India Passport Photo: check yours against the official spec
An India passport photo is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high for prints, with a plain white background and your face filling 80 to 85% of the photo. The digital upload is exactly 630 x 810 pixels. Glasses must be removed, your mouth must be closed, and the photo must not be altered with software. Dark clothing is recommended so you stand out against the white background.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it. We never edit the pixels you submit.
India passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 1 3/8 × 1 3/4 inches (35 × 45 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 3/8 to 1 1/2 in (36 to 38 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 3/4 to 1 1/8 in (19 to 30 mm) |
| Background | plain white |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 630 × 630 px |
Common reasons a India passport photo is rejected
- The photo has been altered or retouched with software.
- Glasses are worn, or a head covering that is not religious, or the full face is not visible.
- The face does not fill 80 to 85% of the photo, or the background is not plain white.
- Mouth open or a non-neutral expression, or light clothing that blends into the white background.
“Photos must not be changed using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.”
U.S. Department of State, passport photo requirements
Photo rejections are common, and you pay twice
A rejected photo means a delayed application and paying again for a retake. It's one of the most common problems people hit when applying, and it's exactly what this tool is built to catch before you submit:
- r/Passports: the many reasons photos get rejected →
- r/travel: struggling to get a visa photo under the file-size limit →
- MoneySavingExpert: a rejected UK passport photo and the redo →
We measure your photo against the official spec, never AI-edit it (itself a rejection reason as of 2026), and back it accepted-or-your-money-back.
What a passport photo really costs
The photo is the cheap part. The expensive part is a rejection: redo fees, another queue, and a delayed application or trip. Here is the honest comparison:
| Pharmacy or retail (CVS, Walgreens)$16 to $17 per attempt | No compliance guarantee. A rejection means paying and queueing again. |
|---|---|
| USPS photo serviceabout $15 | Same deal: rejected means a second visit and a second fee. |
| Cheap online photo editors$1 to $3 | Most replace your background with software. Edited photos are a documented rejection reason for the US, UK and Canada since 2026, and refunds usually cover technical failures only. |
| Compliant Passport PhotoFree check. $9 only if it passes | We measure and crop your original, never edit it. Accepted or your money back. |
Retail prices are typical 2026 US prices and vary by location. Our guarantee: accepted or your money back.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an India passport photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high for prints, with your face filling 80 to 85% of the photo. The digital upload used by the online application is exactly 630 x 810 pixels.
I am applying from the USA. Is the size different?
Yes. Applicants in the USA applying through VFS at Indian missions submit 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) prints, while the in-India specification is a 35 x 45 mm print and a 630 x 810 pixel digital photo. Check which route you are using before printing.
Do I need to bring printed photos to a Passport Seva Kendra?
No. At Passport Seva Kendras in India your photo is captured live during the appointment, so no print is needed there. Printed photos are needed for applications through Indian missions abroad or District Passport Cell submissions.
Can I wear glasses in an India passport photo?
No. Glasses must be taken off for the photo.
What should I wear for an India passport photo?
Dark clothing is recommended, because the background must be plain white and light clothing can blend into it. Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, and your full face must remain visible.