When preparing to get a passport photo taken for a baby, parents often wonder if the baby’s mouth can be open in the photo. The passport photo requirements for babies and children under age 16 are slightly different than the requirements for adults. Here is a detailed look at the passport photo rules and whether a baby’s mouth can be open.
Passport Photo Requirements for Babies and Young Children
In the United States, the Department of State has specific passport photo requirements for babies and children under 16 years old. Here are some of the key requirements:
- The photo must be in color
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Show the child’s head and shoulders only
- Taken against a plain white or off-white background
- Be a square image measuring 2 x 2 inches
- Have the child facing and looking straight at the camera
- Have a neutral facial expression (no smiling, frowning, etc)
The passport agency understands that babies and young toddlers often have trouble sitting still and keeping a neutral expression. Therefore, they allow some leeway for babies’ mouths to be open in the photo.
Can a Baby’s Mouth Be Open?
Yes, a baby’s mouth can be open in their passport photo, within reason. Since it is difficult for babies under 1 year old to close their mouths for an extended period of time, the passport agency allows babies’ mouths to be open. However, there are some limits:
- The mouth should not be gaping wide open
- No crying faces or screaming faces are allowed
- No pacifiers or other objects in the mouth
- The photo should still show the child’s full face
As long as the baby’s mouth is just naturally open a bit, and not excessively wide, it is acceptable for passport photos. Gaping, crying, or screaming faces will not be approved. For young babies, aim for a calm, awake state so they will keep their mouths naturally open just a bit.
Tips for Getting Baby Passport Photos
Here are some tips for getting good passport photos of your baby:
- Schedule the photo session right after feeding time when baby is most likely to be calm and content.
- Keep the room temperature comfortable, not too hot or cold.
- Make sure baby is comfortably dressed and has a clean diaper.
- Hold and comfort baby, keeping them soothed but awake.
- Use funny faces, sounds, or toys to capture baby’s attention.
- Take photos in quick bursts and select the best ones where the mouth is naturally open a bit.
- Crop the photo tightly around the head and shoulders.
With some preparation and patience, you can get great passport photos of your little one. The key is timing the photo shoot when baby is awake and cooperative. If necessary, you can retake the photos again on another day.
Example Baby Passport Photos
Here are some example photos that would meet the passport photo requirements for babies and young toddlers:
As you can see, the babies have their mouths naturally open a bit, but are not excessively gaping or crying. Their faces are centered and taking up most of the frame. The background is plain white. These example photos meet the passport requirements.
What If Baby Won’t Keep Mouth Closed?
It’s very common for babies under 1 year old to have trouble keeping their mouths closed for a passport photo. Here are some tips if your baby absolutely won’t close their mouth for the photo:
- Try taking the photos at different times of day when baby is most calm.
- Take a pacifier out right before snapping the photos.
- Distract baby with noises, funny faces, or toys.
- Gently hold baby’s chin to close the mouth for a few seconds.
- Use an editing app to edit the mouth closed if needed.
Even with these tips, some babies are determined to keep their mouths open. As long as the mouth is not gaping too wide it should be acceptable. Choose the photo where the mouth looks most natural. Retakes can be done as well.
How Long Are Baby Passport Photos Valid?
Here is how long baby passport photos are valid for:
- Baby under 1 year – The photo is valid for 6 months
- 1-2 years old – The photo is valid for 1 year
- 3-15 years old – The photo is valid for 5 years
Babies grow and change so fast in the first couple years of life. The short valid window for passport photos under age 2 accommodates these rapid changes in appearance. You will likely need to retake the passport photo several times in baby’s first few years.
Who Can Take Baby Passport Photos?
Baby passport photos can be taken by:
- Parents at home – Carefully follow photo requirements
- Photography studio – Call ahead to ask about experience with babies
- Shipping stores – Some offer passport photo services
- U.S. passport agency – Will take photo for you if needed
Taking the photos at home allows you to snap pictures quickly and select the best ones. Studios tend to have more experience posing babies. Shipping stores or the passport agency are useful if you need passport photos immediately.
Cost of Baby Passport Photos
The cost for baby passport photos ranges from:
- Taken at home – $0
- Taken at select shipping stores – $5 – $15
- Taken at pro photo studio – $10 – $30
If you have a good digital camera and a white background, taking photos at home has no cost. Shipping stores and professional studios charge for staff time, printing, and retouching services. Order extra prints just in case reshoots are needed.
Common Mistakes with Baby Passport Photos
Some common mistakes to avoid with baby passport photos include:
- Busy background – Choose a plain white wall.
- Shadows on the face – Use diffuse lighting, no shadows.
- Parent’s hands visible – Crop image to just the baby’s head/shoulders.
- Looking away from camera – Try to capture baby’s attention.
- Mouth excessively open – Aim for a natural small open mouth.
- Obstructed face – Hats and other items not allowed.
- Low quality print – Use thick photo paper and high resolution.
Review the photo requirements carefully and inspect the photos closely. Retake the photos rather than submit substandard ones. Passport agents will reject photos that don’t meet the specifications.
Conclusion
In summary, a baby’s mouth can be slightly open in their passport photo, as long as the mouth is not gaping excessively. Timing is key – take the photos when baby is calm, fed, and cooperative. Aim for a natural, small open mouth position. Retakes are allowed if needed. With some preparation and patience, parents can capture passport-approved photos of their little one.