Turkish Child and Baby Passport Photo Guide
If you need to apply for a Turkish child or baby passport, you must include a specific biometric photo with your application. This guide explains the official rules and how to prepare your photo.
Official Size and Submission Rules
When you apply for an Umuma Mahsus Pasaport (çocuk pasaportu), you must provide a physical photo with your paperwork[1][2]. The submission is printed, meaning one recent biometric print is supplied and returned after scanning[1][2].
The official photo size is 50×60 mm (1.97×2.36 in)[1]. The cited rules do not give a separate head-height measurement. The photo must be sharp, with a white, plain, patternless background[1][2].
Background and Lighting Setup
The background behind your child must be a white, plain, patternless background[1][2]. Do not use walls with textured paint, wallpaper, or household objects in the frame.
Good lighting makes a big difference when taking photos of children at home. Face a large window to capture soft daylight on your child's face without creating harsh shadows. Ask another adult to help hold the baby or grab their attention while you focus on taking a clear picture.
Expression and Infant Requirements
A biometric photo is required at every age, including infants, and the same passport photo requirements apply[1][2]. Your child must show a neutral expression in the finished photo[1][2]. The mouth must be closed[1][2].
Babies often smile, cry, or open their mouths, so you may need to take multiple tries. Wait patiently for a calm moment when your child stops crying and relaxes their facial muscles before you snap the picture.
Rules for Glasses and Headwear
Rules regarding accessories are strict for official identification documents. Glasses are not allowed in the passport photo[1][2], so you must remove them even if your child wears them every day. This prevents any glare on the lenses or thick frames from hiding the eyes.
Headwear is unspecified by the official guidelines[1][2]. If your child wears any head covering, ensure the entire face from the bottom of the chin to the hairline remains completely uncovered and visible.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can easily take a valid passport photo for your baby right at home. If your baby cannot sit up yet, lay a smooth white sheet flat on the floor or mattress and place your child on their back.
Stand directly above the baby so the camera points straight down without any angle. Hold the camera steady at a comfortable distance to keep the face in sharp focus. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct proportions.
Preparing Your Print Sheet
The application requires a printed biometric photo[1]. You can place your cropped image on a 4×6-inch template if you want to print it at a kiosk.
You can use the tool above to arrange your photo on a print sheet. Take the printed sheet to a local store, print it as a regular photo, and carefully cut out the exact 50×60 mm dimensions using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
A photo that does not meet the stated requirements may not be accepted. Check that it is sharp, the face is fully visible, and the background is white and patternless[1][2].
A smiling mouth, open lips, or tilted head will also cause the authority to reject the picture. Double-check that your printed photo measures exactly 50×60 mm before you hand it in with your application materials[1][2].