Baby Passport Photo Guide: Rules, Differences, and How to Take the Photo at Home

Parents are often surprised to learn that infants and newborns must follow almost all the same passport photo rules as adults — but with a few important exceptions. This guide explains the baby-specific rules, what counts as an acceptable photo, and how to take a compliant picture at home without going to a post office photo counter.

1. Do Babies Need Passport Photos?

Yes.

Every U.S. citizen — including newborns — must have a valid passport when traveling internationally. Babies can't be added to a parent's passport, and every passport application requires a compliant photo.

2. Baby Passport Photo Requirements (Same as Adults)

For the full rules and requirements, see the complete at-home passport guide. You can also use our AI-powered passport photo generator to automatically create compliant photos for your baby.

These rules apply to both adults and infants:

• 2 × 2 inch photo
• White or off-white background only
• Full face visible
• Head facing forward
• Neutral expression
• Eyes open
• No filters or beauty edits
• No shadows on face or background
• High resolution (not blurry, pixelated, or grainy)
• No props, toys, pacifiers, or blankets covering the face

If your baby has medical or sensory needs, the disability photo guide covers the allowed exceptions. For common rejection reasons, see our guide on why passport photos get rejected.

3. Rules That Are Different for Babies (Important Exceptions)

1. Babies may have partially open eyes

Newborns often cannot fully open their eyes.

Accepted:

• Slightly open
• Partially open
• Sleepy eyes

Not accepted:

• Fully closed
• Looking away
• Eyes rolled upward

2. Parents' hands cannot appear — even when supporting the baby

Common rejection point.

Not allowed:

• Hands
• Fingers
• Arms
• Fabric used to prop the head

3. Babies may lie down on a white sheet

Adults must be upright, but infants can:

• Lie flat on a white surface
• Sit in a car seat lined with a white blanket
• Recline, as long as the camera is straight in front of them

4. Babies don't have to maintain a perfect neutral expression

Allowed:

• Tiny smirks
• Subtle expressions

Not allowed:

• Big smiles
• Crying
• Tongue out
• Open mouth

5. Head size can be slightly smaller

Adult head height must be 1–1⅜ inches.

For babies, slightly smaller is tolerated because:

• Baby proportions differ
• Shoulders and head size vary
• Facial features are smaller

As long as the face is centered and clear, it’s acceptable.

6. Hair over the forehead is more tolerated

Soft baby hair across the forehead is typically fine.

Avoid:

• Hair blocking eyes
• Shadows caused by hair

7. Background wrinkles are more tolerated — but NOT shadows

Allowed:

• Minor wrinkles
• Subtle texture

Not allowed:

• Shadows behind the head
• Colored or patterned sheets

4. How to Take a Baby Passport Photo at Home

These methods align with the State Department’s recommendations.

Method 1: Lying Flat on a White Sheet

1. Lay down a smooth white sheet.
2. Place the baby gently on it.
3. Stand directly above them.
4. Use natural daylight — avoid flash.

Advantages:

• Minimal shadows
• No need to hold the baby
• Easier to get eyes open

Method 2: Car Seat + White Blanket

1. Line the car seat with a bright white blanket.
2. Smooth out wrinkles.
3. Buckle the baby safely.
4. Shoot straight-on, not from above.

Great for babies who can’t hold their heads up.

Method 3: Stroller Bassinet

Line with a white sheet and take the photo from above.

5. Common Rejection Reasons for Baby Photos

• Visible hands
• Shadows behind the head
• Eyes fully closed
• Baby looking sideways
• Patterned blankets/sheets
• Pacifier in mouth
• Toys or bows in frame
• Harsh flash glare
• Wrinkled dark background
• Baby slouching or leaning

6. Can You Take Baby Passport Photos at the Post Office?

Sometimes — but many post offices refuse newborn photos because:

• Babies can’t sit upright
• Hard to make them look forward
• Lighting setups are limited

Most parents end up taking photos at home.

7. Application Rules for Babies (Different From Adults)

Both parents must be present

To apply for a passport for a child under 16:

• Both parents/guardians must appear
  or
• One parent brings notarized consent (DS-3053)
  or
• Proof of sole legal custody

Babies must appear in person

Yes — even newborns.

Signatures

Parents sign at the acceptance facility.
Babies do not sign anything.

Birth Certificate Required

Must show one of the following:

• Original U.S. birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Adoption decree

8. Tips to Get an Acceptable Baby Passport Photo on the First Try

• Take the photo after feeding
• Use soft window light
• Take 20–30 shots (burst mode helps)
• Keep the room warm
• Use gentle noises for eye contact
• Avoid high-contrast lighting
• Make sure background is evenly lit

9. Final Checklist Before Submitting

Good:

• ✓ Eyes open
• ✓ Head centered
• ✓ White background
• ✓ No hands visible
• ✓ No shadows
• ✓ No pacifier
• ✓ High resolution

Bad:

• ✗ Crying
• ✗ Leaning
• ✗ Hands supporting
• ✗ Dark or wrinkled background
• ✗ Toys or props
• ✗ Filters/editing

Quick Option: Automatic Baby Passport Photo Generator

To skip the setup and get a compliant image in seconds, use the
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