Baby and child passport photos: sizes and rules by country
A baby passport photo still needs the right size, clear face and plain background. The United States and United Kingdom use different photo sizes and have different rules for children’s expressions, so choose the country’s format before you take or print a photo.
Choose the country and photo size first
Use the U.S. passport photo for a child if the application is for a United States passport. The printed photo must be square: 51 × 51 mm (about 2 × 2 inches), with the head measuring 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head.[1]
For the HM Passport Office passport photo for a child, use a portrait photo 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The head, from chin to crown, must be 29–34 mm high.[2] These sizes are not interchangeable: check the application country and use that country’s crop before printing.
The backgrounds are different
For a U.S. child passport photo, use a plain white or off-white background, free of shadows, textures and objects.[1] The face should have even light so its features are clear.[1]
For a UK child passport photo, use a plain cream or light grey background, with clear contrast between the child and the background. The photo must have no shadows on the face or behind the child.[2] A light wall or sheet can help; check that it has no folds or patterns in the frame.
Take a calm, clear photo
Set the child in front of the correct plain background. Face them toward the camera and keep their head centered and fully in view. Taking the photo when the child is rested may help. Ask another adult to hold their attention near the camera, and take several shots so you can choose one with a clear, sharp face.
The U.S. allows a neutral expression or a natural smile for a child; the general photo guidance says eyes should be open and visible and the mouth closed.[1] For UK photos, children under 6 do not need a plain expression or to look directly at the camera; babies under one do not need their eyes open.[2] For a UK photo, the child must be alone, and babies must not hold toys or use dummies.[2]
Check glasses, coverings and the image
For a U.S. child passport photo, the child must not wear glasses. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.[1] For a UK photo, remove glasses unless the child has to wear them; frames, glare, reflection or shadow must not cover the eyes. Religious or medical head coverings are allowed, but the face must remain uncovered.[2]
For either country, review the image for blur, red eye, a tilted or partly cropped head, strong shadows and anything blocking the face. These can make a photo fail the rules.[1][2] The authority reviews the application and decides whether the photo meets its requirements.
Crop and print for the application
Choose the country and document you are applying for. Crop the photo to the required dimensions and check the head height against that country’s range. Print the photo at the required size, and cut it out without trimming into the image.
Check the print with a ruler before submitting it. A U.S. child passport application needs one photo, which you should not attach or staple to the form; the acceptance agent will do that.[3] A UK paper application needs two identical printed photos, which must be separate and left loose rather than attached to the form.[2] UK online applications use a digital photo.[2]
Frequently asked questions
What size is a U.S. baby passport photo?
It is 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches). The head must be 25.4–34.9 mm high, measured from chin to top of head.[1]
What size is a UK baby passport photo?
It is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The head must be 29–34 mm high from chin to crown.[2]
Can a baby smile in a passport photo?
A U.S. child may have a neutral expression or natural smile, with the mouth closed. UK children under 6 do not need a plain expression.[1][2]
Can my baby have closed eyes in a UK passport photo?
Yes. A UK baby under one does not have to have their eyes open.[2]
Can I use the same photo for a U.S. and UK passport?
The same original image may work only if each country’s rules are met, but the required printed sizes differ. Prepare and print a crop for the country where you are applying.[1][2]
Does a UK paper passport application need one photo or two?
It needs two identical printed photos. Keep them separate and loose, not attached to the application form.[2]