How to Take a Baby's Passport Photo

Last Updated: August 25, 2021

Are you planning an international trip? Believe it or not, your baby will need a passport of their own before visiting a new country. Don’t worry. It’s easy to take a baby’s passport photo at home, or you can ask a professional for help. We’ve outlined all your options, so you’ll be ready to go when your trip rolls around.

Question 1

Question 1 of 5:
Can I take a baby passport photo myself?

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Yes, you can as long as it meets the official passport photo guidelines. According to the United States Department of State, the picture needs to be a color photo without any social media filters. The picture should also be clear and focused and have a white or off-white background.^{[1]
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- You can use a smartphone or traditional camera as long as the picture is high resolution and doesn’t look pixelated, grainy, or blurry. If you’re using a traditional camera, mount it on a tripod so the camera doesn’t shake. If you’re using a smartphone, steady your hand on a firm surface.
- It’s okay if you can’t meet these photo requirements at home. Instead, get a professional to take the picture.
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Question 2

Question 2 of 5:
What official guidelines do pictures need to meet?

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The photo needs to be 2 by 2 in (51 by 51 cm). Your baby’s head should take up 1 to 1 ³⁄₈ in (2.5 to 3.5 cm) of the total picture.^{[2]
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Photograph your baby alone in front of a white backdrop. Place the baby on a white or off-white sheet so there's a clear, consistent background backdrop. The Department of State also suggests draping a white sheet over your baby’s car seat, and then photographing the baby in the sheet-covered seat for the picture.^{[3]
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- Make sure there are no shadows from you or your camera in the final picture.
- No one else is allowed to be in the picture. Unfortunately, the baby can’t sit on anyone’s lap or be held in a chest carrier.
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Position your baby facing forward so their face is fully visible. Center them in the middle of the sheet or car seat, so both their head and shoulders are in the photograph. Make sure your baby doesn’t have anything in their mouth, like a pacifier.^{[4]
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- It’s okay if the infant’s gaze shifts away from the camera, but their face and chest need to be centered and facing the camera. If the baby is turned, the picture won’t be accepted for their passport.
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Question 3

Question 3 of 5:
Is it okay if the baby blinks or closes their eyes in the photo?

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Yes, that’s completely fine. The passport will still be valid even if your baby is partially or completely closing their eyes in the picture.^{[5]
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- It's a good idea to take more than 1 picture so you'll have multiple shots to choose from.

Question 4

Question 4 of 5:
What do I do after I take my baby's passport photo?

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Print the picture on high resolution on photo paper. Your photo paper can be glossy or matte, as long as there are no holes, smudges, or creases in the photos. According to the Department of State, you can’t edit or alter the pictures afterward, either.^{[6]
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- If the picture looks grainy, pixelated, or blurry, you’ll have to retake it.
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Question 5

Question 5 of 5:
Can a pharmacy take a baby's passport photo?

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Yes, many pharmacies provide this service. Big-name pharmacies like Rite Aid and CVS will take professional passport photos for a small fee. Neither pharmacy has any published rules or policies against photographing babies and infants. For more specific advice, call your local pharmacy.