Norwegian Child Passport Photo Guide
Get ready for your child's Norwegian passport appointment by understanding the official photo rules, sizes, and what to expect at the police station.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Norwegian Police Service does not publish a print size for passport photos. A commonly used crop is 35 by 45 millimeters, or 1.38 by 1.77 inches. The police take the photo at your appointment, so you do not need to prepare a print[1]. The published guidance gives no head-height measurement[2].
You can use the tool above to practice cropping a picture to this common size. The 35×45 mm crop is not an official print size.
Where the Photo is Taken
The police take your child's photo at the passport appointment[1]. This means you do not have to find a photo booth or print physical copies ahead of time.
You do not need to bring a photo for your child's passport. The police take it at the appointment[1]. Arrive a few minutes early so your child has time to settle down and feel relaxed before the camera session begins.
Taking the Photo at Home
The police take the official photo at the appointment[1]. You can practice taking photos at home if you wish.
Set up your camera or phone at your child's eye level. Keep a comfortable distance so you can frame the head and shoulders clearly. Make sure someone else is nearby to help keep the child calm and looking straight ahead.
Background and Lighting
Official guidance requires even lighting for the face and background but does not specify a background color[2].
Avoid bright patterns, textured wallpaper, or dark shadows directly behind the child's head. Good lighting helps the camera capture every detail clearly without glare or uneven spots on the wall. Natural light from a large window works well if it does not cast strong shadows across one side of the face.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
Your child must maintain a neutral facial expression when the photo is captured[2]. The mouth must be completely closed during the photo session[2].
The photo guidance requires a neutral expression and a closed mouth[2]. Getting small children to keep a neutral expression can be tough. Try to take the picture when your child is calm and rested, rather than right after playing or eating.
Glasses and Headwear
Glasses are strictly not allowed in Norwegian passport photos[2]. If your child wears prescription glasses for daily use, they must take them off completely for the photo session.
Headwear may be allowed for religious or medical reasons. It must not cover the face or more of the head than necessary[2].
Rules for Babies and Infants
Children follow the same facial photo requirements as adults[2]. The police take the photo at the passport appointment, including for children[1].
You may support the child, but no other person should appear in the frame[2].
Preparing at Home
Since the police take the official photo at your appointment, you do not need to worry about final submission file formats or print kiosks for the passport itself[1][2].
However, you can use the tool above to rehearse framing, check proportions, and prepare a 4 by 6 inch sheet for your own use or other documents. Practicing at home helps your child get comfortable with the process before you head to the police station.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a printed photo for a Norwegian child passport?
Can my child wear glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are strictly not allowed in Norwegian passport photos[2].
What kind of background is required?
Official guidance requires an evenly lit background but no color[2].
Can I hold my baby during the photo capture at the police station?
You may support the child, but no other person should appear in the frame[2].
What expression does my child need to show?
Your child must have a neutral facial expression with the mouth completely closed[2].