2 x 2 inch size
The final output should match the standard US passport photo size used for baby and infant applications.
United States
Free US baby passport photo maker and 2x2 requirements
Use this page when you need a US baby passport photo with a 2 x 2 inch output, plain white or off-white background, and a digital file that can also be arranged on a 4 x 6 print sheet.
What a US baby passport photo needs
Plain light background
Use a white or off-white background with no visible objects, patterns, hands, toys, or shadows behind the baby.
Clear face position
Keep the face centered and visible. Avoid heavy tilt, blur, or partial obstruction from blankets, clothing, or support objects.
How to take a baby passport photo at home for the US
1
Lay the baby flat
Place your baby on a plain white sheet or blanket in even light.
2
Keep the frame clean
Remove pacifiers, toys, hands, and background clutter before shooting.
3
Take multiple photos
Use several shots so you can choose one with the clearest face and best alignment.
4
Upload and crop
Use the maker to clean the background, set the crop, and prepare the final file.
Common reasons a US baby passport photo gets rejected
Wrong crop or size
A photo can fail if the output is not 2 x 2 inches or the face is not positioned correctly.
Visible support items
Parents' hands, pillows, toys, and patterned blankets can make the background non-compliant.
Shadows and blur
Uneven lighting, motion blur, and strong shadows around the head often lead to rejection.
US baby passport photo questions
Do a baby’s eyes have to be open in a US passport photo?
The U.S. Department of State says it is acceptable if an infant’s eyes are not entirely open. The photo still needs a clear, unobstructed view of the baby’s face.
Can a parent hold a baby for a US passport photo?
No other person may appear in the photo. A safer setup is to place the baby on a plain white or off-white sheet and photograph from directly above.
Can I digitally replace the background?
US passport instructions prohibit digitally altering a photo to change the applicant’s appearance. Use an already compliant white or off-white source background and keep the original-background mode when preparing the crop.
US infant photo details to check before printing
Recent, colour source photo
Use a colour photo taken within the last 6 months. Avoid screenshots, social-media copies, filters, red-eye correction and beauty effects.
Head size and position
On the final 2 x 2 inch photo, the head from chin to top should measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm). Leave space around the head before cropping.
Print without resizing
Use high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. Print at actual size and measure one copy before cutting a full 4 x 6 sheet.
Official US source
Check the original passport photo rules before submitting
The U.S. Department of State specifies a 2 × 2 inch colour photo, a head height of 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), and a white or off-white background. The photo must be recent and must not be digitally altered to change the applicant’s appearance.
Requirements reviewed 8 August 2026. Confirm the current application instructions immediately before submission.