Baby Passport Photo: How to Take an Infant or Newborn Passport Picture at Home

Baby passport photos follow the same size and background rules as adult photos — 2×2 inches, white background, facing the camera. The easiest method is to lay your baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from above. No other person, hand, pacifier, or toy can appear in the frame. Eyes should be open, but partially closed eyes may be accepted for very young infants.

Taking a baby passport photo is, without exaggeration, one of the most stressful parts of traveling with an infant. Babies don't follow instructions. They close their eyes at the wrong moment, cry when you need them calm, and squirm when you need them still. And yet the U.S. Department of State requires that infant passport photos meet nearly the same standards as adult photos.

The good news: you can take your baby's passport photo at home in about 10 minutes with just a smartphone and a white sheet.

U.S. Baby Passport Photo Requirements

Infant and baby passport photos must meet the same core requirements as adult photos:

How Do You Take Your Kid's Passport Photo at Home?

Step 1: Set Up the White Background

Lay a plain white sheet or blanket flat on a bed, couch, or the floor. Pull it taut to eliminate wrinkles — wrinkles create shadows that cause rejection. Make sure it extends well beyond the baby's head.

Step 2: Position the Lighting

Natural daylight is your best friend. Place the baby near a window so light falls evenly across their face. Avoid overhead lighting — it creates chin shadows. Never use flash — it startles babies and causes red eye.

Step 3: Position the Baby

Newborns (0-6 months): Lay on their back on the white sheet. Face looking straight up. You'll shoot from directly above.

Older babies (6-12 months): Lay on white sheet or sit in a car seat with a plain white sheet draped over it so no straps or padding show.

Toddlers (1-3 years): Sit in a high chair or on a parent's lap in front of a white wall. Parent must be completely hidden — no hands, arms, or clothing visible.

Step 4: Take the Photo

Use the rear camera — not the selfie camera. Turn off Portrait Mode and all beauty filters. Hold the camera directly above (for lying down) or at eye level (for sitting). Use burst mode and take 30-50 shots. You only need one good frame.

Step 5: Crop and Resize

Upload to ExactPix, select "U.S. Passport," and the tool crops to the exact dimensions. Everything runs in your browser — your baby's photo is never uploaded to any server.

Tips for Baby Passport Pictures That Actually Work

Timing matters more than technique. Take the photo right after feeding, when the baby is calm and alert. Mid-morning tends to be the sweet spot.

Warm the room. Cold babies scrunch their faces and fuss.

Two adults, one baby. One person manages the baby. The other operates the camera.

Get attention without making them laugh. A gentle "shh," a quiet rattle behind the camera, or softly calling their name. Avoid peek-a-boo — it causes smiles that may be rejected.

Don't stress about perfection. Department of State reviewers understand that infant photos are difficult. Minor imperfections may be accepted for very young babies.

Common Reasons Baby Passport Photos Get Rejected

Parent's hand visible — the number one rejection reason. Even a single fingertip causes rejection. Lay newborns flat so no support is needed.

Eyes closed — aim for eyes open. For very young newborns, partially closed may be accepted.

Mouth open or crying — take the photo during a calm moment after feeding.

Shadows — overhead lighting creates chin shadows. Use natural side light from a window.

Pacifier, toy, or hat in frame — remove everything.

Head tilted — newborns naturally turn their heads. Gently center and capture quickly.

Where to Get Baby Passport Photos Taken

At home (recommended): Most control over timing, mood, and unlimited retakes. Use ExactPix to crop and validate.

CVS: $16.99 for two prints. Most locations take baby photos. Call ahead.

Walgreens: $16.99. Not all locations equipped for infants — call ahead.

Professional photographer: $20-50. Less stressful if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Baby Passport Photo FAQs

Can I take my own baby's passport photo at home? Yes. Lay the baby on a white sheet, use your phone's rear camera with no filters, take many photos, and use ExactPix to crop to 2×2 inches.

Can a baby's mouth be open in a passport photo? No. The mouth should be closed with a neutral expression. Take many photos in burst mode during a calm moment.

Can babies smile in a passport photo? Same rules as adults — neutral is safest. A wide smile or laugh may be rejected.

Can my child's eyes be closed? For very young newborns, partially closed may be accepted. For all other ages, both eyes must be open.

How should I dress my baby for a passport photo? No specific requirements. A white onesie on a white sheet works — clothing blends into the background. For visible shoulders, use a dark solid color.

Does CVS take baby passport photos? Yes. Most locations offer this service. Cost is typically $16.99 for two prints. Call ahead.

How much do baby passport photos cost? CVS: $16.99. Walgreens: $16.99. Professional photographer: $20-50. At home with ExactPix: Free.