You opened the letter and your heart sank. Your baby's passport photo has been rejected, and your trip is weeks away.
You're not alone. The State Department rejects approximately 1 in 4 passport photos, and non-compliant photos are the number one reason passport applications are put on hold. Infant photos are especially challenging because you're trying to get a tiny, unpredictable human to meet the same technical standards as an adult.
The good news: you have 90 days to resubmit at no additional cost. This guide explains exactly why infant photos get rejected, what the State Department actually requires, age-specific tips for getting a compliant photo, and step-by-step instructions for resubmission. For general requirements, see our baby passport photo page and 15 tips for taking baby passport photos at home.
What Happens When Your Baby's Photo Is Rejected
When the State Department finds a photo issue with your application, here's the process:
- You receive notification -- A letter by mail and/or email explaining the specific reason for rejection, along with a reference number
- Your application status changes to "Additional Information Needed"
- You have 90 days from the date of the rejection notice to submit a compliant photo
- No additional fee is required for resubmission within the 90-day window
- After resubmission, your application resumes processing
If you miss the 90-day window: Your application is canceled. The fees you paid are not refunded. You must start the entire process over with a new application and new fees.
Timeline Impact
A photo rejection typically adds 2-4 weeks to your processing time:
- Standard passport processing is already 6-8 weeks
- Add approximately 2 weeks to receive the rejection notice
- Add approximately 1 week for resubmission processing
- Total with rejection: 10-12 weeks
If you have upcoming travel, consider expedited processing when resubmitting.
Top 8 Reasons Infant Passport Photos Get Rejected
These are the most common rejection reasons, ranked by how frequently they occur:
1. Background Issues
The problem: Wrinkles in the white sheet, colored blankets peeking into the frame, patterns visible behind the baby, or shadows on the background.
The fix: Use a plain white sheet pulled completely smooth and taut. Iron or stretch out any wrinkles. Make sure nothing except white is visible anywhere in the frame -- check the corners and edges carefully.
2. Shadows on Face or Background
The problem: Overhead lighting creates shadows under the chin, around the eyes, or on the background behind the baby. Window light from the side creates uneven illumination.
The fix: Position the baby facing a large window for diffused natural light, or use multiple lamps aimed from the front and sides to eliminate all shadows. Avoid flash entirely -- it causes harsh shadows and red-eye.
3. Adult Hands or Body Visible
The problem: A parent's hand supporting the baby's head, an arm visible in the frame, or part of a parent's face or body showing in the photo.
The fix: Support the baby from below the frame or behind a white blanket. If you need to support the baby's head, position your hand so it's completely hidden behind the baby or behind the white background. Only the baby should be visible.
4. Eyes Closed or Not Facing Camera
The problem: Baby's eyes are shut, or they're looking off to the side instead of at the camera. For babies older than approximately 6 months, eyes need to be open.
The fix: For newborns, the State Department accepts partially or fully closed eyes -- this is an official exception. For older babies, time the photo session after feeding when the baby is alert. Use a favorite toy or make sounds from directly behind the camera to draw their gaze.
5. Wrong Expression
The problem: Baby is crying, laughing with mouth wide open, or tongue sticking out prominently.
The fix: Aim for a calm, relaxed face. A baby doesn't need a perfect neutral expression -- the State Department guidance says the goal is "the best likeness that can reasonably be obtained." But a crying or laughing baby will be rejected.
6. Objects in the Photo
The problem: Pacifiers, toys, blankets that aren't white, hats, headbands, or bows visible in the photo.
The fix: Remove everything from the baby's face and head. No pacifiers, no headbands, no hats (unless religious). The baby should have nothing in or around their mouth.
7. Incorrect Head Size or Framing
The problem: Baby's head is too large (cropped too tight) or too small (too much background visible) in the 2x2 frame. Head must measure 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to crown.
The fix: Position the camera so the baby's head fills approximately 50-69% of the image height. Leave some space above the head and include the upper shoulders. Avoid extreme close-ups.
8. Digital Alterations
The problem: Background removal tools that leave artifacts, beauty filters, AI enhancement, or portrait mode blur effects.
The fix: Do not apply any digital processing to the photo. No filters, no background replacement, no AI enhancement. The State Department prohibits any alterations that change the appearance of the photo. See the 2026 US passport photo requirements for more on the AI alteration ban.
What the State Department Actually Requires for Infant Photos
The official requirements are the same as adult photos, with a few important exceptions that many parents don't know about:
Standard Requirements (Apply to Infants)
- Photo size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- White or off-white background
- Full face visible, facing the camera
- Color photo on glossy or matte photo paper
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses, hats, or headphones
- No other people visible in the photo
Infant-Specific Exceptions
- Eyes may be partially or fully closed for newborns and very young infants
- Slight head tilt is acceptable -- infants cannot control head position perfectly
- Head may be discreetly supported using a car seat, pillow, or parent's hands -- as long as the support is not visible in the photo
- The standard is "best likeness reasonably obtained" -- the State Department recognizes that infant photos cannot meet the same precision as adult photos
These exceptions are spelled out in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM 402.1). If your baby's photo was rejected for eyes being closed despite being a newborn, it may be worth noting the infant exception when resubmitting.
Age-Specific Tips
Newborns (0-4 Weeks)
Newborns are actually among the easier subjects because they sleep a lot and don't squirm much. The challenge is getting eyes open.
- Success rate: 40-50% on first attempt
- Best approach: Lay the baby on a plain white sheet on a flat surface. Photograph from directly above.
- Eyes: If eyes won't open, don't stress -- newborns are eligible for the closed-eyes exception
- Timing: Try during a brief alert period after feeding
- Head support: Newborns can't hold their head up. Lay them flat or support their head from behind, completely out of frame.
- Tip: A cool (not cold) washcloth gently placed on the baby's hand or foot can trigger alertness
Young Babies (1-6 Months)
This is the sweet spot for infant passport photos. Babies in this range have predictable alert periods, can hold their eyes open, and aren't yet mobile enough to squirm away.
- Success rate: 75-85% on first attempt
- Best approach: Lay baby in a car seat covered with a plain white blanket, or prop them on a white pillow. Photograph from eye level.
- Eyes: Use a rattle or toy held directly behind the camera to get the baby to look forward
- Expression: After feeding, most babies have a calm, content expression that works perfectly
- Tip: Use burst mode (rapid-fire) or Live Photo mode on your phone to capture dozens of frames in seconds. You only need one good one.
Older Babies and Toddlers (6-12+ Months)
The hardest age group. Mobile, opinionated, and uninterested in sitting still.
- Success rate: Lower -- may take multiple sessions
- Best approach: Sit the child in a high chair or car seat with a white backdrop behind them. Have one person manage the child while another takes photos.
- Eyes and expression: Have someone stand directly behind the photographer making sounds or holding a favorite toy to keep the child's attention forward
- Tip: Record high-definition video instead of taking individual photos, then extract the best frame. This captures hundreds of potential photos in 30 seconds.
- Last resort: Professional photo shops that specialize in baby passport photos will keep shooting until they get a compliant image.
How to Resubmit After Rejection
Follow these steps to resubmit your baby's passport photo:
- Take a new compliant photo using the tips above
- Include a copy of the rejection letter you received from the State Department
- Write the reference number from the rejection letter on the back of the new photo
- Mail to the address specified in your rejection letter
- If you originally applied in person at an acceptance facility, you may need to return there or mail the new photo to the address provided
What to include in the envelope:
- New compliant photo(s)
- Copy of the rejection letter (with reference number)
- Your full name and date of birth
- Do not include a new application or additional payment
After mailing: Your application status should update to "Information Received, In Process Again" once the State Department receives your new photo.
Tracking: Monitor your application status at travel.state.gov with your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my baby's eyes be closed in the photo? For newborns and very young infants, yes. The State Department explicitly allows partially or fully closed eyes for infants. For babies older than approximately 6 months, eyes should be open.
Can I hold my baby in the photo? No part of you should be visible. You can support the baby from behind a white background or below the frame, but your hands, arms, and face must not appear in the photo.
How long does resubmission take to process? Typically 1-2 weeks after the State Department receives your new photo. The total delay from rejection to resumed processing is usually 2-4 weeks.
Do I have to pay again to resubmit? No, as long as you resubmit within 90 days of the rejection notice date.
What if I miss the 90-day resubmission window? Your application is canceled and fees are not refunded. You must submit a new application with new fees and new photos.
Can I use a phone to take the replacement photo? Yes. Use the rear camera (not selfie camera) for better quality. Have someone else hold the phone. Do not use portrait mode, filters, or any enhancement. Ensure a plain white background with even lighting.
My baby's photo was rejected for eyes closed, but they're a newborn. What should I do? Reference the infant exception in your resubmission. The Foreign Affairs Manual (8 FAM 402.1) states that infant eyes need not be entirely open. However, it may be easier to simply take a new photo with eyes open if possible.
Should I get a professional photo instead of DIY? Professional photo shops that specialize in passport photos will keep working until they get a compliant image. If DIY has already failed once, a professional session may be worth the $15-20 to avoid further delays.
