Baby Passport Photo

Under 1 Year (Newborn to 11 months):

1 Year to 2 Years:

2 Years to 5 Years:

6 Years and Older:

The right approach:

Take the photo as close to your application submission date as possible — ideally within 5–7 days. This gives you maximum flexibility and eliminates the risk of the photo being rejected for being out of date.

Eyes closed (for babies over 1 year):

For babies aged 1 and over, eyes must be open. Closed eyes are only acceptable for babies under 12 months.

Hands visible in the frame (for babies over 1 year):

A parent's hand supporting the baby, or fingers visible at the edge of the frame, will cause rejection. For 1+ years, the baby must be photographed alone with no supporting hands.

Shadow or another person partially visible:

Even a shadow at the edge of the frame counts as "another person visible." Check every corner of the image before submitting.

Wrong background:

The background must be plain white, cream, or very light grey. Coloured walls, patterned sheets, and off-white backgrounds are all rejected.

Photo too old:

Must be taken within one month of submission. A photo that is 5 weeks old will be rejected.

Dummy or toy visible:

Nothing should be in the frame except the baby (and optionally minimal supporting hands for under 1s).

Step 1 — Choose your moment.:

Photograph your baby when they are calm, well-fed and alert. A tired or hungry baby will not cooperate.

Step 2 — Set up a plain background.:

Lay a plain white or light grey sheet on a flat surface. Avoid cream or off-white tones that photograph as yellow. A crisp white sheet works well for newborns and young babies.

Step 3 — Position the baby.:

For newborns, lay the baby on their back on the sheet and photograph from directly above. For older babies and toddlers, sit them upright against a plain wall or hang a white sheet behind them.

Step 4 — Clothing.:

Dress the baby in clothing that contrasts with the background — avoid white or very pale colours that blend in. Dark colours work well.

Step 5 — Lighting.:

Use natural light from a window beside the baby (not behind). Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Avoid flash — it creates red-eye and overexposes the face.

Step 6 — Take many photos.:

Take 30–50 shots in burst mode. You need one perfect shot. Delete the rest later.

Step 7 — Check before submitting.:

Zoom in to check: eyes open (if required for age), no hands visible, no shadows, clean background, face clearly visible.

Online applications do not require a countersigned photo.:

The countersignatory confirms identity digitally in that case. If you're applying online for a first passport, check the current HMPO guidance, as the process differs from paper applications.

DIY at home:

is practical for newborns and young babies, provided you have a plain background and good natural light. The main risks are wrong background, shadows, and photos rejected for being too old.

A professional photographer:

is worth considering for toddlers aged 12–30 months who won't sit still. A photographer with experience of young children will get a compliant shot within a session. Expect to pay £20–£50. This is often less stressful than 3–4 DIY attempts spread over days.

Online verification:

is useful regardless of which route you take. Upload your photo and receive an immediate compliance check against HMPO criteria — background, lighting, face position, and dimensions are all verified before you submit. This removes the guesswork and means you only submit a photo you know will be accepted.

Size:

35mm × 45mm

Background:

Plain white, cream or very light grey — no patterns, no shadows

Head position:

Baby facing forward, face clearly visible

Eyes:

May be closed (under 1 year) | Must be open (1 year and over)

Hands:

Minimal support allowed (under 1 year) | No hands visible (1 year and over)

Expression:

No dummies, no toys — relaxed or natural expression

Recency:

Taken within 1 month of submission

Alterations:

No digital retouching, filters or alterations of any kind