Are earrings or jewellery allowed in an Indian passport photo?

Small, non-reflective earrings and jewellery are generally acceptable. Avoid large, dangling or shiny accessories that could cast reflections, create shadows, or obscure part of your face or hairline.

What are the photo requirements for a minor or baby Indian passport?

The same 35 x 45 mm size, plain white background and head-height band apply to minors, with no age exemption. The child must be alone in the frame with no parent, hand, toy or pacifier visible. For infants who cannot sit unsupported, lay the child on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Eyes should be open.

What are the photo requirements for a Tatkaal passport?

Tatkaal applications require exactly the same 35 x 45 mm photo as standard applications: plain white background, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months. There are no relaxed photo requirements for urgent processing.

What photo do I need for an Indian passport renewal or re-issue?

A fresh photo taken within the last 6 months, even if your appearance has not changed. Re-issue for damage, lost passport or a change of particulars all require a new compliant 35 x 45 mm photo meeting the full Passport Seva specification.

How recent should my Indian passport photo be?

Within the last 6 months, and it must reflect your current appearance. If you have significantly changed your hair, weight or facial features you must take a new photo even if an older one is technically compliant.

What file format should I use for a Passport Seva upload?

JPEG only, in full RGB colour, at least 600 x 600 pixels and under 1 MB. PNG, HEIC and WebP files are rejected by the portal. If your phone saves HEIC you must convert to JPEG before uploading.

India Passport Photo Size (35x45 mm) — Requirements & Free Maker

Q: What is the India passport photo size in cm and inches?

3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm tall, which is the same as 35 mm x 45 mm and approximately 1.38 x 1.77 inches. Indian application forms often print the height first as 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, which describes the identical photo.

Q: What is the passport size photo pixel size for Passport Seva?

For online upload to the Passport Seva portal the photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels as a JPEG under 1 MB. The ideal size is 827 x 1063 pixels at 600 DPI, which matches the 35 x 45 mm physical dimensions exactly. At 300 DPI the equivalent is 413 x 531 pixels.

Q: How many photos do I need for an Indian passport application?

Two identical printed colour photos for physical submission, plus a digital JPEG upload to the Passport Seva portal. Both printed copies must come from the same session with the same expression, lighting and clothing. Confirm the count on your application form, as it varies by application type.

Q: Can I wear glasses in an Indian passport photo?

It is best to remove glasses. Reflections on the lenses, tinted frames or thick rims often lead to rejection. Take the photo without eyewear unless you have a documented medical reason, in which case the lenses must be clear and glare-free.

Q: Can I smile in an Indian passport photo?

No. A neutral expression with the mouth closed is required. Smiling, frowning or showing teeth will lead to rejection. Keep both eyes open and look directly at the camera.

Q: Is a beard allowed in an Indian passport photo?

Yes. A beard is allowed and there are no restrictions on facial hair. However the face including the jaw, chin and cheeks must remain clearly visible and unobscured.

Q: Can I wear a white shirt in my passport photo?

A white shirt is not recommended. Against the required white background a white top reduces the clarity of your outline and can make the photo look unclear. Wear a contrasting solid dark colour such as navy, black or dark green instead.

India Passport Photo Size (Quick Answer)

An India passport photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm, also written 4.5 × 3.5 cm on Indian forms) on a plain white background, with the head measuring 25–35 mm from chin to crown, taken within the last 6 months. For Passport Seva upload you need a JPEG of at least 600 × 600 pixels under 1 MB.

Requirement	Value
Photo size	35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 in)
Also written as	4.5 × 3.5 cm — height first, as on many Indian forms
Head height	25 – 35 mm chin to crown
Background	Plain white, in the digital file as well as in print
Pixels @ 300 DPI	413 × 531 px
Pixels @ 600 DPI	827 × 1063 px
Passport Seva minimum	600 × 600 px, JPEG, under 1 MB
Printed copies	Two identical colour photos from the same session
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open
Photo age	Taken within the last 6 months
Issuing authority	Ministry of External Affairs / Passport Seva

Every rule is explained in the passport photo rules library, and other national standards are indexed in the requirements by country hub.

Tool Ready

Launch the India Passport Photo Maker

Our Passport Photo Maker is pre-configured with the official Indian passport photo size of 35x45 mm. Upload any clear photo of yourself and the tool automatically detects your face, corrects the background, and crops the image to exact Passport Seva specifications. The result is a print-ready and digital-ready photo you can use immediately.

Official India passport photo dimensions
Automatic face detection and centering
Background correction to plain white
JPEG output inside the 1 MB Passport Seva ceiling
Instant download of digital and print versions

Create India Passport Photo

India Passport Photo Size

35 × 45 mm

Head height: 25–35 mm
Background: Plain white
Format: High-quality JPEG

India Passport Photo Visual Reference

The diagram below marks the measurements Passport Seva checks: the 35 × 45 mm frame, the 25–35 mm chin-to-crown head height, and the plain white backdrop behind the head.

India passport photo size diagram showing a 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall frame with the head measured from chin to crown on a plain white background — India passport photo proportions: 35 × 45 mm at a 7:9 portrait ratio on a plain white background. The same physical format is shared with the UK, Australia and most of Europe — see the 35×45 mm photo size guide.

India Passport Photo Requirements

The Ministry of External Affairs and Passport Seva Kendra enforce strict standards for photos submitted with Indian passport applications, renewals, and re-issue requests. The same specifications apply to Tatkaal applications. Each rule below links to the detailed standard in our passport photo rules library.

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	35 x 45 mm (also written 4.5 x 3.5 cm on Indian forms)
Width	35 mm (3.5 cm / 1.38 inches)
Height	45 mm (4.5 cm / 1.77 inches)
Background color	Plain white — see background colour rules
Lighting	Even and diffuse, no shadow behind the head — see shadow rules
Head position	Centered, facing camera, level shoulders
Head height	25–35 mm from chin to top of head — see head size rules
Face coverage	Roughly 56–78% of the 45 mm frame height — see face size requirements
Eyes	Both open, clearly visible, no red-eye — see eyes requirements
Hair	Must not cover the eyes or eyebrows — see hair rules
Ears	Not mandatory, but the face outline must be clear — see ears visibility rules
Facial expression	Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open — see smile rules
Glasses rules	Not recommended; avoid reflective frames — see glasses rules
Head covering	Allowed only for religious reasons; face fully visible — see head covering rules
Resolution	Minimum 600 x 600 pixels for digital upload — see resolution rules
File format	JPEG (for online), printed color photo
File size (digital)	Under 1 MB for Passport Seva upload
Digital alteration	Not permitted — no filters, skin smoothing or retouching
Photo age	Taken within the last 6 months
Print requirements	Professional glossy or matte photo paper, no border
Quantity (printed)	2 identical recent color photos from the same session

Verify before you submit. Head-height figures for Indian passport photos are published slightly differently across Passport Seva forms, Passport Seva Kendra notices and individual consular posts. The 25–35 mm range above is the most widely applied. Always confirm the exact figure printed on your own application form or on the Passport Seva portal before your appointment.

Photo Diagram

Width35 mm

Height45 mm

Head height (min)25 mm

Head height (max)35 mm

BackgroundPlain white

ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed

EyesBoth open, visible

GlassesNot recommended

Background

India requires a plain white background. Off-white or light grey may be accepted in some cases, but pure white is the safest choice. Coloured walls, patterns, furniture, or shadows behind your head will lead to rejection.

Facial Expression

Look directly into the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Hair should not cover your eyes or eyebrows.

Not sure your photo passes? Upload it and the tool checks size, head height and background for you.

Check My Photo

India Passport Photo Size in mm, cm, and Inches

The official Indian passport photo size is expressed in millimetres, but many photographers and online tools also use centimetres or inches — and Indian application forms often print the height first as 4.5 × 3.5 cm. All of these describe the same photo. Here is the complete size reference across every unit.

Measurement	Millimetres (mm)	Centimetres (cm)	Inches	Pixels @ 300 DPI
Width	35 mm	3.5 cm	1.38 in	413 px
Height	45 mm	4.5 cm	1.77 in	531 px
Head height (min)	25 mm	2.5 cm	0.98 in	295 px
Head height (max)	35 mm	3.5 cm	1.38 in	413 px

When asking a studio to print your passport photos, specify the size as 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, or 35 mm × 45 mm. Most professional photo labs in India understand all three. For the full worldwide reference see passport size photo dimensions.

India Passport Photo Size in Pixels

When uploading a digital passport photo to the Passport Seva portal or any online application, the image must meet minimum pixel dimensions. The pixel count depends on the resolution (DPI) used when converting from millimetres to pixels.

Resolution	Width (pixels)	Height (pixels)	Use Case
300 DPI (standard)	413 px	531 px	Home printing
600 DPI (recommended)	827 px	1063 px	Online upload & studio print
Minimum for online upload	600 px	600 px	Passport Seva portal

Always use 600 DPI or at least 600 x 600 pixels for digital submissions. Photos below this threshold are rejected by the Passport Seva portal's automated quality check. Our tool outputs at the correct resolution automatically.

Why upscaling does not work

Enlarging a small image to reach 600 × 600 pixels interpolates rather than adds detail, and the result is soft around the eyes and hairline. Automated quality checks measure sharpness, so an upscaled file fails even when the pixel count reads correctly. Shoot wide and crop down instead — any phone camera from the last five years clears the requirement comfortably.

Passport photo pixel size chart showing 413 by 531 pixels for the 35x45 mm India standard alongside 600 by 600 for 2x2 inch and 591 by 827 for 50x70 mm at 300 DPI — Pixel dimensions at 300 DPI across the most requested standards. Full conversions are in passport photo size in pixels; to hit an exact pixel target see the resize to 600x600 guide.

Passport Seva Digital Photo Requirements

When uploading your passport photo online through the Passport Seva portal, the file must meet specific digital standards in addition to the visual requirements. Failing any one of these will result in your photo being rejected by the portal before your application is even reviewed.

File FormatJPEG (.jpg) only. PNG and HEIC are not accepted.

File SizeMaximum 1 MB per photo. Compress before uploading if needed.

Minimum Resolution600 × 600 pixels. Higher is better — use 827 × 1063 for best results.

Color ModeFull color (RGB). Black-and-white photos are not accepted.

White BackgroundBackground must be plain white in the digital file, not just in print.

No FiltersRetouching, beauty filters, or auto-enhancements are strictly not allowed.

No BordersDigital file must not have any printed or digital borders around the image.

Recent PhotoTaken within the last 6 months. Outdated photos are flagged and rejected.

Common Passport Seva Upload Errors

Error: Photo dimensions do not match. The pixel dimensions do not correspond to a 35x45 mm photo at the accepted resolution. Use our tool to generate a correctly sized file, or the crop guide to reframe manually.
Error: File size exceeds limit. Compress your JPEG to below 1 MB. The reduce file size guide and compression guide cover this without dropping below the pixel minimum.
Error: Unsupported file type. iPhones save HEIC by default, which the portal rejects. Convert first with the HEIC to JPEG guide.
Error: Background not white. The portal's algorithm detects non-white backgrounds. Remove any background tint before uploading.
Error: Face not detected. Ensure your face is well-lit, fully visible, and centred in the frame before uploading.

Portal-by-portal digital rules across every country are covered in the digital passport photo requirements guide.

Official Reference

These requirements are sourced from the official Government of India passport portal. Always confirm specifications before submission.

Passport Seva Portal ↗ Ministry of External Affairs ↗

Need a JPEG under 1 MB at the right pixel size? The tool exports it in one step.

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Who Needs an India Passport Photo?

The 35x45 mm specification applies to all Indian passport-related applications. The same photo format is also required for a number of related government documents. Here are the most common use cases.

New Passport

First-time applicants must submit 2 printed photos and a digital upload via the Passport Seva portal.

Passport Renewal

Renewal applications require a fresh photo taken within the last 6 months, even if your appearance has not changed.

Tatkaal Passport

The Tatkaal scheme for urgent processing requires the same 35x45 mm photo specification. No exceptions.

Minor Passport

Children's passports require a photo of the child alone. See the minor and infant rules below.

Reissue / Re-issue

Reissue due to damage, change of particulars, or lost passport requires a fresh compliant photo.

India Passport Photo for a Minor, Baby or Infant

India applies the same 35 × 45 mm specification to minors, including newborns. There is no smaller format, no reduced head-height band and no relaxed background rule for children. The practical difficulty is meeting an adult framing standard with a subject who cannot sit unsupported, so the points below are the ones that most often cause a child photo to be refused.

Same size, same framing

35 × 45 mm frame with the head 25–35 mm chin to crown on a plain white background. No age exemption applies to size, framing or background.

Child alone in the frame

No parent, guardian, supporting hand, arm, toy or pacifier may be visible. Support the child from behind a plain white sheet so nothing enters the frame.

Eyes open, looking forward

Both eyes should be open and directed towards the camera. See the eyes requirements.

Photograph from directly above

For infants who cannot sit unsupported, lay the child flat on a plain white sheet and shoot from directly overhead so the face is square to the lens.

No shadow behind the head

Use soft, indirect daylight from the side of the room rather than overhead. Overhead light from one side creates the background shadow that fails the check. See the shadow rules.

Crop from a wide source

Shoot wide and crop down. Cropping tightly in-camera on a small face leaves too few pixels once the 35 × 45 mm frame and 600 × 600 pixel minimum are applied.

Positioning, lighting and timing technique for infants and toddlers is covered step by step in the baby passport photo at home guide.

Photographing a child? Upload the shot and let the tool apply the 35 × 45 mm crop.

Create Child Photo

How to Create an India Passport Photo Online

Creating a Passport Seva compliant photo at home is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Our tool handles all technical adjustments automatically.

Upload Your Image

Take a clear front-facing photo with your phone or camera against a plain white wall, then upload it to the tool.

Auto Face Detection

The tool detects your face, checks lighting, and verifies head height proportions against Indian passport specs.

Crop and Align

The image is cropped exactly to the official 35x45 mm size with correct head positioning and white background. The crop guide explains how the 7:9 ratio and head height are applied together.

Download Ready-to-Use Photo

Download the high-resolution digital JPEG and a print-ready 4x6 layout with multiple copies for studio printing.

Common Reasons India Passport Photos Get Rejected

A large number of passport applications are delayed because of photo issues. Understanding the most common causes will help you avoid resubmission and additional Passport Seva appointments. The full cross-country breakdown is in passport photo rejection reasons.

Wrong Dimensions

Photos that are not exactly 35x45 mm or have incorrect head height ratios are rejected. The head must measure 25 to 35 mm from chin to crown. See the head size rules.

Wrong Format Submitted

Submitting a 2 × 2 inch India visa photo for a passport application, or the reverse. The two Indian formats are different and are not interchangeable.

Incorrect Background

Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds are not accepted. Only plain white is recommended. See the background colour rules.

Poor Lighting

Overexposed, underexposed, or unevenly lit photos are rejected. Use soft, even, frontal lighting.

Shadows

Visible shadows on the face or wall behind you cause rejection. Stand away from walls and use diffused light. See the shadow rules.

Head Not Centered

Tilted heads, turned faces, or off-center positioning cause immediate rejection. Face the camera squarely.

Hair Across the Face

A fringe over the eyes or hair obscuring the eyebrows or face outline fails landmark detection. See the hair rules.

Low Resolution

Blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed photos do not meet quality standards. Anything under 600 × 600 pixels is refused. See the resolution rules.

File Over 1 MB

A high-quality JPEG can easily exceed the Passport Seva 1 MB ceiling even when the pixel dimensions are correct. Save at quality 85 or use the reduce file size guide.

Glasses Issues

Reflections, tinted lenses, and thick frames cause rejection. It is best to remove eyewear completely. See the glasses rules.

Non-religious Headwear

Caps, hats and fashion head coverings are refused. Religious head coverings are permitted if the full face stays visible. See the head covering rules.

Digital Alterations

Beauty filters, skin smoothing, or any post-processing that alters your appearance is not permitted and will be flagged.

Wrong File Format

For online submission, only JPEG is accepted. Uploading a PNG, HEIC, or WEBP file will result in an immediate upload error.

Mismatched Printed Copies

The two printed photos must be identical and from the same session. Mixing sessions, expressions or clothing between the copies is refused.

Printing an India Passport Photo

A physical Passport Seva submission needs two identical printed photos, so printing is part of the specification rather than an afterthought. A 35 × 45 mm photo tiles six-up on standard 4 × 6 inch photo paper, so one sheet covers both copies with spares.

Printed size	Exactly 35 × 45 mm with no border
Copies needed	Two identical colour photos from the same session
Print resolution	300 DPI minimum — disable fit-to-page and auto-scaling
Paper	Professional glossy or matte photo paper. Plain copier paper is refused
Copies per 4 × 6 inch sheet	Six 35 × 45 mm photos with cutting margins
Copies per A4 sheet	Around thirty, though you only need two
Cutting	Guillotine or steel rule for square edges. Do not cut inside the printed border
Colour management	sRGB. Turn off printer auto-enhance and colour correction
Handling	Let ink dry fully. Do not staple or fold the photo. Use photo adhesive where the form requires pasting

Printer settings, paper choice and cutting technique are covered in full in the print passport photo at home guide, and multi-copy sheet layout in the print sheet guide.

Get a print-ready 4 × 6 sheet with six 35 × 45 mm copies, ready to cut.

Generate Print Sheet

How to Take an India Passport Photo with a Phone

You do not need a professional studio or camera to get a compliant Indian passport photo. Most modern smartphones have sufficient resolution and camera quality. Follow this step-by-step guide.

Find a plain white wall

Choose a clean white or very light wall with no patterns, art, sockets, or furniture in the background. Natural light from a nearby window works best.

Stand one metre from the wall

This gap prevents shadows from building up directly behind your head and shoulders, which is one of the most common rejection causes.

Use the rear camera

The main (rear) camera on any smartphone produces significantly higher resolution and better colour accuracy than the front-facing selfie camera. Ask someone to take the photo for you.

Hold the phone at eye level

Position the phone lens at the same height as your eyes. Shooting from above or below creates distortion and makes it harder to centre your head correctly.

Ensure even lighting

Stand facing the light source. Avoid harsh direct sunlight. If indoors, face a large window with diffused natural light. Turn off overhead lights that cast shadows under your eyes and nose.

Switch off portrait mode and filters

Portrait blur, skin smoothing and face-slimming modes are enabled by default on many phones. They alter facial geometry, are detected, and are explicitly prohibited. Use the plain photo mode.

Maintain a neutral expression

Relax your face, close your mouth, and look directly at the camera. Keep both eyes fully open. Do not smile or tilt your head.

Upload to our tool

Open our India passport photo maker on your phone browser and upload the photo. The tool crops, resizes, and formats everything to Passport Seva specifications automatically.

Download and use

Download the digital file for online submission, or print the 4x6 sheet at your local studio, supermarket print kiosk, or home printer.

Final Checks Before You Submit

The shooting procedure is covered in the mobile photo guide above. These are the remaining details that are easy to overlook once the photo is taken.

Do not wear a white shirt. A white top blends into the required white background and reduces the clarity of your outline. Wear a contrasting solid dark colour such as navy, black or dark green.
Keep your shoulders square. Face the camera directly without leaning forward, twisting, or tilting your head to one side.
Remove large accessories. Take off hats, oversized earrings, and any jewellery that reflects light or obscures your hairline. Small, non-reflective earrings are generally fine.
Check both printed copies match. The two photos must come from the same session with identical expression, lighting and clothing.
Verify the file before uploading. Confirm it is a JPEG, at least 600 × 600 pixels, under 1 MB, and in full RGB colour.
Confirm the photo age. It must have been taken within the last 6 months and still look like you today.

India vs Other Countries: Passport Photo Sizes Compared

Understanding how Indian passport photo dimensions compare with other countries helps if you are applying for multiple passports or visas at the same time. The 35x45 mm format is widely used internationally.

Country	Width	Height	Pixels @ 300 DPI	Background	Same Size as India?
India Passport	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	White	Reference
United Kingdom	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	Light grey or cream	Same
Australia	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	White or off-white	Same
Germany	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	Light grey	Same
EU / Schengen	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	Light grey	Same
Japan	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	White	Same
Singapore	35 mm	45 mm	413 × 531 px	White	Same
India Visa	51 mm (2 in)	51 mm (2 in)	600 × 600 px	White	Different
United States	51 mm (2 in)	51 mm (2 in)	600 × 600 px	White	Different
Canada	50 mm	70 mm	591 × 827 px	White	Different
China	33 mm	48 mm	390 × 567 px	White	Different
UAE	40 mm	60 mm	472 × 709 px	White	Different

If you are applying for a UK, Australian, or Japanese visa alongside your Indian passport, your 35x45 mm photo may be reusable — but always verify with the embassy, as head height and background shade requirements differ. Browse every national standard in the requirements by country hub, or compare visa standards such as the Schengen visa photo and the China visa photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Size & Dimensions

What is the India passport photo size?

The official Indian passport photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm). The head must measure between 25 mm and 35 mm from the chin to the top of the head, which is roughly 56% to 78% of the 45 mm frame height, with the face centred in the frame.

What is the India passport photo size in cm and inches?

3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm tall, which is the same as 35 mm × 45 mm and approximately 1.38 × 1.77 inches. Indian application forms often print the height first as 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, which describes the identical photo — the two orderings are not different sizes.

What is the passport size photo pixel size for Passport Seva?

For online upload to the Passport Seva portal, your photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels in JPEG format, with a file size under 1 MB. The ideal size is 827 x 1063 pixels at 600 DPI, which precisely matches the 35x45 mm physical dimensions. At 300 DPI the equivalent is 413 × 531 pixels.

Is 35x45 mm required for all Indian passport applications?

Yes. The 35x45 mm size is the standard for all Indian passport applications, including new passports, renewals, re-issue requests, and Tatkaal applications. Note that the India visa photo uses a different 2 × 2 inch square format, so the two are not interchangeable.

Appearance & Compliance

What background is required for an Indian passport photo?

A plain white background is required, and it must be white in the digital file as well as in print. Colored walls, patterns, textures, or shadows are not acceptable. Stand at least a metre away from the wall to prevent shadows behind your head.

Can I smile in an Indian passport photo?

No. A neutral expression with your mouth closed is required. Smiling, frowning, or showing teeth will lead to rejection. Keep your eyes open and looking directly at the camera.

Can I wear glasses in an Indian passport photo?

It is best to remove glasses for your passport photo. Reflections on the lenses, tinted frames, or thick rims often lead to rejection. Take the photo without eyewear unless you have a documented medical reason, in which case the lenses must be clear and completely glare-free.

Are head coverings allowed in an Indian passport photo?

Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted provided the full face from the chin to the forehead stays clearly visible and the covering casts no shadow across the features. Caps, hats and fashion headwear are not permitted. See the head covering rules.

Is a beard allowed in an Indian passport photo?

Yes. A beard is allowed in an Indian passport photo. There are no restrictions on facial hair. However, the face — including jaw, chin, and cheeks — must be clearly visible and not obscured.

Are earrings or jewellery allowed?

Small, non-reflective earrings and jewellery are generally acceptable. However, avoid large, dangling, or shiny accessories that might cast reflections, create shadows, or obscure part of your face or hairline.

Can I wear a white shirt in my passport photo?

A white shirt is not recommended for Indian passport photos. Against a white background, a white top reduces the clarity of your outline and may make the photo look unclear. Wear a contrasting solid dark-coloured top instead.

How recent should my passport photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. If you have made significant changes to your hair, weight, or facial features, you must take a new photo even if an older one is technically compliant.

Application Types

How many photos do I need for an Indian passport application?

You need 2 identical printed color photos for physical submission, plus a digital JPEG upload to the Passport Seva portal. The photos must be identical — taken at the same session, with the same expression, lighting, and clothing. Confirm the count on your application form, as it varies by application type.

What are the photo requirements for Tatkaal passport?

Tatkaal passport applications require the same 35x45 mm photo as standard applications. The photo must have a plain white background, neutral expression, and be taken within the last 6 months. There are no relaxed photo requirements for Tatkaal.

What photo do I need for passport renewal?

For passport renewal (re-issue), you must submit a recent photo taken within the last 6 months, even if your appearance has not changed significantly. The photo must meet all standard 35x45 mm Passport Seva specifications.

What photo is required for a minor's or baby's passport?

Children's passports require a photo of the child alone against a plain white background at 35x45 mm, with the same head-height band and no age exemption. Both eyes should be open. Parents or guardians must not appear in the photo, and no supporting hand, toy or pacifier may be visible. For very young babies, lay the child on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. See the minor and infant section above.

Taking, Uploading & Printing

Can I use a phone photo for an Indian passport?

Yes. Modern smartphone cameras exceed the resolution required. Use the rear camera, good lighting, and a plain white wall, and switch off portrait mode and any beauty filter. Our India passport photo tool will resize and format the result correctly.

What file format should I use?

For online applications, use a JPEG file in full RGB colour with a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 pixels and a file size under 1 MB. PNG, HEIC and WebP are rejected by the portal — if your phone saves HEIC, convert it first with the HEIC to JPEG guide. For printed submissions, use a high-quality colour photo on professional photo paper.

Can I print the photo at home?

Yes. Print at 300 DPI or higher on glossy or matte photo paper at exactly 35 × 45 mm with no border, and disable any fit-to-page scaling which changes the physical size. Alternatively, use our 4x6 layout download to print six copies at a local studio or photo lab. See the print at home guide.

Can I create an Indian passport photo online?

Yes. Our online passport photo maker for India creates a fully compliant 35x45 mm photo with the correct background, head positioning, and resolution. The output is ready for both print submission and digital upload.

Official Sources & References

Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs — passport application and photo guidelines: passportindia.gov.in
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India: mea.gov.in
ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents biometric photograph standard: icao.int

Last reviewed: 2 August 2026
Specifications on this page are compiled from publicly available Passport Seva and Ministry of External Affairs guidance and the ICAO Doc 9303 biometric photograph standard. Requirements can change, head-height figures are published slightly differently across forms and Passport Seva Kendra notices, and individual centres may apply additional local practice. Always confirm the current specification on the Passport Seva portal or the form you are completing before your appointment.