Victoria's Working with Children Check takes a photo you upload yourself. You need one when you first apply, when you renew and the photo has aged, or when you change from a volunteer to an employee check. The rules are published on vic.gov.au: a colour JPG of at least 406 by 521 pixels, under 5 MB, taken in the last 12 months. It must show your head and shoulders against a plain light background, facing the camera with a neutral expression and eyes open.
Make and check a WWC Check VIC photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.
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.
How to take the photo
- Stand about half a metre in front of a plain white, cream or light grey wall, facing a window or other soft light so there are no shadows.
- Ask someone to take the photo at your eye level from about 1.5 metres, with your head and shoulders in frame and a little space above your head.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes open. Keep your head straight, not tilted.
- Wear your glasses if you normally do, but tilt them slightly if they catch the light; keep hair off your face.
- Load the photo here, check the framing, and download the upload JPEG. Upload it in the WWC application or photo update step.
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.
- Photo older than 12 months. Take a new one.
Infants and children
Not applicable to this check. Children who need a Victorian passport-style photo for another document can use the Australian passport page, which has infant rules.
Step by step: Victorian Working with Children Check online
- Start your application or photo update online on the Working with Children Check website.
- At the photo step, upload the JPG exported here.
- Complete identity verification as directed and submit.
File limits: JPG/JPEG, colour, at least 406×521 px, under 5 MB, less than 12 months old, plain light background, head and shoulders, neutral expression, eyes open.
Open Victorian Working with Children Check online
What it costs
Volunteer checks have historically been free and employee checks attract a fee; check the current amount on the WWC site. The free checker here confirms framing; the Single licence (A$6.99, 30 days) gives the clean upload file.
Retailer pages: Kmart , Officeworks , Australia Post , Snapfish .
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.