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If you're preparing for international travel with your newborn or toddler, you’ll need to get their infant passport photos done right.
This guide shows how to take a baby passport photo at home using your smartphone, ensuring it meets official US baby passport photo requirements, and how to print and apply for your child’s passport.
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US Baby Passport Photo Requirements
Getting ready to take your baby’s first passport photo? Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds!
With just a little prep, you can snap the perfect picture right at home. Before you start, here are the official rules according to U.S. Department of State guidelines that you’ll need to follow:
- Photo basics: Must be in color, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or off-white background, free of shadows or lines.
- Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Head height (chin to crown) must be 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm).
- Expression: Neutral expression, facing camera directly, both eyes open (slight leeway for infants), mouth closed.
- Restrictions: No glasses, masks, hats, pacifiers, or toys. The face must be fully visible. Partial eye closure for babies is acceptable.
How to Take & Edit Infant Passport Photos at Home
Step 1. Take a Photo for Your Baby
The first step is snapping a clear, passport-ready picture of your little one.
It might take a few tries (babies aren’t always the most cooperative models!), but with the right setup, you’ll get it done smoothly.
- Use a plain, white/off-white background (a bedsheet works perfectly).
- Lay your baby flat or use a car seat with a plain cover.
- Ensure soft, natural lighting with no shadows.
- Position the baby’s head straight-on, centered, with minimal expression.
- Remove all objects like toys, blankets, or pacifiers from the frame.
Step 2: Open the Background Removal Feature on Youcam Perfect
Open the app "YouCam Perfect," which allows you to create passport photos. Open [Photo Editing] from the top screen and upload the photo of your baby you just took.
From the editing screen, select the [Background Removal] tool. When you open the tool, the background of the baby will automatically become beautifully transparent.
Step 3: Select the White Background
Choosing the right background is key to meeting U.S. passport requirements.
For baby photos, a plain white or off-white background works best—it keeps the picture clear and distraction-free, while making sure it gets approved.
Step 4. Save
Once you have selected the background color, press the [Save] mark to download the edited baby ID photo and you're done.
How to Print Baby Passport Photo
Once you’ve taken the perfect shot, the next step is getting it printed in the correct size and format.
Luckily, you have both digital and in-person options to choose from:
- Print digitally: Use the exported JPEG file (2x2 in, 600×600 px) to print at home or upload to services like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or USPS.
- In-person services: CVS and Walgreens charge around $16.99 for passport photos; Walmart and USPS also provide printing.
- File specifications: Square JPEG, between 54 KB–240 KB depending on the service.
U.S. Baby Passport Application Process (2025)
After taking the photo and getting it printed, the final step is submitting your baby’s passport application. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare if your child is under 16:Completed Form DS–11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., birth certificate)
- Parental ID (both parents must appear, or one parent with notarized consent via Form DS–3053)
- One compliant baby passport photo (2 x 2 inches, recent, unaltered)
- Application fees (execution + processing)
📍 Applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility (e.g., USPS, post office, county clerk). Both the child and parents must be present.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a professional studio to get compliant U.S. baby passport photos.
With just a smartphone, good lighting, and a white sheet, you can capture the right shot. Then, use YouCam Perfect to crop, resize, and ensure background compliance before printing.
By following these steps, you’ll streamline the process, save time and money, and make sure your baby’s first passport photo is accepted on the first try—ready for smooth travels ahead.
Baby Passport Photos FAQs
Can my baby smile?
A neutral look is preferred. Slight, natural smiles are okay, but wide smiles will be rejected.
Can I use filters or Photoshop?
No. Heavy edits, filters, or scanned copies are not accepted. Use apps like YouCam Perfect for compliant adjustments only.
What if my baby’s eyes are closed?
Infants are allowed partial eye closure. Focus on other compliance factors.
Can I apply online?
No. Baby passport applications must be submitted in person with physical documents.
