Service NSW document upload requirements: file size, name and format

Last checked 4 November 2026 against official sources

Service NSW has a help page on uploading documents for an NSW Government online application. This guide summarises it and shows how to get your files into shape. Each application also gives its own upload instructions when you start, and those take priority.

The rules in short

Service NSW says that, generally, the file must:

• be saved in the format requested, such as JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG or TIF
• be less than 6 MB in size
• include letters and numbers only in the file name (no spaces or special characters)

It also asks that your name, address and all the requested details are clearly visible, and recommends covering your tax file number on a document before uploading it. If a tax file number is needed, you will be asked for it.

Fixing a file that does not fit

• Over 6 MB? Compress the image or use Compress PDF, then check that the text is still easy to read.
• Several photos of one document? Combine them with Images to PDF, or join PDFs with Merge PDF.
• Photo opens sideways? Use Rotate image, or Rotate PDF for a PDF.
• An extra blank page? Delete pages from the PDF.
• File name has spaces or symbols? Rename the file on your device before uploading. For example, change Medicare card (front).jpg to medicarecardfront.jpg.

Photos from an iPhone or tablet (HEIC)

Service NSW notes that a photo taken on a phone or tablet may be in HEIC format, and some online applications do not allow it. Its own tips are to email the photo to yourself and save it as a JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG or TIF on a computer, or to turn off HEIC in your camera settings before taking the photo. You can also convert HEIC to JPG here in your browser, without uploading the photo anywhere.

Paper documents

Service NSW lists three ways to get a digital copy: ask the document provider to email you one, scan it, or take a photo with your phone. If you do not have a scanner, it suggests asking a local library, print shop or post office, where fees may apply.

Staying safe

If you email a document to yourself so you can reach it on another device, Service NSW suggests saving it where you can upload it and then deleting the email that holds the file. FileKivo's tools run in your browser, so files you process here are not uploaded to FileKivo.

For other Australian upload rules, see our guides for myGov and Centrelink, Medicare claims and ImmiAccount.