Child photos
Child passport photo requirements
Children follow the same dimensional specs as adults — there is no smaller passport size. The challenge is keeping them still, eyes open, and facing forward without toys, other people, or busy backgrounds in frame.
Example compliant crops
AI-generated illustrative portraits — not real applicants.
Size does not shrink for children
US child passport: 51×51 mm (2×2 in), 600×600 px, white background, head 50–69%. UK child passport: 35×45 mm, light grey background. Schengen visa for minors: same 35×45 mm biometric rules as adults.
Pose and expression
- Neutral expression — no exaggerated smile or pouting
- Both eyes open and visible
- No glasses in US and most European rules
- Avoid uniforms with large logos if your authority forbids them
- Child must face the camera directly — profile shots fail
Tips for cooperative captures
Shoot after a nap or snack when the child is calm. Sit them on a plain chair facing a window. Use burst mode and pick the frame with eyes widest open. Upload the best shot to PicsForm for crop and background correction.
Official specifications
| Document | UK Passport |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions (mm) | 35 × 45 |
| Pixels @ DPI | 413 × 531 @ 300 |
| Head height | 64–76% |
| Eye line from bottom | 55–70% |
| Background | light grey |
| Official source | View official guidance |
| Last verified | 2026-08-18 |
Common rejection reasons & fixes
Hard fail: Child smiling with teeth showing
Re-shoot with relaxed closed mouth — neutral expression required
Hard fail: Another sibling partially in frame
Photograph only the applicant; plain background with no other people
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a smaller passport photo size for toddlers?
- No — the printed and digital dimensions match adult requirements for each country.
- Can a child wear glasses in a passport photo?
- US passport and visa rules prohibit glasses for all ages. UK and Schengen also disallow them in most cases.
- Can both parents appear in a child passport photo?
- No — only the applicant’s face may appear in the frame.
- What about school photo day prints?
- School portraits often have wrong background, smile, or crop. Use a dedicated passport capture instead.
Related guides
PicsForm matches published requirements; always confirm current rules on the official portal.