The India passport photo rules in plain words
According to the Passport Seva Application Form Instruction Booklet V3.0, the printed photo is 35x45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in), a colour photo on a plain white background. Dark-coloured clothing is advised so that you stand out clearly from the background.
- Copies: 1 printed photo.
- Glasses: allowed if there is no glare; tinted or dark glasses are not accepted.
- Head covering: religious only, with the face fully visible.
- Head size: not specified officially.
Computer prints are not accepted, so the photo must be printed on proper photo paper.
When you actually need a photo
If you apply at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a POPSK, no photo is needed because your picture is captured live there. A printed photo is pasted on the form only for DPC, Speed Post or CSC submissions. Check which route applies to you before ordering prints.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Place yourself in front of a plain white wall or sheet with window light in front of you. Wear dark clothing, keep your phone at eye level and look straight into the lens. Both eyes should be open, the mouth closed and the face evenly lit.
- Avoid shadows behind your head by standing a little away from the wall.
- If you wear glasses, make sure the lenses are clear and show no reflections.
- Do not use filters or beauty modes.
The photo is processed in your browser. IDPhotoly crops it to 35x45 mm, replaces the background with white and checks the framing.
Common reasons for rejection
- Tinted or dark glasses. These are not accepted at all.
- Plain-paper print. Photos printed on ordinary paper are treated as computer prints.
- Coloured or patterned background. The background must be plain white.
- Light clothing against a white wall. Dark clothing is advised for contrast.
- Face partly covered. Only religious head coverings are allowed, and the face must stay visible.
Printing the photo
This is a printed photo, so download the file and print it at 300 DPI on photo paper at 35x45 mm, then paste 1 copy on the application form. A photo shop can print it for you from the downloaded file. Payment is one-time, with a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.
Practical tips before you submit
The booklet does not give an official head-size range, so aim for a normal passport-style framing: your face clearly visible, centred, with the top of the head and shoulders inside the frame. Avoid heavy makeup effects or editing that changes how you look, because the photo must match your real appearance at the time of applying.
- Print more than one copy if you want a spare, but paste only 1 on the form.
- Do not staple through the photo; use glue or the method described on the form.
- Keep a digital copy of the file in case you need to reprint it later.