Good to know: At a Passport Seva Kendra the photo is taken there, so you only need one for under-4s and some other centres. Abroad, VFS centres ask for 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 in: check your checklist.
Indian passport photo requirements
In India the photo is 4.5 cm tall and 3.5 cm wide on a plain white background, with dark clothing, both ears visible and a natural expression. Photos printed on a computer, cut from group photos or signed aren’t accepted. Passport Seva Kendras take the photo themselves for most adults.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head | not stated by the office (the app uses 70–80 % of the height) |
| Background | A plain white background (wear dark clothes) |
| Glasses | No coloured or dark glasses; avoid glare on clear ones. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera |
| Babies | Children under 4 bring a photo: their face should fill 80–85 % of it. |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Editing | “Computer prints are not accepted: use photo paper.” |
Source: passportindia.gov.in (2026-11-09). This office gives no head size, so the app uses the international (ICAO) guide: chin to the top of the head 70–80 % of the photo’s height.
Taking a Indian passport photo
Stand in front of a plain white background (wear dark clothes). Glasses are a risk: take them off if they catch the light. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed. For a baby: Children under 4 bring a photo: their face should fill 80–85 % of it.
Printing India passport photos
8 fit on a 4×6 print, 9 on a 5×7, 25 on A4 and 25 on US Letter; the office wants 1.
Questions
What size is a Indian passport photo?
35 × 45 mm, with the head 31.5–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.
Can I take a Indian passport photo at home?
Usually, yes. At a Passport Seva Kendra the photo is taken there, so you only need one for under-4s and some other centres. Abroad, VFS centres ask for 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 in: check your checklist.
Can I change the background?
The rules say: “Computer prints are not accepted: use photo paper.”
Other photos
- Indian e-Visa 600×600 px
- OCI card (India) 51×51 mm
- Indian PAN card 25×35 mm
- 35 × 45 mm photo 35×45 mm
- Every passport and visa photo