Baby Passport Photo

No matter how photogenic your child is, one thing is for certain—

Getting them to pose for official ID photos can be a hassle. That’s why in this article, we’ll guide you through the process of taking baby passport pictures to ensure their photo meets all official Australian government requirements. Read on!

Are you about to renew your child’s passport? 👉 See how passport renewal for children works.

Passport photo requirements for children

As far as the technical requirements of baby passport photos are concerned (e.g., size and background), they’re precisely the same as those for adult Australian passport pictures. However, the authorities understand full well that taking pictures of children (let alone newborns) is challenging. 

So—

Here are some additional instructions for Australian baby passport photos.

For all children/toddlers

• Don’t overthink outfit ideas—keep it plain and simple. Dress your child up in a comfy t-shirt or rompers. Opt for darker colours to contrast with the light-grey background
• No smiling, frowning, or grinning. Children are required to keep a neutral expression
• Your child must keep their eyes open and mouth closed
• Make sure your child is looking directly at the camera. No tilting allowed
• If your baby has long hair or a fringe, consider tying their hair up or tucking it behind their ears—your child’s face must be fully visible
• Children aren’t allowed to wear glasses in a passport photo. So, if your child wears glasses, it’s best to take them off for the picture

For newborns/infants

• Your newborn must be the only person in the picture. So, don’t give them any toys to hold onto, and don’t take the photo while holding them
• If your baby is young, you’re allowed to take the photo with them lying down. Place your newborn in their cot or on a blanket/sheet on the floor and snap the photo from above
• Even babies must face the camera directly. If your baby can’t focus, try grabbing their attention by holding a hand behind the camera
• You can’t take a photo while your baby is sleeping. It’s best to plan the photoshoot in the morning when they’re not tired or fussy

Pro tip #1: Passport applications often get rejected because of a non-compliant picture. With children, it’s even harder to get the photo right! Check out these examples of rejected infant passport photos to know what to avoid.

How to get baby passport photos in Australia?

Getting passport photos for a baby in Australia shouldn’t be a problem. Unless you live out near Woop Woop, that is! 

Your best bet is to start by looking for Australian passport photos near me and see if there’s a convenient location in your area. For example, you could get your pictures at:

• Australia Post 👉 Find a post office in your area under this link
• Officeworks
• Professional photographer
• Supermarket 
• Photo booth

Note that you’ll need two good-quality colour prints for a passport application. If you choose to print them yourself, don’t use an inkjet printer (dye sublimation is allowed).

But what if none of these locations work for you? Or your child isn’t keen on posing for strangers? Scroll down for the best place to get baby passport photos, no matter where in Australia you are!

Pro tip #2: Although you need to submit two photos printed on glossy paper, it’s good practice to keep a digital image as a backup. Physical photocopies can get damaged, and an extra photo of your baby may come in handy.

Online services

Can you take baby passport photos at home? Yes, you can!

In fact, it might be the most convenient option. Taking government-compliant photos of children, especially newborns, can be all but a walk in the park. If you don’t want to stress your baby with a visit to a photo studio, consider becoming a professional photographer yourself. 

Here’s how to do it in 3 steps with our service: