Indian Passport Photo Size and Requirements
In India, Passport Seva uses 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm, 630 x 810 px). If you apply through VFS Global in the US, the photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) on a white background.
An Indian passport photo is a close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders on a plain white background, with your face taking up 80-85% of the photo, looking straight at the camera.
This tool sizes your photo to 35x45mm and exports it at 630x810 pixels, the digital size in the Embassy of India's photo guidelines. Photos must be unaltered by computer software, so take yours against a plain white wall rather than removing the background.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.4" × 1.8") |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 457.2 DPI (630 × 810 px) |
| Max file size | 250 KB |
| Format | JPG |
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Can you use AI background removal for this photo?
The Embassy of India's guidelines for ICAO-compliant passport photographs say "Photos should be unaltered by computer software", with a plain white background. Cropping and resizing to the exact size are format changes and are fine; changing the background or retouching your appearance is not. This tool defaults to Compliance Mode for this document - crop and resize only, no background changes. We recommend staying in Compliance Mode and retaking your photo against a plain white wall instead of switching to Edit Mode.
Indian passport photo rules
From the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
- A plain white background
- A close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders, with your face taking up 80-85% of the photo
- A digital photo is 630 x 810 pixels, in colour
- In India, printed photos are 35 x 45 mm (4.5 x 3.5 cm)
- No glasses - take them off to avoid reflections
- Mouth closed and eyes open and clearly visible, with no hair across your eyes
- No head covering except for religious reasons, and then your face must show clearly from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, with both edges of your face visible
- Unaltered by computer software
- Applying from the US through VFS Global: 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photos on a pure white background, taken within 6 months, with your shoulders visible and no glasses
How to take this photo at home
- Stand about 3-6 feet in front of a plain, light-colored wall with no shadow falling behind you.
- Use even, natural light facing you - a window works well. Avoid harsh overhead light, backlighting, or a direct flash, which all cast shadows.
- Hold the camera at eye level, at arm’s length or propped on a stand, and look straight into it.
- Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, and remove hats or sunglasses.
- Take a few shots, then upload the sharpest one here - cropping to the exact size, and background removal if you use it, are handled automatically.
Many governments accept a digital photo upload for online applications as well as a printed photo for in-person or mail applications - check the official source below for which your application needs. This tool exports both a single photo file and a 4x6 print sheet, so either way you're covered.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is an Indian passport photo?
In India, Passport Seva asks for printed photos of 4.5 x 3.5 cm (35 x 45 mm, about 1.8 x 1.4 inches), and the Embassy of India's guidelines give 630 x 810 pixels for a digital photo. That is not 2x2 inches - the 2x2 inch size only applies if you apply through VFS Global in the US.
What size photo do I need for an Indian passport in the USA?
If you apply through VFS Global in the US, its checklist asks for two identical 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photos on a pure white background, taken within 6 months, with your shoulders visible and no glasses. This tool's US 2x2 template produces that size, but check the VFS checklist for the full requirements.
What background color is needed?
A plain white background, evenly lit with no shadows.
Can I wear a head covering?
Only for religious reasons. Your face must still be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, with both edges of your face showing, per the Embassy of India's photo guidelines.
Can I wear glasses?
No. The Embassy of India's guidelines say glasses should be taken off to avoid reflections, and VFS Global's US checklist says photos must be taken without glasses.
Sources: Passport Seva (Ministry of External Affairs); Embassy of India, Washington DC - ICAO photo guidelines; VFS Global USA - Indian passport checklist. Requirements change over time - always confirm the current specification before submitting.