Indian Passport Size Photo Requirements & Specifications
Updated for 2025 • Government Compliant
Complete, official specifications for passport photos accepted by Indian government, embassies, and all official documents. Follow these guidelines for guaranteed acceptance.
Complete passport photo specifications as per Indian government guidelines
Quick Summary: Standard Requirements
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 2 x 2 inches | 51mm x 51mm or 5.1cm x 5.1cm |
| Background Color | White or Off-White | Plain, no patterns or shadows |
| Face Position | Centered | Face should occupy 70-80% of frame |
| Head Position | Straight | Looking directly at camera |
| Expression | Neutral | Mouth closed, no smile |
| Eyes | Open and Visible | No squinting, clearly visible |
| Glasses | Allowed | Non-tinted, no glare on lenses |
| Head Covering | Religious Only | Face must be fully visible |
| Resolution | 600 DPI minimum | For print quality |
| Digital File Size | 20 KB - 100 KB | For online applications |
| Photo Age | Within 6 months | Must represent current appearance |
Requirements by Document Type
| Document | Size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Passport | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | Matte or semi-matte finish |
| Aadhaar Card | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | Color or B&W accepted |
| PAN Card | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | Recent photo required |
| Driving License | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | State variations may apply |
| Voter ID | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | Clear face visibility |
| US Visa | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | No glasses allowed |
| UK Visa | 45x35mm | White/Light Gray | Biometric standards |
| Schengen Visa | 35x45mm | White/Light Gray | Face 70-80% of photo |
| Canada Visa | 50x70mm | White | Largest size requirement |
Visual comparison of photo sizes for different documents
Do's and Don'ts
DO'S
- Use plain white or off-white background
- Maintain neutral expression with mouth closed
- Ensure even lighting without shadows
- Look directly at the camera
- Keep both eyes open and visible
- Use recent photo (within 6 months)
- Center face properly in frame
DON'TS
- Don't use colored or patterned backgrounds
- Don't smile, laugh, or make expressions
- Don't wear sunglasses or tinted glasses
- Don't use old or outdated photos
- Don't apply beauty filters or heavy editing
- Don't cover face with hair or accessories
- Don't tilt head or look away from camera
Visual guide: What to do and avoid for passport photos
Digital Photo Requirements
For online passport applications, e-visa forms, and digital submissions, your photo must meet these additional specifications:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact size of Indian passport photo?
The standard Indian passport photo size is 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm). This is also written as 5.1cm x 5.1cm.
What background color is required?
Plain white or off-white background is required. No patterns, shadows, or other colors are accepted.
Can I wear glasses in passport photo?
Yes, prescription glasses are allowed but must be non-tinted and without glare. Sunglasses are not permitted.
How recent should the photo be?
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months and should represent your current appearance.
What expression should I have?
Neutral expression with mouth closed. No smiling, laughing, or frowning.
Can I wear religious head covering?
Yes, religious head coverings are allowed but your full face must be visible from chin to forehead.
What is the minimum resolution for digital photos?
Minimum 300 DPI for print quality. For online applications, 350-1000 pixels dimensions with 20-100KB file size.
Are selfies acceptable for passport photos?
Selfies can work if taken with good lighting, white background, and proper framing. Use rear camera for better quality.
Can I edit or filter my passport photo?
Light editing for brightness/contrast is acceptable. Beauty filters, face alterations, or heavy editing is not allowed.
What should I wear for passport photo?
Wear normal clothing that contrasts with white background. Avoid white tops. Religious or cultural dress is acceptable.
How many photos do I need for passport application?
2 photos for fresh passport, 2 photos for renewal. We recommend keeping 4-6 as backup.
Is the size same for all Indian documents?
Most Indian government documents use 2x2 inch size. Some visa applications require different sizes (35x45mm for Schengen).
Can babies and children use the same specifications?
Yes, same size applies. For infants, eyes must be open and support (like parent hand) should not be visible.
What if my photo gets rejected?
Common rejections are due to wrong background, poor lighting, or incorrect size. Using our tool minimizes rejection chances.
Are colored photos required or black & white?
Colored photos are required for passport. Some older documents may accept B&W but colored is always preferred.
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