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UK Baby Passport Photo: Requirements & DIY Tool

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UK Baby Passport Photos: Official Requirements & How-to Guide

  1. PART 1: RULES & EXAMPLES

    Baby Passport Photo Requirements

    Simplified by PhotoBooth Online: When using our professional service, you don’t need to worry about background removal, cropping, or resizing. We handle the technical UK government specs automatically.

    1. Body & Head Positioning

    The photo must show the baby’s full head, neck, and upper shoulders, perfectly centered. The child should face the camera directly with a small gap visible above the head.

    2. Facial Expression & Hair

    • Under 6 years old: Do not need to look directly at the camera or maintain a neutral expression.
    • Under 1 year old: Do not need to have their eyes open.
    • Hair: Ensure hair does not obscure any part of the face.

    3. Clothing & Accessories

    Wear clothes that contrast strongly with a light background. Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons. While glasses are allowed for medical needs, they must not have glare or obscure the eyes; removing them is usually recommended.

    4. Background & Surroundings

    The background must be a uniform light grey or cream. It must be free of shadows, creases, or patterns. Crucially, no other objects or people (toys, dummies, or a parent’s supporting hand) can be visible in the frame.

    5. Technical Specs (Size & Quality)

    • Dimensions: 35mm wide x 45mm high (Printed) or min. 600×750 pixels (Digital).
    • Image Quality: Must be in focus, high resolution, and have natural lighting to avoid “red-eye” or shadows.
    • No Editing: Do not use filters or retouch blemishes; the photo must be a true likeness.

    Baby Passport Photo Examples

    comparison of rejected baby passport photo (eyes closed, pacifier, parent visible) vs. approved photo (eyes open, plain background)
    Unacceptable and acceptable baby photo: images with people in the background, pacifiers, or closed eyes are rejected, while a clear photo with a plain light background and open eyes is approved (although children under one can have their eyes open).
  2. PART 2: DIY GUIDE

    How to Take a Baby Passport Photo at Home

    Capturing a compliant photo of a restless infant can be tricky. Follow these 6 professional steps for a stress-free result.

    1

    Master the Lighting

    Use natural daylight. Position your baby in a room with two windows to eliminate harsh shadows. If the sun is too direct, a thin white curtain can help diffuse the light for a soft, even glow.

    2

    Use the “Lying Down” Hack

    For newborns, lay a plain, cream or light-grey sheet on a flat surface (like a bed) and place the baby on top. This ensures a plain background without needing the child to sit up. Ensure there are no creases or patterns visible.

    3

    Keep the Focus (and the Smiles)

    Wait for a “quiet alert” state when the baby is calm. You can use toys behind the camera to grab their attention, but ensure no hands, dummies, or toys end up in the final frame.

    4

    Position Your Smartphone

    Hold your phone directly above the baby (if lying down) or at eye level. Don’t worry about the perfect 35x45mm crop yet—our tool will handle the technical dimensions and resolution requirements for you.

    5

    Burst Mode is Your Friend

    Take multiple photos in quick succession. Remember: infants under 1 don’t need their eyes open, and children under 6 don’t need a neutral expression—just ensure their head is straight and the mouth is closed.

    6

    Final Verification

    Review your shots. Pick the clearest one where the face is fully visible and unobstructed. Upload it using the button below, and we’ll instantly confirm if it passes the UK passport office standards.

    A comprehensive guide to UK baby passport photos: requirements, examples, and a step-by-step guide on how to take a compliant picture at home.

    Written by: PhotoBooth Online Team

    Updated: 09/02/26

    Source: Based on official HM Passport Office guidelines.

Child Passport Photo at Home in 4 Steps

1. Take and Upload a Photo

Take a casual picture of your baby and upload it here. In an instant, we'll turn it into a professional baby passport photo—by resizing it and removing the background.

2. Check Out the Preview

You'll see a preview of your photo. It's already in the correct baby passport photo format—you just need to make sure you like how it looks. If you don't, you can retake it as many times as you need.

3. Choose a Format

Either get a digital baby passport photo with a code and a self-printing template—or get all of the above plus 8 printouts. In any case, we'll double-check your image against the rules.

4. Get Verified Pictures

Whatever option you choose, you'll get expert-verified UK baby passport photos. Use the digital picture to apply online or your new printouts to apply by post. Either way, we guarantee acceptance!
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Get an Infant Passport Photo Now

  1. Take and upload a regular picture to get professional baby passport photos. Get a printable digital image – or 8 high-quality prints!
    STEP 1
    Upload a regular picture
  2. download an accepted baby passport photo uk
    STEP 2
    Get verified pictures

What's Included in Our Baby Passport Photo Service

  1. Instant Digital Picture

    Download your passport photo in the JPEG image format and get a free copy to your email. This image can be used for an online application on gov.uk.

  2. Baby Passport Photo Code

    Get a generated code containing a link to your new passport picture. Such a code can be used for online submission—as an alternative to a digital JPEG file.

  3. Print-Ready 4x6" Template

    Download a template containing multiple copies of the baby's image. Using it, you can have your photo printed at any place that provides printing services.

  4. 8 Prints (Optionally)

    Have your photos delivered right to your home. Get your baby passport photos printed on high-quality paper online right here—and order free shipment.

  5. Thorough Compliance Check

    When preparing your picture, we'll double-check it against all the requirements for baby passport photos. This way, we'll make sure it'll be accepted.

  6. Full Refund Guarantee

    In the unlikely case that His Majesty's Passport Office rejects your photo, we'll momentarily give you a full refund—or retake your picture for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does your service verify pictures?

    Each image is checked against the official baby passport photo requirements listed here—by a trained UK expert. Also, there are rules for all ages from adults to very young children: say, a passport photo must be coloured and focused and can’t be edited or have any shadows or lighting defects—we’ll verify your photo against these standards as well.
     
    This way, we make sure that His Majesty’s Passport Office accepts your photo the first time.
     
    Plus, we give a money-back guarantee: if your picture is rejected (which is very unlikely), you’ll get a full refund.

  2. How quickly will we get our photos?

    As for the digital copies, they will be ready almost instantly. You’ll be able to either download them on your device or have them sent to your email within a minute.
     
    In case you order printouts, they should be delivered to your address within 2-3 working days (but the digital copies will be sent to you instantly anyway).

  3. What should a baby wear for their passport photo?

    Technically, there aren’t any strict rules, since HMPO doesn’t provide any specific dress code for little ones. Still, you should pay attention to the following:
     

    • Keep the Baby’s Clothes Neutral: Avoid anything too bright. The safest option here is to choose something of plain colour that makes a good contrast to the background.
       
    • Don’t Put on Any Headwear: Whatever the age, hats, bows or other head covers are strictly forbidden (the only exception is made for religious attire).
       
    • No Accessories: No toys, dummies or other similar objects are allowed.
       

  4. Where to take a UK baby passport photo near me?

    You should have at least one of these options nearby:
     

    • Chain Store: Many supermarkets and convenience stores have a dedicated photo service (it’s best to phone ahead and make sure the place does provide such services).
       
    • Post Office: Whatever the branch, the photography service is only available as part of the Check & Send service (where the employee takes your photo and helps you to apply). This is more convenient but comes at an extra cost.
       
    • Photo Studio: For one, you can try a Jessops passport photo—they will definitely have all the means and conditions needed but can cost you more than the first two options.