Whether it’s you or your little one, an Irish passport is mandatory for anyone to travel abroad. It can be holidays or any other reason to get on the flight. However, most parents forget about their baby’s passport or a compatible passport photo. Does your baby need a passport? Or perhaps a renewal? We can help you with that.
Last update:29/5/2024
What are the requirements for a baby’s passport photo in Ireland?
Make sure your baby’s passport photo adheres to all the below-mentioned guidelines as per the government.
- Your baby’s photo must be no older than six months. We all know how fast babies grow!
- The photo’s dimensions must be between 35x45mm and 38x50mm. Anything outside this range is not accepted.
- The face should occupy 70% to 80% of the frame.
- Mind the background. It must be light grey, white, or cream. No fancy colors, please! Furthermore, the newborns are to be photographed lying down on a plain, white surface.
- The passport photo of the newborn may be in black, white, or color. However, try to get a colored photo for more clarity.
- Newborns and babies under the age of one don’t necessarily have to have their eyes open.
- Pacifiers, toys, or other objects are prohibited as they might cover up the baby’s face.
Is a digital baby passport photo also accepted in Ireland?
Yes, a digital photo is also accepted, provided you follow all the required guidelines. This way, you can save some money, have an at-home photo shoot, and the process won’t be as stressful for your baby. These are the specifications:
- The digital photograph must be in color. You can use a digital camera, a smartphone, or an iPhone.
- The image should be in JPEG format. No other file format is allowed.
- The file size should not be any larger than 9MB.
- The size should be more than 715 pixels and 951 pixels in width and height respectively.
How to take a digital passport photo of baby at home?
In order to take a digital photo at home, follow these steps.
- Rest your little munchkin on a flat surface. It can be the bed, floor, or table as well. If you’re using a blanket or bedsheet, keep it plain or light-colored.
- You could give them a snack and maybe let them take a nap; this could make things a lot easier.
- Place your HD camera roughly 1.5m-2m away from your baby to avoid blurred photos and other issues.
- Next, keep your infant’s head in the middle of the photograph.
- Ensure there is good lighting around the baby. There should be no shadows in the digital photo. If required, switch on all the lights in the room. Alternatively, natural daylight is perfect.
- Make sure the photograph is of high-resolution and of good quality. If not, click again.
- Take as many photos as you want, and then pick the best one to avoid repeating the process again.
Do I need to hire a photographer to take my baby’s passport photo?
No, you don’t need to hire a photographer to click your baby’s passport photo. You can also become a photographer for the above. You may use software that will guarantee whether your photo is valid or not. Smartphone iD is such an app.
If you want to save your time, money, and energy, choose our services and take your time with an unlimited number of attempts before choosing the ideal baby or adult passport photo! Our artificial intelligence and human control system guarantee 100% that your photo will be accepted and conform to the mandatory ICAO standards and the standards of Ireland’s Passport service. We hope this guide was helpful to you!
Sources
https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/photo-guidelines
FAQS
What are the size and dimensions of a baby’s passport photo?
The photo must be 45mm in height and 35mm in width. The child’s head should occupy 70–80% of the photo, approximately 32–36mm from the chin to the top of the head.
Can a baby have their eyes closed in the passport photo?
Yes, it is acceptable for babies under one year of age to have their eyes closed or partially open. However, the eyes must be visible and not obstructed by any objects.
Is it okay if a parent holds the baby during the photo?
No, the parent or any part of the parent (such as hands) should not be visible in the photo. The baby should be photographed alone, preferably on a plain background.
What kind of background is required for a baby’s passport photo?
The background should be plain white or light grey, without any patterns, textures, or shadows. This ensures the baby’s features are clearly visible.
Are props or toys allowed in the photo to keep the baby calm?
No, props or toys should not be included in the photo. The baby must be the only subject in the picture, and no additional objects should be visible.
Can the baby be lying down for the passport photo?
Yes, the baby can be lying down on a white or light-colored sheet to ensure the background meets the requirements. Make sure there are no shadows on the baby’s face.
What facial expression is required for a baby’s passport photo?
There are no specific facial expression requirements for babies. They can have their mouth open or closed. The key requirement is that the face is visible and unobstructed.
Are there specific requirements for the baby’s attire in the photo?
The baby should wear normal clothing that doesn’t obscure the face or head. Head coverings are not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons, and even then, the face must be visible.
Can I take the baby’s passport photo at home?
Yes, you can take the photo at home as long as it meets all the official requirements regarding size, background, lighting, and clarity. It may be easier to use a professional photo service to ensure compliance.
What should I do if my baby’s passport photo does not meet the requirements?
If the photo does not meet the necessary standards, you will need to retake it to avoid delays or rejections of the passport application. Make sure all guidelines are followed closely to prevent issues with your application.
