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New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo requirements

The photo rules set by RealMe (New Zealand Government) for the New Zealand RealMe verified identity, with the official wording and sources.

Based on 5 official sources · last checked Official sources Page history

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Quick answer

What are the New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo requirements?

Take it on your phone, tablet or computer in good light, against a plain background, with a neutral expression, mouth closed and no hat or tinted or thick-rimmed glasses. You get up to 5 tries; after that, wait 14 days or have your photo taken free at a RealMe partner store.

A RealMe verified identity is a New Zealand government-issued digital identity linked to a RealMe login. It lets a person prove their name, gender and date of birth to participating online services, such as opening a bank account, and it includes a photo. RealMe says the photo plays a crucial role in proving the applicant is who they say they are.

A verified identity is free and valid for 10 years. The photo is taken on the applicant's own phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, or free at a RealMe partner store. RealMe says a verified identity is not needed to apply for a New Zealand passport or a visa with Immigration New Zealand; if a service only says to log in with RealMe, a login is enough.

New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo size and specifications

The requirements as published by RealMe (New Zealand Government):[1]

BackgroundPlain, with no people or objects behind the applicant
Photo ageTaken at the time of application, on the applicant's own device or at a partner store

Key requirements

  • Lighting

    Be in a well-lit area with no shadows on the face.

  • Background

    Stand in front of a plain background, with no people or objects behind.

  • Pose

    Face the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed, keeping the whole face visible.

  • Five tries

    Up to 5 attempts are allowed to take an acceptable photo. If all fail, wait 14 days and start a new application, or have the photo taken free at a RealMe partner store (AA Centres and AA Agents) with the application number and any requested documents.

  • Supported devices

    RealMe's help page lists supported versions: iOS 18 and 26 on iPhone and iPad, macOS 15 Sequoia and 26 Tahoe, Android 15 and 16, and Windows 10 and 11.

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Be in a well-lit area with no shadows on your face
  • Stand in front of a plain background
  • Face the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed
  • Keep the whole face visible

Don't

  • Do not wear a hat
  • Do not wear tinted or thick-rimmed glasses
  • Do not wear anything else that covers the face
  • Do not have other people or objects in the background

Glasses

No tinted or thick-rimmed glasses.

Headwear and religious dress

No hat. A head covering is acceptable only for religious or medical reasons, with the whole face visible.

Babies and children

Most services for children aged 13 and under do not need a verified identity, and a parent usually applies on their behalf. If a child does apply, a parent or legal guardian fills in the declaration of consent form (RM001) and the child brings it to a RealMe partner store to have their photo taken.

Digital photo taken in the online identity check on the applicant's own device, or taken by staff at a partner store.

Where to submit the photo

Online: with a RealMe login, enter details from an NZ passport (an expired one is fine), NZ birth certificate, NZ citizenship certificate or NZ immigration record; take the photo on the device or at a partner store; add an identity referee if asked (aged 16 or over, known the applicant for more than a year, holding a current or expired NZ passport, not family and not living at the applicant's address); submit. RealMe says to expect to hear within 5 working days. Applying from overseas is possible if the photo can be taken online on the applicant's own device, though few RealMe services are available overseas.

How to get your New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo

  1. Check the official requirements. Read the official specification for the New Zealand RealMe verified identity. Check the rules on pose, expression, glasses and headwear below.
  2. Take the photo. Follow the key requirements: lighting; background; pose; five tries.
  3. Prepare a print or digital file. Digital photo taken in the online identity check on the applicant's own device, or taken by staff at a partner store.
  4. Submit the photo with your application. Online: with a RealMe login, enter details from an NZ passport (an expired one is fine), NZ birth certificate, NZ citizenship certificate or NZ immigration record; take the photo on the device or at a partner store; add an identity referee if asked (aged 16…

New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo FAQ

No. RealMe says you do not need a verified identity to apply for a New Zealand passport or for a visa with Immigration New Zealand. If a service only says "log in with RealMe", a RealMe login is enough.

You can wait 14 days and start a new application, or have your photo taken free at a RealMe partner store. Bring your application number and any documents you have been asked to provide.

No. It is free to apply, and photos taken at a RealMe partner store are free too. A verified identity is valid for 10 years.

Not tinted or thick-rimmed glasses. RealMe asks you not to wear a hat, tinted or thick-rimmed glasses, or anything else that covers your face. A head covering is fine only for religious or medical reasons.

Most services for children aged 13 and under don't need one, and a parent usually applies on their behalf. If a child does apply, a parent or legal guardian fills in the declaration of consent form (RM001), and the child brings it to a RealMe partner store to have their photo taken.

Yes, but you must be able to take your photo online with your own device, and you may need an identity referee. RealMe notes that very few RealMe services are available to people living overseas.

Related photo specifications

Other New Zealand documents

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Official sources

  1. RealMe. Tips for taking your own photo realme.govt.nz. Checked 29 October 2026.
  2. RealMe. RealMe verified identity realme.govt.nz. Checked 29 October 2026.
  3. RealMe. Find a RealMe partner store realme.govt.nz. Checked 29 October 2026.
  4. RealMe. Help realme.govt.nz. Checked 29 October 2026.
  5. RealMe. Declaration of consent form RM001 (PDF) d3f9txfp6bf503.cloudfront.net. Checked 29 October 2026.

Requirements can change, so always confirm with RealMe (New Zealand Government) before you apply. WorldPhotoSpecs is independent and not affiliated with any government.

Cite this page

"New Zealand RealMe verified identity photo". WorldPhotoSpecs. Last updated 4 November 2026. https://worldphotospecs.org/new-zealand/realme-verified-identity-photo

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