Baby Passport Photo Requirements and Tips
Take a clear photo of your baby alone, then crop it to the US 2 × 2 inch passport preset. This guide covers newborn positioning, lighting, background and the source photo problems that most often require a retake.
Crop a baby passport photo
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Quick answer
What does a baby passport photo need to show?
The baby must appear alone, face the camera as directly as practical and remain clearly visible against a plain background. Keep adult hands, toys, shadows and supports out of the final frame. For a US application, the finished photo uses the same 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) size and plain white or off-white background as an adult photo.
At-home setup
How to take an infant passport photo in four steps
1. Prepare a safe surface
Lay the baby on their back on a smooth white or off-white sheet. Do not place the baby on a high surface.
2. Use soft, even light
Photograph near a bright window without direct sun. Check that your phone and body do not cast a shadow.
3. Hold the camera overhead
Keep the lens parallel to the baby’s face. Include the full head and shoulders with room around them.
4. Take several sharp frames
Use the clearest front-facing frame. Avoid filters, portrait blur, screenshots and compressed copies.
US baby passport photo checklist
- Finished size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- Plain white or off-white background
- Baby appears alone in the final image
- Face is visible and image is sharp
- No hard shadows across the face or background
- No filters, retouching or artificial blur
When to take another photo
Frequently asked questions
- How do I take a baby passport photo at home?
- Place the baby on a plain, light-colored sheet in soft even light and take the photo from directly above. Keep your hands, shadows, toys and other people out of the frame, and leave room around the head and shoulders for cropping.
- What size is a US baby passport photo?
- The finished US passport photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), the same size used for adults. Fogkits’ US preset exports a 600 × 600 pixel JPEG at 300 DPI.
- Can a parent hold the baby in a passport photo?
- The submitted photo should show the child alone. A parent, hand, chair back or other support must not remain visible in the final image.
- What background should I use?
- For a US passport photo, use a plain white or off-white background without shadows. A smooth light sheet can make an at-home source photo easier to capture.
- Does Fogkits guarantee acceptance?
- No. Fogkits prepares the crop and checks some visible issues, but the issuing authority makes the final decision. Baby photos can require extra manual review, so compare the preview with the latest official guidance.
Official US source: US Department of State passport photo guidance. Check the latest rules for the country issuing the passport before submitting.