Condensed guide. Read the full Victorian Working with Children Check photo requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 30–37 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 12 months |
| Print requirements | no printed photo |
| Digital upload | 812×1042 px JPEG, 0–5 MB (Victorian WWC online application / photo update) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | none |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth closed (under 1) |
| Official source | vic.gov.au – Requirements for an acceptable photo for your Working with Children Check |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-29).
- The photo rules (colour, sharp, JPG/JPEG, at least 406×521 px, under 5 MB, under 12 months old, plain light background, head and shoulders, glasses allowed if normally worn) were read on vic.gov.au on 2026-10-29 (page updated 13 February 2026). The page gives no head-size band; the checker uses passport proportions (head 32–36 mm on 35×45 mm) as a framing target, which is stricter than Victoria requires.
- Victoria publishes no head-size band; the checker's head-height target is a framing guide, not a Victorian rule.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The Victorian WWC Check is designed for a photo you take yourself and upload. Have someone else take it from about a metre and a half away against a plain light wall, in even light. Glasses are fine if you normally wear them, and religious or medical head coverings are allowed. The upload preset here exports a JPG at twice the minimum size and well under 5 MB.
Why WWC Check VIC photos get rejected
- Photo smaller than 406×521 pixels. Use the original camera file, not a screenshot; the preset exports 812×1042.
- File over 5 MB or not a JPG. The preset produces a JPG under 5 MB.
- Background busy or dark. Retake against a plain light wall; editing the background is not offered for this check.
- Shadows or poor focus. Face the light; tap to focus on the face; avoid zoom.
- More than head and shoulders shown. Crop to head and shoulders; the tool does it automatically.
WWC Check VIC photo FAQ
What size photo does the Victorian WWC need?
At least 406 × 521 pixels, JPG or JPEG, under 5 MB, according to vic.gov.au.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if you normally wear them. Avoid glare on the lenses.
How old can the photo be?
Less than 12 months old, according to vic.gov.au.
Can I use a selfie?
A photo someone else takes is better: arm's-length selfies distort the face and rarely show head and shoulders properly.
What background is allowed?
A plain, light-coloured background with strong contrast between your face and the background.
Can I wear a head covering?
Yes, if you wear it for religious or medical reasons.
Related documents
Australian passport
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmNT Ochre Card (Working with Children Clearance) photo
35×45 mm · head 30–37 mmTasmanian RWVP photo (interstate and overseas applicants)
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-29 against vic.gov.au – Requirements for an acceptable photo for your Working with Children Check. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.