card is an adult card. You can apply up to one month before your 18th birthday, but the card is only sent after you turn 18, and there is no version for younger children. Applicants must live in New Zealand when they apply, and cards are not posted overseas.

On paper, you supply 2 identical prints at 35 x 45 mm, in colour on photo quality paper. Store staff check that the photo matches you and that it is not stapled, glued or paper-clipped to the form. Kiwi Access suggests a pharmacy, an AA Centre or a photographer or photo printer. A digital photo can also be printed on a 4x6 inch sheet at a photo counter, as long as the prints meet these rules.

Online, nothing is printed or uploaded. The form needs a working webcam so Kiwi Access can take your photograph for the card; if your computer has none, it shows a QR code so you can carry on with your phone. You must be present for this step. Without a working phone camera or webcam, use the paper form.

Where to submit the photo

Paper applications are made in person at a participating NZ Post shop or AA Centre; Kiwi Access does not accept applications by email or post. Bring the completed form, both photos, an original photo ID and proof of the New Zealand address where the card should be delivered. The store checks the documents and sends the application on for processing.

Without photo ID, you can use a non-photo document such as a birth certificate together with an identifier. The form says the identifier must be 20 or older, have known you for 12 months or more, hold a current New Zealand passport, photo driver licence, 18+ Card or Kiwi Access card, and must not be your spouse, partner or relative or live at your address. They do not need to come to the store.

How to get your New Zealand evidence of age document photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the New Zealand evidence of age document: 35 × 45 mm print, plain background. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: two matching prints; light background, never white; space all round the head; no selfies.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. On paper, you supply 2 identical prints at 35 x 45 mm, in colour on photo quality paper. Store staff check that the photo matches you and that it is not stapled, glued or paper-clipped to the form.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Paper applications are made in person at a participating NZ Post shop or AA Centre; Kiwi Access does not accept applications by email or post.

Make this photo online

New Zealand evidence of age document photo FAQ

For a paper application, each photo is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, in portrait, and you need 2 identical colour prints on photo quality paper. An online application has no print size, because your webcam or phone camera takes the photo during the application.

No. The Kiwi Access photo page asks for a plain, light coloured background that is not white, with strong contrast and nothing else in the picture. A pale colour other than white, with no shadows on it, meets the rule.

Yes. Regulation 5 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013 approves a card issued by Hospitality New Zealand that contains the holder's photograph and date of birth. It sits alongside a current passport and a current New Zealand driver licence as approved evidence of age.

Yes, but not as a selfie. Kiwi Access says selfies can distort the face, so ask a helper to hold the phone 1.5 m away at eye level. The online application works differently: its webcam step photographs you directly.

That depends on your ID. With photo ID, you write your own name on a sticker on the back of one photo. With a non-photo document such as a birth certificate, your identifier writes your name, the date and their signature on the sticker.

Both prints must have been taken within the last 12 months, and they must still be a true likeness of you. Store staff check that the photo matches the person applying.

Yes. A lost, stolen, damaged or expired card is replaced by completing a full new application, including two new photographs. A change of name also needs a new application, made on the paper form with the original name-change document.

Yes, from New Zealand, if your device has a working webcam or phone camera. The online form takes your photo and accepts a New Zealand driver licence, a New Zealand passport or a New Zealand birth certificate as ID. Otherwise, use the paper form at a participating store.

Related photo specifications

Other New Zealand documents

Identity cards nearby

Also 35 × 45 mm

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Official sources

  1. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Photo Requirements kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  2. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Kiwi Access Card application form (April 2025) kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  3. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Frequently asked questions when applying for a Kiwi Access Card kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  4. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Turning 18: evidence of age document kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  5. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Kiwi Access Card online application apply.kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  6. Parliamentary Counsel Office, New Zealand Legislation. Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013, regulations 4 and 5 legislation.govt.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  7. Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand. Home kiwiaccess.co.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.
  8. Department of Internal Affairs. Kiwi Access Card and 18+ Card evidence of identity factsheet (PDF) dia.govt.nz. Checked 1 November 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with Kiwi Access Card, Hospitality New Zealand before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"New Zealand evidence of age document photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/new-zealand/evidence-of-age-document-photo

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