UK baby and child passport photo
Babies under one can have their eyes closed in a UK passport photo, and children under six don't need a plain expression. Otherwise the adult rules apply: a plain light background, nobody else in the shot, and no toys or dummies. For an online application the photo must be at least 600 by 750 pixels and between 50 KB and 10 MB.
Your photo never leaves your device
- Stand about 1.5 m in front of a plain, light wall.
- Face a window or a bright light so both sides of your face are lit.
- Ask someone to take it with the device at your eye level. Selfies are often rejected.
- Glasses off, hair away from your eyes, mouth closed, no smile.
Ready offline. Turn on airplane mode and it still works, which shows your photo isn't uploaded.
Line up your head and shoulders with the outline. Keep the device at eye level, about 1.5 m away.
Finding your face…
Rules last checked against the official page on 13 November 2026.
UK baby or child passport photo rules
- Your child must be on their own in the photo
- No toys and no dummy
- Under 1: eyes can be closed. You can support their head, but your hand must not be visible
- Under 1: lie them on a plain light-coloured sheet and take the photo from above
- Under 6: they don't have to look straight at the camera or keep a plain expression
- Plain light-coloured background with no shadows
- Head, shoulders and upper body visible. Don't crop it yourself
- At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 10 MB
- Not altered by computer software: no filters, retouching or background changes
Source: GOV.UK: Photos of babies and children. SkipTheBooth helps you meet these rules but can't guarantee your photo will be accepted.
Questions
How do I take a passport photo of a baby at home?
Lay your baby on their back on a plain white or light-coloured sheet, then stand over them and take the photo from directly above, with the device level. Use daylight from a window rather than the flash, so there are no shadows or glare. Take lots of shots and pick the best one.
Can my baby's eyes be closed in a passport photo?
Yes, if they are under one year old. From their first birthday their eyes must be open.
Can my child smile in their passport photo?
Children under six don't have to have a plain expression or look directly at the camera. From age six the adult rules apply: plain expression, mouth closed, looking at the camera.
Can I hold my baby for the photo?
You can support their head, but your hand must not be visible. It's usually easier to lay them on a plain sheet and take the photo from above. Nobody else can be in the photo.
Can a newborn get a UK passport photo?
Yes. There's no minimum age, and the relaxed rules for babies under one make newborn photos easier than they sound. Take the photo when they're calm, for example after a feed.
I'm applying with a paper form. What size should the photo be?
Printed passport photos must be 45 mm by 35 mm. Use the UK passport (printed) option, which makes a print sheet you can print at a supermarket kiosk. The same baby and child exceptions apply.
Is my child's photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens in your browser and the photo never leaves your device.