Passport
Indian Passport Photo Size: Official Requirements 2025
Published: June 10, 2025 • 5 min read • RealImageTool
Getting passport photos right is crucial — incorrect photos are one of the most common reasons for passport application rejections. This guide covers every official requirement from the Ministry of External Affairs and Passport Seva Kendra for passport photos in India.
Official Indian Passport Photo Dimensions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|
| Width | 35mm (3.5 cm) |
| Height | 45mm (4.5 cm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of the photo area |
| Resolution (print) | 300 DPI minimum |
| File size (online) | Max 500KB (check current portal specs) |
| Format | JPG for online applications |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
Photo Quality Requirements
- Focus: Photo must be in sharp focus — no blur
- Lighting: Even lighting, no harsh shadows on face or background
- Expression: Neutral, natural expression. Mouth closed.
- Eyes: Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera
- Glasses: Not allowed in passport photos (as per updated guidelines)
- Head covering: Not allowed unless for religious reasons
- Head position: Head straight, not tilted, fully visible
- Color: Color photographs only — black and white not accepted
- Printed photos: Must be matte or semi-gloss finish, not glossy
How to Create a Correct Passport Photo
You can use RealImageTool's Passport Photo Maker to create a perfectly sized and formatted passport photo:
- Take a photo with a plain white wall as background
- Open the Passport Photo Maker
- Upload the photo and select "35x45mm — Indian Passport"
- Adjust brightness and contrast if needed
- Download as single JPG (for online) or A4 sheet PDF (for printing)
Create Your Passport Photo Now
Free online tool. Creates 35x45mm passport photos with A4 print sheet.
Open Passport Photo Maker
Common Reasons for Passport Photo Rejection
- Background is not plain white — colored walls, patterns, outdoor backgrounds
- Shadows on the face or background
- Wearing glasses or sunglasses
- Photo is not recent (more than 6 months old)
- Wrong dimensions — not exactly 35x45mm
- Face not centered in the frame
- Photo has been digitally altered to change facial features
- Color photo printed in black and white
Passport Photo for Children
For child passports (below 15 years), the same 35x45mm dimension applies. For infants:
- Eyes must be open and visible
- No other person should be visible in the photo
- Baby can be placed on a white sheet for background
- Babies are not required to have a neutral expression
How Many Photos Do I Need?
For a fresh passport or renewal:
- Online application + Passport Seva Kendra visit: 2 photographs
- Tatkal applications: 2 photographs
- Keep extras: Print a full A4 sheet (6 photos per row) to have backups
Can I take a passport photo at home?
Yes. Use your smartphone with a white wall as background. Good natural lighting helps. Upload the photo to our Passport Photo Maker to crop and resize it to the exact 35x45mm format.
What is the difference between 35x45mm and 2x2 inch?
35x45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm) is the Indian passport standard. 2x2 inch (51x51mm) is the US passport standard. They are different sizes — make sure you select the correct one for your application.
Can I wear a dupatta or hijab in my passport photo?
Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons. The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and from ear to ear. The covering must not cast shadows on the face.