How to Create a Passport Photo for Your Infant

The new passport rules require that even infants have separate passports. But how do you take an acceptable picture if your baby is squirming around or can't hold his own head up? I'll show you!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alert baby
• Camera
• White background (sheet, plastic, cardboard, etc.)
• Entertainers
• Patience

1. This article deals with taking your own picture. See my other article for tips on taking your infant to a studio or other passport photo-taking location.

2. 
    
   If he's this awake, even better!

   Be sure your baby is awake and alert. The baby's eyes MUST be open for the passport photo to be valid. Additionally, an alert baby will have a better attention span and more patience.

3. 
    
   You can crop this picture so only the baby's head is visible.

   Get yourself a flat, white surface. A white towel, sheet, piece of cardboard, etc should all work fine - just be sure the towel or sheet is wrinkle-free. Place baby on the white surface lying down. Dress your child in darker colors for contrast.

4. Use lamps to light the area. Using a flash will cause shadows on the baby's face, which would render the photo invalid. Use toys or another person to get and hold the baby's attention. Be sure they are near the camera - the baby must be looking at the camera for the photo to be acceptable.

5. Take lots and lots of pictures. Take as many as possible until your baby really starts to fuss. You have a better chance of success the more shots you have to choose from.

6. Using photo editing software (ie Adobe PhotoShop), crop your pictures to 2"x2". The portion from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should range from 1" to 1 3/8", per standards set by the US State Department. You'll need two identical pictures to send in with your form.

Tips & Warnings

• The picture does not have to be a "good" picture and the baby does not need to be smiling.
• Get very close to your baby to take the picture. Though it's possible to crop a larger picture, it's easier to just take the head shot to begin with if you can.
• Leave plenty of time before travel is scheduled in case your photo is rejected.
• The entire head, as well as both ears, must be visible in the picture.
• No other persons or objects, including a pacifier, are allowed to be in the picture.
• When you submit your baby's passport form, your baby and BOTH PARENTS need to be present. If you're a single parent or your spouse is not able to attend you need to bring a notarized Statement of Consent (see websites at the end of the article for a link to the form).
• You'll need your baby's birth certificate to establish citizenship and that you are her legal parents.
• Most town clerks and post offices can handle your passport request - check to see if there are special hours before you go, however.

Resources

• How to Apply for Your First Passport
• Special Requirements for Minors Under Age 16
• Application Form for a US Passport
• Statement of Consent Form
• Photo Quality Requirements