Italian Child Passport Photo Guide
Get the correct photo for your child's Italian passport by following official rules. Use the tool above to crop your image to the right size.
Official Size and Submitting Your Photos
The ICAO photo guidance gives a size of 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches) and calls for a printed photo on quality paper[1]. The passport page says passports are issued in Italy by the Police Headquarters and abroad by diplomatic-consular offices[2]. Check your issuing office for how many prints it requires.
You can use the tool above to crop your child's photo to the correct dimensions easily. This tool helps you place the cropped image onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet so you can print it affordably at a local photo kiosk. Always check your prints carefully before submitting them, remembering that the authority makes the final decision on whether they accept your photo.
Rules for Children and Infants
Every child, including an infant, needs an individual travel document[2].
Even though the applicant is a baby, the child's photo must still meet strict international ICAO rules[1]. Photographing a baby requires patience and care, but the same size and background rules still apply to every minor application. Preparing the photo ahead of time helps you avoid delays at the office.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The authority requires a white background and uniform lighting[1]. Avoid shadows on the background or your child's face.
The face should cover 70–80% of the photo from the base of the chin to the forehead[1]. The guidance gives this percentage rather than a head-height measurement in millimeters.
Expression, Mouth, and Head Position
Your child must have a neutral expression in the photograph[1]. The mouth must be completely closed during the shot[1].
For very young infants, getting a closed mouth and a neutral face can be difficult, but you should try your best to capture a calm moment between feedings. The child must look directly at the camera lens with open eyes and an attentive face.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so it is often much safer to take them off for the photo[1]. If glasses are worn, they must not hide the eyes, and frames cannot be thick, heavy, or tinted.
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1]. If your child wears a head covering for religious reasons, it must not cast shadows on the face, and the edge of the face from the chin to the forehead must remain fully visible.
Taking the Photo at Home Step by Step
Lay a plain white sheet flat on a bed or the floor if your child is an infant, or hang a white sheet behind an older child. Make sure the room has bright, even light from a window or lamp without creating harsh dark spots.
Hold the camera or phone at your child's eye level and keep it about one to one and a half meters away. Take multiple pictures so you have options, then upload your best shot to the tool on this page to format it properly.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Many passport photos get rejected because of poor lighting or incorrect background colors. If the background has shadows or is not completely white, the office will refuse the application.
Another common reason for refusal is an open mouth or a non-neutral expression on the child's face. Make sure the photo shows the full face clearly without hair or accessories blocking the features. Checking these small details before you print will save you time and trouble.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Italian child passport photo?
Can I print the photo at a kiosk?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so removing them is usually the safest choice to avoid rejection[1].