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The Challenge
India's Passport Seva portal now requires 35×45mm ICAO-compliant digital photos (630×810px) for e-passport applications. This is different from the traditional 2×2 inch format. Face must occupy 80–85% of frame, white background mandatory, glasses must be removed. Wrong format or size = automatic portal rejection.
India passport photo format has changed – 35×45mm for Passport Seva
- Passport Seva portal now requires 35×45mm ICAO format (630×810 pixels)
- This is DIFFERENT from traditional 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format
- Digital upload is mandatory – both photo and signature must be uploaded
- Glasses must be removed – no exceptions for Indian passport photos
- Face must occupy 80–85% of frame – stricter than most countries
India's transition to ICAO e-passport standards
India is transitioning to chip-based electronic passports (e-passports) that store biometric data including facial recognition points. The Passport Seva portal has updated its photo requirements to comply with ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards. The new format is 35×45mm with 630×810 pixel digital upload, replacing the traditional 2×2 inch format for online submissions. Physical Passport Seva Kendras may still accept 2×2 inch prints, but the digital upload must be 630×810 pixels in JPEG format. Both the digital photo and digital signature must be uploaded before the online application can be submitted.
India passport photo requirements – will your photo pass Passport Seva?
- 35×45mm dimensions with face occupying 80–85% of photograph
- Digital file: 630×810 pixels, JPEG format
- Plain white background – no other colours accepted
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Full face, front view, head centred and not tilted
- Eyes open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera
- Mouth closed, natural expression (no smiling)
- Glasses MUST be removed – reflections cause automatic rejection
- No hair covering eyes or face
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- No red-eye effect
- Photo taken from at least 1.5 metres distance (not a selfie)
- No digital retouching, filters, or computer software alterations
- Head coverings only for religious reasons – face from chin to forehead must be visible
- Photo unaltered by computer software
Common Passport Seva portal rejection reasons
- Uploading 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format instead of required 35×45mm (630×810px)
- Wearing glasses – automatic rejection on Passport Seva
- Face coverage below 80% of photograph
- Selfie distortion – photo taken too close (must be 1.5m+ away)
- White or light-coloured clothing blending with white background ('Invalid Outline' error)
- Smartphone beauty filters or skin smoothing applied
- Shadows on face or background
- Red-eye from flash
- Photo older than 6 months
- Non-white background
- Low resolution or blurry image
How to upload photo to Passport Seva portal
- Download the 630×810px JPEG from this tool (single photo download)
- Go to passportindia.gov.in and log in to your Passport Seva account
- Navigate to the photo/signature upload section
- Click 'Upload Photograph' and select your downloaded JPEG file
- Portal validates dimensions, file size, and basic compliance automatically
- If accepted, proceed to signature upload and complete application
- If rejected, check error message – most common: wrong dimensions, glasses, or low contrast
- After online submission, print the application form and sign physically at PSK appointment
35×45mm Passport Seva format vs 2×2 inch traditional format
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Photograph from directly above with face centred in frame
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting – avoid flash
- Babies under 1 year: eyes do NOT need to be open
- Children under 10: relaxed requirements for head height and position
- All children: mouth must be closed, neutral expression
- No other person, hands, toys, bottles, or pacifiers visible in frame
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and 80–85% face coverage apply
- Use diffuse lighting to avoid shadows – umbrella lights ideal
Clothing rules for Indian passport photos
Avoid white or light-coloured clothing – the Passport Seva portal's AI system struggles to distinguish light clothing from the mandatory white background, triggering 'Invalid Outline' errors. Wear darker or medium-toned clothing that contrasts with the white background. Uniforms are not permitted. Tank tops or sleeveless tops should be avoided as they can create an appearance of undress. Religious headgear is permitted provided the face from chin to forehead and both edges are fully visible. No other hats, caps, or headwear allowed.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in India
- Photo studio near Passport Seva Kendra: ₹100–300 for passport photo set
- Passport Seva Kendra photo service (where available): ₹50–100
- Online passport photo services: ₹200–500
- This tool: Free – download 630×810px JPEG and upload directly
- Home printing cost: ₹5–15 per sheet (photo paper + ink)
- Savings: ₹85–485 per application using DIY approach
Official Indian Government Resources
- Passport Seva Portal – Ministry of External Affairs Official passport application portal for photo upload and application submission
- ICAO Photo Guidelines – Passport Seva (Embassy Portal) Official ICAO-compliant photograph guidelines for passport applications
- Photo Specifications for Passport/Visa/OCI – VFS Global Detailed photo requirement document from VFS Global India services
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face (80–85% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download 630×810px JPEG for Passport Seva
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Digital Upload
- 630×810 pixels (mandatory for Passport Seva)
- Print Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Coverage
- 80–85% of photograph
- Background
- Plain white (strictly enforced)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Natural, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Must be removed (no exceptions for passport)
- Valid For
- Indian passport (new, renewal, e-passport)
Best Practices
- Passport Seva now requires 35×45mm format (630×810px) – not 2×2 inch
- Glasses must be removed – no exceptions for Indian passport photos
- Face must cover 80–85% of frame – use crop guidelines for positioning
- Avoid white or light clothing – causes 'Invalid Outline' error on portal
- Turn off smartphone beauty filters and skin smoothing before taking photo
- Stand at least 1.5 metres from camera – selfie distance causes distortion
- Use three-point lighting if possible – key light, fill light, back light
- Babies under 1 year can have eyes closed
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the India passport photo for Passport Seva?
The Passport Seva portal requires 35×45mm photos with 630×810 pixel JPEG digital upload. Face must occupy 80–85% of the photograph. This is the ICAO-compliant format for India's new e-passport system.
Is India passport photo 2×2 inch or 35×45mm?
India is transitioning. Passport Seva digital upload now requires 35×45mm (630×810px). Physical Passport Seva Kendras may still accept 2×2 inch prints. For the online application, 35×45mm is mandatory. Use the 2×2 inch tool for traditional print submissions or visa/OCI applications.
Can I wear glasses in India passport photos?
No. Glasses must be removed for Indian passport photos. Even clear prescription glasses cause reflections that trigger automatic rejection. This is stricter than many countries – there are no medical exemptions for passport photos.
Why does Passport Seva reject my photo?
Common reasons: wrong dimensions (must be 630×810px), glasses not removed, face coverage below 80%, white clothing blending with background, selfie distortion from close distance, beauty filters applied, shadows on face, non-white background, or low resolution.
Do I need to upload both photo and signature?
Yes. Passport Seva portal requires both a digital photograph (630×810px JPEG) and a digital signature image before the online application can be submitted. After online submission, you must also physically sign the printed application at the PSK.
Can babies have eyes closed in India passport photos?
Yes. Babies under 1 year of age may have their eyes closed. Children under 10 have relaxed requirements for head height/position. All children must have mouth closed with neutral expression.
What background for India passport photos?
Plain white background only. No other colours, patterns, or shadows. Ensure strong contrast with clothing – avoid wearing white or light-coloured tops.
Can I use this photo for Indian visa as well?
No. Indian visas use 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format. This 35×45mm format is specifically for Passport Seva digital upload. Use the India Visa & OCI Photo tool for visa applications.
Related Guides
India Visa & OCI Photo Tool – 2×2 Inch (51×51mm) Standard Format
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–1MB
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–300KB
India PAN Card Photo Tool – 25×35mm Format for NSDL & UTIITSL
- 25×35 mm (width × height)
- 590×826 pixels, JPEG, under 50KB
- 213×213 pixels, JPEG, under 30KB