What the Kiwi Access Card is
The Kiwi Access Card is a New Zealand identification card that proves who you are and how old you are. It is useful for people in New Zealand who do not have a driver licence or a passport. Young people, seniors and Kiwis who do not drive often choose it as their everyday photo ID in NZ. The card is accepted for age checks at bars, clubs and other age-restricted venues, and it also helps when you need to prove your identity at a bank or for government services.
The card itself is the size of a bank card, 85.60 × 53.98 mm, made of durable plastic with holograms, microprinting and a unique card number. Next to your name, date of birth and card number, it shows a recent photo of the cardholder, so the person checking your ID can compare your face with the card photo at a glance.
Photo size for the Kiwi Access Card
The photo you hand in with the application is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, the passport-sized format the New Zealand application asks for. In our template the head takes about 65% of the photo height, roughly 29 mm from chin to crown, and the eyes sit at about 55% of the height above the bottom edge. A print at 600 DPI keeps the face sharp at this small size. If the head is too small, too large or off-centre, our check flags it before you print.
Background, face and expression
Use a plain, light background without patterns, shadows or objects behind you. Our photo maker sets an even light grey background automatically. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open. Keep your head straight, take off sunglasses and hats, and make sure hair does not cover your eyes or the edges of your face. The photo should look like you do today, so do not use an old picture or heavy filters.
How to apply for a Kiwi Access Card
The official Kiwi Access Card website lists the current application steps, fees and forms. In short, the application process looks like this:
- Check that you are eligible: the card is for New Zealand citizens and residents.
- Gather proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Get a recent passport-sized photo, 35×45 mm, that meets the photo rules.
- Fill in the application form from the official site or a physical copy from a designated location.
- Submit the application with the photo and pay the fee. The fee can change, so check the official site for the current price.
Once the application is approved, the new card arrives by mail. Check that every detail on it is correct and keep the card somewhere safe. You can also read more on the information page at 18plus.org.nz.
Printing the photo for your Kiwi Access Card
The photo for a Kiwi Access Card is printed, not a file you send online. After you download the photo from our maker, print it at 600 DPI on good photo paper at home, at a print kiosk or in a photo shop, and cut it to exactly 35×45 mm. Check that the print is sharp, in colour and free of marks or fold lines before you attach it to the application.
Renewal and lost cards
The Kiwi Access Card is valid for a set period and then has to be renewed. The renewal process is similar to the first application, which includes a recent card photo. If your Kiwi Access Card is lost or stolen, report it straight away to the issuing authority and follow the official steps for a replacement card.
Other New Zealand documents
Planning travel too? Make a New Zealand passport photo or a New Zealand visa photo with the same tool. Each NZ document has its own ID photo rules, so pick the right one before you print.
