A U.S. passport photo for a baby must be a 2×2 inch color photo on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months, with the baby’s head measuring between 1 and 1⅜ inches from chin to crown and the face centered and pointed at the camera. The infant passport photo requirements match the adult rules almost exactly, with one meaningful allowance: a baby’s eyes do not have to be fully open.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos Everything else — background, size, expression, clothing, no accessories — still applies.
Size, Background, and Paper
The printed photo must be exactly 2 inches by 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos Regular printer paper will not pass. The background has to be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, textures, or lines behind the baby. Lighting should be even across the whole frame so no shadow falls on the face or the backdrop.
The photo must be in color and taken within the last six months. Babies change quickly, and a shot from even a few months back can look different enough to trigger a rejection. No filters, no retouching, no software that alters the baby’s natural appearance.
Head Position and Expression
Measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, the baby’s head in the printed photo should be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos Center the face in the frame, and point it straight at the camera so both sides are equally visible. A tilted head, a profile, or a three-quarter angle will be rejected.
The eye rule is the one place the State Department bends for infants. It is okay if a baby’s eyes are not entirely open, and there is no need to wake a sleeping baby for the photo.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos This allowance applies only to babies; older children must have their eyes open. A calm, neutral expression is what you’re aiming for. A wide crying mouth or an exaggerated smile can cause problems, but a natural resting face is fine.
What Your Baby Should Wear (and Not Wear)
Keep clothing simple and avoid white, which can blend into the background and confuse biometric scanning. Anything resembling a military or law enforcement uniform is not allowed. A plain onesie works.
Nothing can cover or shadow the baby’s face. No hats, no headbands, no oversized bows, no hair accessories that hide the hairline or forehead. Religious head coverings worn continuously in public as part of recognized traditional religious practice are permitted, but you’ll need to include a signed statement, and the covering still cannot obscure the face or cast shadows.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos
Eyeglasses have to come off. The no-eyeglasses policy applies to every applicant, infants included. The only exception is documented medical necessity, such as recent ocular surgery, which requires a signed statement from a medical professional.2U.S. Department of State. 16 STATE 106142 – No Eyeglasses Policy for Visa and Passport Photographs
Pacifiers, bottles, toys, and any other comfort items must be out of the frame. The baby has to be the only subject, and no part of a parent’s face, hands, or arm can appear in the shot.3U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual. 8 FAM 402.1 – Passport Photographs Brush any long hair or bangs away from the face so the full face shows.
Two Ways to Take the Photo at Home
The easiest setup for a baby who can’t sit up is to lay them flat. Spread a plain white or off-white sheet on the floor, a crib mattress, or another firm flat surface, then place the baby face-up on it. Stand directly overhead and shoot straight down with the camera centered over the face.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passport Photos The sheet handles the background in the same step.
A car seat is the other reliable option, especially for very young infants who need head and neck support. Drape a plain white cloth over the seat so it hides the fabric, harness straps, and any visible branding, then position the baby so no part of the restraint system shows. Shoot from directly in front, at the baby’s eye level.
Diffused natural light from a window usually works well. Skip the flash pointed straight at the face; it produces glare and washes out skin tones. Take a lot of shots in quick succession. You’ll usually sort through dozens before finding one where the head is straight, the expression is calm, and the lighting cooperates.
Digital File Requirements
If you’re uploading the photo as part of an in-person or mail-in application, the file must be JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF, and the file size must be between 54 kilobytes and 10 megabytes.4U.S. Department of State. Uploading a Digital Photo Every composition rule still applies: color, white background, correct head size, taken within the last six months, no filters, no retouching.
The State Department offers a free online Photo Tool that crops your image to the right dimensions and provides eye-alignment markers to help you position the face.5U.S. Department of State. Photo Tool
Common Reasons Infant Photos Get Rejected
The frequent problems with baby photos are shadows on the face or background, another person visible in the frame, the baby not squared to the camera, a pacifier or toy in the shot, and an off-color background. If you’re uncertain, retail pharmacies and shipping stores that offer passport photo services will generally check compliance before printing. Expect to pay roughly $10 to $20 for a printed set.
When the State Department finds a problem, it sends a letter or email — sometimes a phone call — asking for more information.6U.S. Department of State. Respond to a Passport Letter or Email Respond quickly, because your application sits idle until you do. A photo rejection doesn’t trigger an extra government fee, but it can add days or weeks to processing, which matters if you have a travel date on the calendar.