Every US citizen needs a passport to travel internationally — including newborns. Babies have the same dimensional requirements as adults: 2×2 inches (51×51mm, 600×600 pixels), white background, and neutral expression.
But let's be realistic: asking a newborn to maintain a neutral expression is like asking a cat to sit for a portrait. The State Department understands this. Here is what you need to know.
US Baby Passport Photo Size and Specifications
The technical requirements are identical to adult photos:
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
- Pixels: 600×600 at 300 DPI
- Background: White (#FFFFFF)
- Eyes: Open and visible
- Expression: Neutral or natural smile (see below)
- Glasses: Not allowed
The key difference is how strictly these rules are enforced.
Get a compliant passport photo online
What Expressions Pass for US Baby Passport Photos?
The State Department allows more flexibility for infants and young children. Specifically:
Newborns (0-6 months): Eyes closed is often accepted. The automated system usually flags this, but a human reviewer typically approves it.
Infants (6-12 months): Eyes open is preferred, but not always possible. Partial eye opening usually passes.
Toddlers (1-3 years): More strict. Eyes should be open, but brief glances toward the camera often work.
The US allows natural smiles in passport photos — this applies to babies too. A calm, content baby with a slight smile is perfectly acceptable.
The rule of thumb: do your best to get eyes open and looking at the camera, but don't stress if your baby has other plans. The reviewers have seen it all.
Are Glasses Allowed in US Baby Passport Photos?
Since 2016, the US bans all glasses in passport photos, including for babies and children. If your child wears prescription glasses, remove them before taking the photo.
How to Take Your US Baby Passport Photo
The Flat Lay Method for US Baby Passport Photos
This works best for newborns who can't hold their head up:
- Lay a white sheet on a flat surface (floor or bed)
- Place baby on their back on the sheet
- Pull the sheet taut beneath the chin to create a clean white background extending behind the head
- Shoot from directly above
- Ensure no shadows from your body or lighting
This mimics the professional studio setup. The white sheet becomes both background and support.
The Car Seat Method for US Baby Passport Photos
For older babies who can sit:
- Place car seat on a white surface
- Remove any bright clothing or toys in frame
- Have someone sit in front and hold the baby's attention
- Shoot from the car seat's natural angle
- Ensure the white background extends behind the car seat
The car seat provides support. The white surface underneath and behind provides the required background.
The Helper Method for US Baby Passport Photos
One adult holds the baby:
- Stand against a white wall
- Hold baby facing the camera at arm's length
- The adult's hands should be outside the frame
- The adult should wear white or neutral colors
- Remove any baby jewelry or bows from the frame
This requires coordination. Practice first with your phone's screen as preview.
US Baby Photo Leniency Compared to Other Countries
The US is relatively lenient with baby photos compared to some countries:
- UK is stricter — eyes must be open, even for babies
- Canada allows more flexibility similar to the US
- Australia has similar rules to the US
If your baby won't cooperate, the US system usually works with you. But there are limits — a photo with eyes closed will likely need a retake.
Common US Baby Passport Photo Rejection Reasons
Parent's Hand Visible in US Baby Passport Photos
This is the most common rejection. Parents instinctively reach to support baby's head or body, and the hand appears in frame.
Solution: position your hands outside the frame entirely. Use a prop (rolled towel, rolled blanket) for support if needed, or use the flat lay method where baby's weight is on the surface.
Eyes Closed in US Baby Passport Photos
Newborns sleep. That's life. But closed eyes get flagged.
Solution: try to catch a moment between naps. Shoot during what you'd call a "quiet alert" state. It lasts about 10-15 minutes typically. Time it right.
Wrong Background Color for US Baby Photos
Using a colored blanket, colorful onesie, or patterned sheet.
Solution: always use white. A white onesie works if the background is also white. But separate white background is safer.
Baby Not Centered in US Passport Photos
The face must be centered and at the right height (50-69% of frame).
Solution: after taking the photo, check the positioning before leaving the location. If it's off, retake immediately.
Practical Tips for US Baby Passport Photos
Timing matters. Shoot when baby is fed, dry, and comfortable. A cranky baby makes impossible to get a neutral or pleasant expression.
Natural light is your friend. Window light in the morning or late afternoon produces soft, even illumination. Avoid harsh midday sun.
Turn off flash. Flash Startles babies and causes red-eye. Use window light instead.
Black and white is okay. If you can't get a good color photo with white background, black and white submissions are accepted. But color is preferred.
Multiple shots. Take 15-20 photos. Delete the bad ones on site. You're guaranteed to have some that don't work.
What If Your US Baby Passport Photo Keeps Getting Rejected?
First, don't take it personally. The system is automated and flags anything that looks slightly off.
Second, try again. Third time is often the charm.
Third, consider a professional. Some photographers specialize in passport photos and know exactly what works. It's worth the $15-30 to get it right.
Fourth, if all else fails, visit an acceptance facility. They often have photo equipment on site and can take the photo while you hold your baby properly.
What You Need for a US Baby Passport Application
When applying for your baby's passport, bring:
- Completed DS-11 form (don't sign until asked)
- Baby's birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Proof of US citizenship for parent(s)
- ID for applying parent(s)
- 2×2 inch passport photos (you can submit digitally for some application types)
The photo is one small part. But it's the part you can control most easily.
Where to Get US Baby Passport Photos
CVS Pharmacy. Most locations offer passport photos. Cost: $14.99. Staff have the correct white background.
Walgreens. Passport photo services at most locations. Cost: $14.99.
Walmart Photo Centre. Cost: $7.44.
Costco. Photo centres at Costco locations. Cost: $6–8.
USPS (Post Office). Some locations offer photo services. Cost: $15.
Professional photography studios. Cost: $15–30. Useful for difficult baby sessions.
US Passport Application Process for Babies
Both parents must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility. Bring completed DS-11, baby's birth certificate, parents' IDs and proof of citizenship. The same 2×2 inch photo is required.
US passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years. Each renewal requires a new photo and a new in-person visit.
Quick Checklist for US Baby Passport Photos
- Photo is 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
- Background is pure white
- No glasses
- Eyes preferably open
- Natural expression (smiles acceptable)
- Face centred
- No hands visible
- 300 DPI minimum
Verify your baby's photo with the passportsize-photo.online checker. For size details, see US passport photo size guide. View all US passport photo rules on the United States hub.
