Baby Passport Photo: How to Get One Right (2026)

Q: How do I take a passport photo of a newborn?

Lay the newborn on a flat white sheet or blanket so the background is plain white or off-white. Shoot from directly above in soft natural window light with no flash. Take many frames; upload the best shot to PixID for a 2×2 crop and compliance check. No pacifiers, toys, or visible parent hands.

Q: Can a baby's eyes be closed?

For newborns, the U.S. Department of State notes that an infant's eyes may be partially closed or not fully open. For older babies and children, eyes should generally be open and visible as in a standard passport photo. Always follow current guidance on travel.state.gov.

Q: Can I hold my baby in the passport photo?

Only the child may appear in the photo. You cannot be visible holding the baby. If you support the baby from behind or below, your hands and body must not appear in the frame. A common setup is laying the baby on a white sheet or using a car seat draped with white cloth so only the child shows.

Q: How old does a baby need to be for a passport?

There is no minimum age: every U.S. citizen, including newborns, needs their own passport for international travel, with a compliant photo. Apply using the same DS-11 process for minors; photo rules accommodate infants where officially allowed.

Q: Do babies need passport photos?

Yes. A passport application for a minor requires a passport-style photo of the child that meets State Department specifications—the same 2×2 inch format as adults, with infant-specific allowances (such as eye openness for newborns) described on the official photo requirements page.

Baby passport photo requirements (different from adults)

U.S. passport photos for babies and young children follow the same 2×2 inch format and plain background rules as adults, with practical differences for infants:

Eyes: For newborns, eyes may be partially open or not fully open — check the latest wording on travel.state.gov. Older babies and toddlers should have eyes visible like a standard portrait.
Mouth: Unlike adults, a baby's mouth may be open; a neutral expression is ideal when possible.
No pacifiers or bottles in the frame.
No toys, hats, or other objects (except documented religious wear if applicable).
Only the child in the photo — parent hands and bodies must not be visible, even if you are supporting the baby below the frame.
White sheet / blanket trick: Lay the baby on a clean white or off-white sheet so the background is uniform and plain, or drape white fabric over a car seat so only the child's head and shoulders show.

For context on digital filing, see our digital passport photo guide. ICAO standards for machine-readable travel documents are summarized at ICAO Doc 9303 (icao.int).

How to take a baby passport photo at home (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Lay baby on a flat white sheet or blanket: Choose a plain white or off-white surface large enough to fill the background. Smooth out wrinkles.
Step 2 — Natural light from a window, no flash: Position the baby so soft daylight falls evenly on the face. Disable flash to avoid red-eye and harsh shadows.
Step 3 — Hold the camera directly above, centered: Shoot straight down for a full frontal view of the face. Keep the lens parallel to the floor to minimize distortion.
Step 4 — Take many photos: Babies move. Capture 10–30 frames and pick the sharpest with acceptable expression and even lighting.
Step 5 — Upload the best shot to PixID: Use PixID.studio for AI compliance checking, background normalization, 2×2 cropping, and a print-ready file.

Age-specific tips

Newborn (0–3 months): Eyes may be closed or partly open per official infant guidance; lay flat on a white sheet. Feed before shooting so the baby is calmer.
Infant (3–12 months): A car seat covered with a white cloth can help stabilize the head — ensure only the baby appears, with no straps or buckles showing if possible.
Toddler (1–3 years): Try a white chair; a parent can crouch behind the chair to steady the child, staying completely out of the frame.
Child (3+): Same rules as adults: eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed, plain background — see passport photo at home.

Common mistakes

Mistake	Why it fails	Fix
Flash	Red-eye, blown highlights, harsh shadows on delicate skin	Use window light only; increase ISO slightly if needed
Parent hand visible	Only the applicant may appear in the photo	Support from below the frame or use sheet/car-seat trick
Shadow from hovering	Uneven lighting can obscure the face	Light from the side; you stand where you don't cast a shadow on the baby
Colored or busy background	State Dept. requires plain white or off-white	White sheet or wall; no patterns

Where to get baby passport photos

Option	Typical price	Notes
PixID.studio	$4.99	At home; AI verification + 2×2 output
CVS	~$16.99	In-store passport photo service (varies by location)
Walgreens	~$16.99	In-store passport photo service (varies by location)

See passport photo cost comparison for more retailers. USCIS and immigration photo rules for other forms are summarized at uscis.gov/photos.

Frequently asked questions

How do I take a passport photo of a newborn?

Lay the baby on a flat white sheet, light from a window, camera above the face. No pacifier or toys. Take many pictures and upload the best to PixID for cropping and compliance.

Can a baby's eyes be closed?

For newborns, official guidance allows eyes that are not fully open. For older infants and children, aim for eyes open and visible. Confirm current wording on the State Department photo page.

Can I hold my baby in the passport photo?

You may support the baby out of frame, but you cannot appear in the photo — no visible hands, arms, or face. Use a white blanket or car-seat cover so only the child is seen.

How old does a baby need to be for a passport?

There is no minimum age. Newborns can and do receive U.S. passports; each child needs their own passport and compliant photo for international travel.

Do babies need passport photos?

Yes. Every passport applicant, including infants, must submit a photo that meets federal requirements — same 2×2 format, with infant-specific allowances where the State Department specifies them.

Baby & Infant Passport Photo: How to Get It Right (2026 Guide)