A baby passport photo for Singapore follows the same ICA rules as an adult's: 400 × 514 pixels (or 35 × 45 mm printed), a plain white background, a front-facing view and open eyes. ICA does not publish a separate rule set for babies or children, so plan to meet the standard requirements.
ICA photo rules that apply to babies and children
| Size | 400 × 514 px digital, or 35 × 45 mm printed |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white, no patterns or shadows |
| Face | Full face, looking at the camera, head straight |
| Eyes | Open and clearly visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Editing | Not altered or enhanced (resizing is fine) |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 3 months |
Babies change quickly, so a photo taken more than three months ago is unlikely to be accepted and may no longer look like your child.
Tips for taking a baby passport photo at home
Practical tips, not official rules
These are suggestions to help you meet ICA's requirements. They are not additional ICA rules.
- Lay your baby on a plain white sheet. For newborns, a white sheet on a bed or a white car seat cover works better than holding them up against a wall.
- Shoot from directly above. Hold the phone parallel to your baby's face so the head looks straight, not tilted.
- Use soft daylight. Stand near a window and avoid flash, which causes harsh shadows and red-eye.
- Keep hands, toys and dummies out of the frame. Only your baby's face and shoulders should appear.
- Pick an alert moment. Babies are often most awake after a feed. Take plenty of shots and choose the one with open eyes and a closed mouth.
- Crop to 400 × 514 pixels. Keep the face centred with the top of the shoulders visible, and don't apply filters.
Sample photos: what to avoid
These illustrated samples show common problems. The same issues cause rejections for children and adults.
Applying for your child's passport
Apply online through the ICA passport e-Service with Singpass. A parent submits the application for a child. For newborns, ICA waives the fee for the first passport if you apply through MyICA on or before the baby's first birthday. Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.
Children do not need an NRIC until they turn 15. See our NRIC photo guide for registration at 15.
Baby passport photo FAQ
Yes. Every Singapore passport application needs a photo, including for newborns. The photo must meet the same ICA guidelines as an adult's.
Yes. ICA waives the fee for a newborn's first passport if you apply through MyICA on or before the baby's first birthday.
Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years. From age 16, passports are valid for ten years.
ICA's guidelines ask for open eyes and do not list an exception for babies. Try again when your baby is awake and alert, for example after a feed. If you cannot get an acceptable photo, contact ICA before you submit.
Official sources
Last checked October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.