What is the best way to photograph a baby for a passport?
Lay the baby on a plain white or light sheet (US, UK) or seat them in a car seat covered with a white sheet or blanket (US, Canada), with no shadows on the face and nobody else in the shot. Australia and India give no method.
Rules checked on · official sources only
What each country says
| Country | Answer | Official quote | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United StatesPassport | Lay the baby on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with the sheet and place the child in it. | For background, place your child on a plain white or off-white sheet. You can also cover a car seat with the sheet, then place your child in the car seat for the photo. Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. This will ensure your baby's head is supported and provide a plain background for the photo. |
travel.state.gov travel.state.gov |
|
| United KingdomOnline application | Lay a baby under one on a plain light-coloured sheet and take the photo from above. You may support the head if your hand isn't visible. | Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo. |
gov.uk | |
| Canada | A newborn may sit in a car seat with a white blanket over the seat behind the head, and no shadows on the face, ears or background. | You may take a photo of your newborn sitting in a car seat, as long as: a white blanket is placed over the seat behind your child’s head there are no shadows around your child’s ears in the background on your child’s face or shoulders |
canada.ca | |
| Australia | Not stated by the Australian Passport Office. | — | passports.gov.au | |
| India | Not stated by Passport Seva (India). | — | passportindia.gov.in (PDF) |
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Answers quote the official pages linked above. Not affiliated with any government. Final acceptance is up to the issuing authority.