Indian passport photo
Passport Seva moved from the old 2 × 2 inch square to the 35 × 45 mm format in 2025, and from 16 February 2026 every application is assessed under the new rules. The upload must be exactly 630 × 810 pixels and no more than 250 KB, with your face filling most of the frame on a plain white background.
Head and shoulders, facing the camera, in front of a plain light wall. Your photo stays on your device.
Indian passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head size | 36 to 38 mm, chin to crown (about 80 to 85% of the photo) |
| Background | Plain white only. Off-white, cream and grey are rejected. |
| Digital file | 630 × 810 px JPEG, 10 to 250 KB |
Source: Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs (photo upload instructions). Checked October 2026.
Before you take the photo
- Digital upload: 630 × 810 px, JPEG, 10 KB to 250 KB.
- Plain white background only.
- Face fills about 80 to 85% of the frame, looking straight at the camera.
- No glasses unless you have a medical certificate.
- Natural colour, no retouching, taken within the last 6 months.
How it works
- Choose a photo. It stays on your device.
- Altols finds your face and crops to 35 × 45 mm with the head at the right size. Adjust it if you like.
- Review the automatic checks and the watermarked preview.
- Pay $4.99 USD once and download the digital file and the 6 × 4 inch print sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is the old 2×2 inch photo still accepted?
No. The grace period for old-format photos ended on 15 February 2026. Use 35 × 45 mm prints and a 630 × 810 px upload.
My background is light grey. Will it pass?
Probably not. The current rules ask for plain white. Altols flags backgrounds that are not bright and neutral enough so you can retake the photo against a white wall or sheet.
Should I confirm these rules anywhere?
Yes. Check the current photo instructions on passportindia.gov.in before you apply, because the Ministry updates them from time to time.