The US child and baby passport photo rules in plain words
Children use the same photo format as adults: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), printed at 300 DPI, with the head measuring 25-35 mm from chin to crown. The background is plain white or off-white. Glasses are not allowed, and a head covering is only acceptable for religious reasons with the face fully visible.
One printed photo is needed. Children under 16 apply in person with Form DS-11 and a printed photo, as there is no online renewal for them.
Babies and newborns
Infants cannot be expected to behave like adults. An infant's eyes, especially a newborn's, may be partially or completely closed. The head may be discreetly supported, for example in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket behind the child. No parent may appear in the photo.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
For a baby, lay a plain white or off-white sheet or blanket on a flat surface, or hang it behind a car seat. Use soft daylight from a window and avoid the flash, which can cause glare and shadows. Take the picture at the child's eye level, from a short distance, and keep the camera straight.
- Remove hats, headbands and pacifiers.
- Make sure no hands or other people are visible.
- Keep the face fully visible and centred.
- Take many shots, because children move quickly, and pick the sharpest.
For older children, ask them to sit still and look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
Common reasons a child passport photo is rejected
- A parent's hand or arm in the frame. The child must be the only person visible.
- Patterned or coloured blanket. The backdrop must be plain white or off-white.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head. Use soft, even light.
- Head too small or too large. Keep chin to crown within 25-35 mm.
- Blurry image. Movement causes soft pictures.
- Pacifier, toys or hat. Nothing should hide the face.
Print on plain photo paper rather than ordinary office paper, and cut the photo to exactly 2x2 inches. Do not trim the picture by eye: use the crop marks on the sheet so the head stays centred and the proportions do not change.
Printing the photo
This is a printed submission. IDPhotoly crops your picture to 2x2 inches, sets the background and checks the head size, then lets you print it on photo paper at 300 DPI. The picture is processed in your browser and not uploaded. If it is rejected by the authority, you can request a full refund.