Baby Passport Photo Tips
Lay your baby on their back on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above, with no hands or other people in the shot and nothing covering the face.
What the rules allow for babies
Babies and children use the same 2x2 inch size as adults, with a few differences.
- Infants: eyes may be partly open. Older children should have both eyes open.
- No hands, arms, or other people visible holding or supporting the child.
- No pacifier or toy, and nothing covering the child's face.
- Plain white or off-white background, with no pattern, texture or shadows.
- Head (chin to top of head) must be 50% to 69% of the photo height (1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo).
Practical tips
- Lay the baby on their back on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above. This gives a white background without anyone holding the baby up. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Smooth out the sheet so folds and wrinkles do not cast shadows. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Use soft daylight from a window. If the flash causes glare or red-eye, turn it off. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Hold the phone directly above the baby's face so the head is straight in the frame, not tilted. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- If you use a car seat, cover it with a plain white sheet so the seat does not show. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
- Pick a calm moment, such as after a feed, and take plenty of shots. Keep the one where the face is clear and sharp. (Passport911 tip, not an official rule)
Make it with the free tool
The baby and child maker crops the photo to 2x2 inches, can replace the background with white, and flags the child-specific rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do my baby's eyes need to be open?
For infants, eyes that are only partly open are acceptable. Older children should have both eyes open.
Can I hold my baby for the photo?
Only if your hands and arms do not show. No hands, arms or other people supporting the child may be visible.
Is a pacifier or toy allowed?
No. Nothing may cover the child's face, and there should be no pacifier or toy in the photo.
Does passing the checker mean my photo will be accepted?
No. Passport911 checks your photo against published requirements, but final acceptance is decided by the issuing agency.
Sources
Content last reviewed 2026-10-18. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the issuing agency.