How to take photos of your baby's passport

There are many things to consider when preparing Get your baby's first passport. You need to find the right documentation, fill in the correct form, and find an appointment time that won't ruin the baby's nap schedule. Most importantly, you have to capture a passport photo that will receive a U.S. State Department approved stamp.

No matter how cute you are, you can't just use any photos. You need to follow certain rules that sometimes seem to be inconsistent with what your baby wants to do.

We have compiled a list of official passport photo rules, along with some tried and tested tips for taking the perfect passport photo of your baby.

Official US Passport Photo Rules

The State Council has Seven official rules To take photos:

• Submit a color photo.
• Submit photos taken in the last six months.
• Use clear images of the face.
• Do not use computer software, phone applications or filters or artificial intelligence to change photos.
• Let others take your photos. No selfies.
• Take off your glasses.
• Use a white or white background without shadows, textures or lines.

Photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm), centered at the head and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 mm and 35 mm). If you already have an acceptable photo but its size is not the right one, you can use it to crop the tool on the State Council website.

For infants, the State Council provides additional guidance. Since your baby can’t stand a pure white background, it’s acceptable to put your baby down or cover the car seat with a pure white or off-white sheet.

Related: Why should you sign your child’s 5-year passport after 4 years

Importantly, there is nothing to know about the child's hands, glasses, hats or pacifiers – covering the child's face. If their hands cover their mouths, they have a pacifier, or stick out their tongue, they will not accept the photos.

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The photos must also be clear and without shadows. Blurry or grainy photos will not be accepted.

However, if the baby's eyes are not fully opened, the State Council will accept your photo submission. (This rule does not apply to older children.)

You have some options when deciding where to take your baby’s passport photo. Some Passport acceptance facilities You can turn in your passport here and also provide on-site photo services. These include post offices, libraries and other local government facilities. This option allows you to take photos of your baby and turn your passport application in one stop.

Several businesses including UPS Store, Walgreens and CVS will take photos of your baby’s passport if you need it. They usually provide you with two printed copies, and some also provide you with digital copies. You can submit a printed photo in your baby's app.

Many people need to make an appointment and charge a fee for this service. Before loading your baby onto the car, verify that you need to make an appointment or pay in addition to your passport application fee.

Related: Easy way to check your passport application status

These providers should be familiar with the guidelines for taking photos of babies’ passports, but be prepared with photo requirements and size specifications just in case it is a wise idea. You may also use whiteboards as a security measure in case they don't have anything available.

If you are nervous about getting acceptable photos yourself, your best bet is to let someone else take it away. The above mentioned businesses and government facilities should have extensive experience in rules and they will know when to take “good” photos. Many people also use a system that automatically verifies whether your photos meet the requirements of the State Council.

Tips for photos of your baby's passport

You can also choose to take photos of your baby's passport at home. Apart from the official guide mentioned above, here are some tips to help you get acceptable photos and as few as possible (from you and your baby):

• If your baby is lying on a tall chair or car seat, putting your baby on a white sheet, or placing white paper on a high chair or car seat, they sit more cooperatively than lying down.
• Standing so far away from your baby that you are not casting a shadow, you can capture their heads and chests in the center of the frame.
• Choose a soft lightning that is not as bright as it will cast shadows on your baby's face or cause them to close their eyes.
• If your baby is lying down, place a towel or small breastfeeding pillow under a white sheet to help support their neck and keep them moving forward.
• Talk to them while taking pictures or use toys to keep your eyes open.
• Take more photos than you think you need so you have a lot of options.
• If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you. One of you can take pictures, the other can make sure the baby is in the right position and pay attention.
• this State Council There is your own cutting tool so you can size your photos appropriately before printing them at home on matte or smooth photo paper. Several companies including Amazon provide Passport photo printing service If you don't have a printer or photo paper at home.