Baby passport (US) photo requirements
| Use | Size and format |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm), head 1 to 1⅜ inch from chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows on the face or behind the head |
| Eyes | A baby's eyes don't have to be fully open; all other children must have their eyes open |
| Other people | No other person can be in the photo, so keep your hands and arms out of the frame |
Based on official portals and published guidance as of October 2026. Requirements can change, so check the portal you are applying on.
How to take a baby passport photo at home
- Lay your baby on a plain white sheet on the floor or a bed and take the photo from directly above. Or cover a car seat with a white sheet and sit your baby in it.
- Use soft daylight from a window. Avoid flash, which creates shadows and red eyes.
- Take lots of photos in burst mode and pick one where the face is straight and fully visible.
- Crop it here: choose 2 × 2 inch, zoom so the head fills the guide, then download the photo or the 4 × 6 print sheet.
Applying in the UK? Babies under 1 can have their eyes closed there too; see the UK passport photo page.
How to make your photo
- Take a photo. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good light and face the camera.
- Fit it. Add the photo above, choose the size, then zoom and drag so the face fits the guide.
- Download. Save the photo for online upload, or the 4×6 sheet for printing.
Visa photos for other countries
More free tools
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for a baby passport photo in the US?
Size: 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm), head 1 to 1⅜ inch from chin to top of head; Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows on the face or behind the head; Eyes: A baby's eyes don't have to be fully open; all other children must have their eyes open; Other people: No other person can be in the photo, so keep your hands and arms out of the frame. Check the official portal before you apply, as rules can change.
How do I make the photo on my phone?
Take a photo against a plain white wall in good daylight. Open this page, add the photo, pick the size, drag and zoom so the face fits the guide, then download.
Can I change the background to white?
No. This photo must be original and unedited, so the background button is turned off on this page. Take the photo in front of a plain white wall or a white sheet.
Are my images uploaded?
No. Everything happens inside your browser on your own device. Your files are never sent to any server.