Newborn Passport Photo

Last update: 4/4/2026

Written bySandra

Expert verified

How to Take a Newborn Passport Photo at Home

Getting a passport photo of a newborn is one of the trickiest parts of applying for your baby's first passport. Babies squirm, close their eyes, and cannot sit up on their own. The good news: the State Department is lenient with infant photos, and you do not need a professional studio. Here is how to get it right at home with your phone.

The Biggest Challenge: Positioning

Newborns cannot hold their heads up, so forget about sitting them in a chair. The best method:

• Lay your baby on a plain white sheet or blanket spread flat on a bed, crib, or the floor
• Stand directly above and photograph straight down so the face is centered and looking up at the camera
• Make sure the sheet is smooth and wrinkle-free — wrinkles create shadows that can trigger a rejection
• Car seat method: Some parents place the baby in a car seat and drape a white cloth behind their head. This keeps the baby slightly reclined and more alert

Snap2Pass will automatically remove the background and replace it with solid white, so minor imperfections in your sheet are handled — but fewer wrinkles means a cleaner result.

Getting the Eyes Open

This is the number one frustration for parents. A few tips that work:

• Shoot right after feeding when the baby is alert but calm
• Have a second person stand behind you and make gentle sounds or dangle a toy to get the baby's attention
• Take many photos — 20 or 30 attempts is normal. You only need one good frame
• Natural light is essential. Position near a window. Avoid flash, which startles babies and creates harsh shadows

What if the eyes are closed?

For infants under 6 months, the State Department is more lenient. A photo with slightly squinting eyes may still be accepted. However, both eyes open and visible gives you the best chance of approval on the first try.

Official Requirements for Infant Passport Photos

The US State Department requires the same basic specs as adult photos, with some flexibility for babies:

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
• Background: Plain white or off-white
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed (crying or laughing faces will be rejected)
• Eyes: Open and visible (leniency for very young infants)
• No hats, headbands, or pacifiers — nothing on the head or in the mouth
• No other people in the frame — no hands holding the baby visible in the final photo
• No toys or props visible in the photo

You Do Not Need a Studio

Pharmacy kiosks are not designed for newborns. The fixed camera height, harsh lighting, and time pressure make it nearly impossible to get a compliant shot of a baby who will not cooperate on command.

With Snap2Pass, you take the photo on your own schedule in a comfortable environment. The AI checks compliance against official specs, removes the background, and formats the image — all in seconds. If your baby blinks, just try again. No extra charge, no time pressure.

If your baby's photo has been rejected, see our guide on how to fix a rejected infant passport photo for step-by-step resubmission instructions.