Child Passport Photo Requirements
Same rules as adults — with infant exceptions
Children of all ages need a passport photo that meets the same technical requirements as adults: white background, eyes open, no glasses, no other people. The only leniency is for infants under 1 year.
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Rules by Age Group
The rules change slightly as children grow. Use this table to know exactly what's required at each stage.
| Age | Eye Rule |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year | Leniency — eyes don't have to be fully open |
| 1–3 years | Eyes open, forward-facing |
| 3–8 years | Eyes open, forward-facing |
| 8–15 years | Eyes fully open, looking at camera |
How to Photograph an Infant
The most important rule: no other person (parent, hand, arm) can appear in the photo. Here are the approved methods.
Best for newborns
Lay baby on white sheet, photograph from directly above
Best for toddlers (1yr+)
Seat child against plain white wall
Always rejected
Any part of another person = automatic rejection
Step-by-Step: Taking the Photo at Home
Take the photo when your child is calm — right after a nap or feeding. A tired or hungry child makes this much harder.
Tape a white sheet of paper or fabric to a wall, or lay a white fitted sheet on a flat surface. The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows, or furniture visible.
For infants: lay flat on the white surface and shoot from above. For toddlers/children: seat against the white wall. The child's face must be centered and forward-facing.
Use even, diffused natural light — near a window but not in direct sunlight. Avoid flash (it creates red-eye and harsh shadows). No single overhead light (it creates shadow on the face).
Take 20–30 photos quickly. Children move fast. You need one where eyes are open, face is forward, and expression is calm. Use burst mode on your phone.
Use our free tool to crop to the exact 2×2 inch passport size at 300 DPI. The tool handles the sizing automatically — you just position the face.
Note
Requirements by Country
| Country | Photo Size |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 2×2 inch (51×51mm) |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 35×45mm |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50×70mm |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 35×45mm |
Common Rejection Reasons for Children's Photos
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FAQ
What are the photo requirements for a child's US passport?
The photo requirements are identical to adult passports: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), white or off-white background, color photo, and a neutral facial expression. The child must face the camera directly with eyes open. The child cannot wear glasses. No headwear unless for religious or medical reasons. The only relaxed rule is for infants under 1 year — their eyes do not have to be fully open, and some head support is permitted as long as hands are not visible.
Can a child's eyes be closed in a passport photo?
For children under 1 year old, the US State Department provides some leniency — eyes do not have to be fully open. For children 1 year and older, eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera, just like adults. The UK takes an even more relaxed stance for very young babies, but for children over 6 months, eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Can a parent appear in a child's passport photo?
No. Only the child may appear in the passport photo. No hands, arms, carriers, or any part of another person should be visible. For infants who cannot hold their own head up, lay them on a white sheet or blanket and photograph from above.
How long is a child's passport valid?
In the US, passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years (not 10 like adult passports). Because children's appearances change rapidly, a new photo is required with every renewal. In the UK, children's passports are also valid for 5 years.
Can I take my child's passport photo at home?
Yes. You do not need to use a professional studio. Use a plain white wall or place a white sheet behind the child. Make sure the lighting is even — natural window light works well. Use our free tool to crop and resize the photo to the exact passport dimensions. The photo must be sharp, in focus, and taken within the last 6 months.
Do children need a neutral expression in passport photos?
Yes, technically — passport photo guidelines require a neutral expression for all applicants including children. However, in practice, reviewers apply common sense for very young children and toddlers. A natural, relaxed face is acceptable. Forced smiles, frowns, or crying faces should be avoided when possible, but a slight natural smile from a toddler is unlikely to cause rejection.
What if my child refuses to cooperate for a passport photo?
Use our free online tool — take multiple photos quickly and use the best one. Lay infants flat on white fabric. For toddlers, try right after a nap when they're calm. Use a toy to get their attention for the camera. Avoid bribing with food (drool or food marks invalidate the photo). For a crying child, wait for a natural pause — a neutral mouth is more important than a perfect expression.
My child wears glasses — can they wear them in the passport photo?
No. Glasses are banned for all passport photos regardless of age, including children. If your child wears prescription glasses, they must remove them for the photo. The ban has applied in the US since 2016 and in the UK, Canada, and most countries since they adopted ICAO biometric standards.