Getting a passport for your newborn or infant in Ireland doesn't require a studio visit. Take a photo at home and we handle the formatting — plain white background, correct dimensions, DFA-ready.
Digital download from €7.99 — compatible with Ireland's Passport Online portal
Babies and young children are subject to the same DFA photo requirements as adults, with a few important differences. PhotoPass ID checks all of these automatically.
The hardest part is getting a baby to cooperate. These practical tips make it much easier.
Position baby near a bright window (not in direct sunlight). Natural light is flattering and shadows-free.
For newborns, place a clean white pillowcase or bedsheet on the floor and photograph from directly above. This naturally creates the required white background.
After a feed is often the best time. Baby is satisfied but awake. Avoid times when they're overtired or hungry.
Take 20–30 photos in quick succession. Eyes-open and forward-facing frames are rare — burst mode gives you more to choose from.
One person holds baby or keeps their attention, the other takes the photo. Having a helper makes a big difference.
If your first attempt does not pass our checks, just upload another frame. There's no extra charge for retries.
Toddlers are notoriously hard to photograph for passports. A few things that help:
Yes — DFA accepts digitally submitted photos through Passport Online. You can photograph your baby at home and upload the processed image directly to the application portal. There's no requirement to visit a pharmacy or studio.
Yes, eyes must be clearly open and visible for an Irish passport photo. This is often the hardest part with newborns. Take many photos and choose the best frame.
No — your hands must not be visible in the photo. The baby should be able to support their own head, or you can lay a young infant flat on a white surface and photograph from above.
DFA understands this is difficult with infants. Mild head tilt is often accepted for very young babies. We will still format the photo — if it gets rejected by the passport office, contact us and we'll assist.
There's no minimum age. Newborns can be issued an Irish passport. In fact, travelling internationally with a newborn requires a passport from birth.
PhotoPass ID is an independent commercial service and is not affiliated with the Department of Foreign Affairs or Passport Online. Always verify requirements at passportonline.ie before submitting your application.