U.S. baby passport photo: size, rules and how to take one
A U.S. passport photo for a baby must be a color print measuring 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The rules allow a baby’s eyes to be not entirely open, but the child must face the camera with a neutral expression and full face visible.[1]
Photo size and head position
Print the photo at exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The child’s head must measure 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The head and shoulders should be centered, and the entire head must show.[1]
The Department does not give an eye-line position or a top-margin measurement for this printed photo. It also does not set an exact pixel size or file size for a child’s printed photo.[1][2]
Background, light and image quality
Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture or objects. A plain white or off-white sheet can work as a background for a baby.[1]
Light the child’s face evenly so it is clear and skin tones look accurate. Avoid strong shadows, dark or overly bright exposure, and color casts. The print should be sharp, in color, and on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.[1]
Face, eyes, glasses and coverings
The child should face the camera directly, with the head straight and the full face visible. The required expression is neutral. A baby’s eyes do not need to be entirely open.[1]
Do not put glasses on the child. Remove anything that covers the face unless there is a documented religious or medical reason. In those cases, the full face must remain visible, and the application needs the required supporting statement or documentation.[1]
No other person may appear in the photo. Take off hats and head coverings unless a religious or medical exception applies.[1]
Take the photo at home
Put a plain white or off-white sheet behind the baby, making sure it is smooth and has no folds or objects in view. Use a bright room with even light; a window can help, but avoid direct sun that creates sharp shadows. These are practical tips to help meet the photo rules.[1]
Lay the baby on the sheet or place the baby in a car seat covered with the sheet, then frame the child’s head and shoulders in the center. Keep other people out of the picture. Move the camera back and zoom only enough to frame the child; take several photos so you can choose one with a straight head and clear face.[1]
Use the original photo without filters or digital changes. Choose a clear, sharp image with a neutral expression and the baby’s face unobstructed. If you use the tool above to arrange the photo for printing, check that the photo itself has not been digitally changed and that the print meets the required size and head measurement.[1]
Print and check before you apply
The child-under-16 application requires one photo, and the photo rules call for a printed photo.[1][2] Use the tool above to arrange a sheet for printing on 4 × 6-inch photo paper at a kiosk. Choose the 2 × 2-inch layout, then check the print settings so the kiosk does not fit, stretch or otherwise resize the sheet. Cut out the square photo and measure it; its sides should be exactly 2 inches.[1]
Before you use the print, check that the head measures 1–1⅜ inches from chin to top, the full head is shown, the background is plain, and the image is clear. Submit the original color print, not a photocopy or a scan. The State Department makes the final decision on whether a photo meets its rules.[1]
Common reasons a photo is refused
A photo may fail if it is the wrong size, the head is too large or small, or the child’s head is tilted, off-center or cropped. A patterned or cluttered background, shadows, poor color, blur, grain, red-eye or visible printer dots can also make a photo unacceptable.[1]
Do not submit a photo with glasses, a covered face, another person in the frame, filters or digital edits. A damaged print with holes, creases or smudges can also be rejected.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
What size is a U.S. baby passport photo?
It must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.[1]
Do a baby’s eyes have to be fully open?
No. The State Department says it is okay if a baby’s eyes are not entirely open. The child should still face the camera with a neutral expression and full face visible.[1]
Can I take my baby’s passport photo at home?
Yes. Take the photo against a plain white or off-white background with even lighting. Keep the child’s full face visible and make sure no other person appears in the photo.[1]
Can my baby wear glasses or a hat in the photo?
The photo rules say no glasses. A head covering is allowed only for religious or medical reasons, with the required supporting statement or documentation and the full face visible.[1]
Can I submit a digital photo for my baby’s passport application?
For a child-under-16 application, provide one printed photo. The Department does not set an exact pixel size or file-size limit for this printed child photo.[1][2]
How do I print the photo at a kiosk?
Make a 4 × 6-inch sheet with the 2 × 2-inch photo layout, print it on photo-quality paper, and check that the kiosk has not resized the sheet. Measure the cut-out photo to confirm it is exactly 2 × 2 inches.[1]