Why Are ID Photos for Children So Hard?
Taking an ID photo of a child — especially an infant — is a real challenge for many parents. Young children rarely cooperate: they turn away, close their eyes, cry, or smile at the wrong moment. With the right techniques, however, you can absolutely shoot a compliant ID photo for your child at home.
Good News for Parents
The rules for children's ID photos are more flexible than for adults. Infants can have their eyes closed, mouth slightly open is acceptable, and a strict "neutral expression" isn't required. That said, photos with the baby crying or laughing loudly will still be rejected.
Separate Passport or Joint with a Parent?
Under the 2019 Vietnam Exit and Entry Law, there are two options for a child's passport:
| Passport type | Eligible age | Photo size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint passport (added to a parent's passport) | Under 9 years old | 3x4 cm | Can only be merged with the father OR mother (not grandparents) |
| Separate passport | Any age (including infants) | 4x6 cm | Recommended option |
Recommendation: Get a Separate Passport for Your Child
Although children under 9 may be added to a parent's passport, we recommend a separate passport because:
- Many countries will not issue visas for children on a joint passport
- The child cannot travel abroad with grandparents if neither parent is along
- If the parent renews their passport, the child's documents must be redone
- A joint passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years
Children's ID Photo Rules by Age
Infants (0–12 months)
Eligible for either a separate passport or joint with a parent
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 4x6 cm (separate passport) or 3x4 cm (joint with parent) |
| Eyes | May be closed |
| Head position | Doesn't have to be perfectly straight |
| Expression | Neutral expression not required |
| Background | White, no other objects |
| Most important | The face must be clearly visible and unobstructed |
Young Children (1 to under 9 years)
Eligible for either a separate passport or joint with a parent
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 4x6 cm (separate) or 3x4 cm (joint) |
| Eyes | Open, looking straight at the camera |
| Posture | Head straight, not tilted |
| Expression | No smile, mouth closed |
| Background | White, no parents or objects |
Older Children (9–14 years)
From age 9, children must have a separate passport (no joint passports). Photo requirements match adults: 4x6 cm, white background, neutral expression.
Quick Summary by Age
- Under 9: separate passport OR joint with a parent (3x4 cm photo)
- 9–14: MUST have a separate passport (4x6 cm photo)
- 14 and older: apply on their own, like an adult
How to Take an ID Photo of an Infant
Preparation
- White bedsheet: lay your baby on a clean, flat white sheet without wrinkles or patterns
- Natural light: position near a large window, avoid direct sunlight on the baby's face. An overcast day is ideal
- Best timing: right after a nap, when the baby is fed and content. Avoid hungry, tired or fussy moments
- Clothing: pastel-colored top (light pink, light blue, light yellow) or a dark color. Do NOT use white tops — they blend into the white background
- Head support: roll a soft cloth and place it behind the neck and around the head to keep the head straight and stable
Three Photography Methods for Infants
Method 1: Lying on a White Sheet (Most Popular)
- Spread a flat white sheet on the bed or floor
- Lay the baby on their back, facing the ceiling
- Stand directly above and shoot straight down so the camera is parallel to the baby's face
- Make sure the light is even and there are no shadows on the face
Method 2: Car Seat / Crib Covered with a White Sheet
- Drape a white sheet over the car seat or crib
- Place the baby into the seat — the seat keeps them in a natural semi-reclined position
- Place the seat near a window for natural light
- Shoot from the front, at the baby's eye level
This method works especially well for babies aged 2–6 months who can hold their head up a bit.
Method 3: Hold the Baby + AI Background Removal
- The adult wears a dark-colored top (to contrast with the baby)
- Hold the baby facing the camera, keeping the baby's face straight
- Important: the holder's face must NOT appear in the frame — only the baby's upper body should be visible. The adult stands or leans behind/outside the frame
- Capture the baby alone in the frame
- Upload to Ảnh Thẻ — the AI automatically removes the background, leaving only the baby
Techniques to Capture the Baby's Attention
- Two people are best: one shoots, one engages the baby
- Sound-making toys: gentle, not too stimulating to avoid loud laughter or crying
- Toy placement: hold the toy just behind and slightly above the phone so the baby looks at the camera
- Soft talk: call the baby's name softly so they look toward the camera
Shooting Technique
- Don't use flash: flash startles the baby, causes red eye, and shifts skin tone
- Use burst mode: hold the shutter to capture many photos in a row
- Take 20–30 shots: infants are unpredictable — many shots give you more chances at a great one
- Check immediately: after a few shots, zoom in to verify focus and lighting
Key Tip
For infants, you don't need to worry about closed eyes or a slight head tilt. A slightly open mouth is also fine. The most important thing is a clear, unobstructed face — no hands, blankets, pacifiers or other objects covering it. Photos of a crying or loudly laughing baby are not accepted.
Things to Absolutely Avoid
- No parent's face in the photo — if you're holding the baby, stay outside the frame
- No parent's hand visible (supporting head or shoulder)
- No toys, pacifiers or other objects in the frame
- Don't shoot while the baby is crying or laughing loudly
- Don't use beauty filters, eye-color filters, or skin-smoothing apps
- No hats, headbands or head accessories on the baby
How to Take ID Photos for Children Aged 1–5
Common Challenges
- Child won't sit still
- Child keeps turning their head
- Child smiles or makes faces
- Child is afraid of the camera
Solutions
- Pick the right time: after a nap, when not hungry or tired
- Make it a game: "Let's play photo time!"
- Use toys: dangle a toy just above the camera so the child looks up
- Show videos: play a favorite video right above the camera
- Shoot fast: use burst mode
- Praise often: compliment the child after each shot to keep them motivated
Setup
- Safe surface for the baby: infants can simply lie on a bed or flat surface — no white backdrop needed, anhthe.io automatically removes the original background and replaces it with the ICAO-compliant white
- High chair or feeding chair: for older babies who can sit upright, use a chair with a strap to hold them still
- Camera at eye level: mount the phone on a stand at the child's eye line
- Helper: one person to engage the child, one to take the photo
Mistakes to Avoid
1. A Parent or Adult Hand in the Photo
A child's ID photo must show ONLY the child. No parent's hand supporting them, no shoulder behind, no toys or pacifiers.
2. Hat or Headband on the Child
All head accessories must be removed. Only religious head coverings are allowed.
3. White Clothing
White tops blend into the white output background. Choose pastel colors instead — light pink, light blue, light yellow.
Country-Specific Visa Requirements
US Visa (DS-160)
- Size: 5x5 cm (51x51 mm)
- Infants: closed eyes allowed, head doesn't have to be perfectly straight
- No glasses, no objects in the photo
Schengen Visa (Europe)
- Size: 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm)
- Face fills 70–80% of photo height
- Infants may have a slight head tilt
Japan Visa
- Size: 4.5x4.5 cm
- Only the child in the photo, no parents
- Babies under 12 months may lie on a white sheet
Create Your Child's ID Photo Now
AI background removal — correct standard sizes — digital file delivered by email
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Does an infant need a separate passport?
Children under 9 may be added to a parent's passport. However, if the child needs to travel abroad without a parent (e.g. with grandparents), they need their own passport.
Are photos taken at home accepted?
Absolutely — as long as they meet the technical requirements (size, background, resolution). Use Ảnh Thẻ to ensure the photo meets all standards.
Is a crying baby OK in the photo?
No. ID photos require a natural face — no crying, no excessive smiling. Take the photo when the baby is comfortable and content.
How many photos do I need for a child's passport?
Online via the Public Service Portal: 1 digital file. In-person: 2 printed 4x6 cm photos. Ảnh Thẻ delivers an ICAO-compliant digital file by email.