Indian Passport Renewal Photo Requirements
If you need to renew your Indian passport, then you must submit ICAO compliant passport photos. What is more, you can take the picture at home, upload it on our portal and we will ensure its compliance with the Indian passport renewal photo requirements.
- The same 35 x 45 mm photo works for a new passport, renewal and reissue
- Children and babies follow the same size and background rules
- Shadows and off-white walls cause most rejections
The Complete Indian Passport Photo Checklist
Check these before you print or upload.
The photo
- 35x45 mm when printed; 630x810 px at 300 DPI
- Colour, printed on good-quality photo paper, no border
- Recent and showing how you look now
- No filters, beauty mode or retouching
- Face centred and level, filling most of the frame
- Plain white background with no shadows
You
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open, looking straight at the camera
- Glasses removed; never tinted lenses
- No caps or hats; religious head coverings only with the full face visible
- Hair off the face so eyebrows and face outline show
- Dark or coloured clothing that stands out from the white background
Tip
Your appointment checklist from the mission, VFS Global or BLS International is final. If it differs from this page, follow the checklist.
Why Indian Passport Photos Get Rejected
These six problems account for almost every rejection we see.
- 01
Shadows
Light from one side throws a shadow across the face or onto the wall. Face a window and stand away from the wall.
- 02
Background not white
Cream, grey or textured walls show up clearly in print. The background must be plain white.
- 03
Face too small or too large
Cropping by eye usually gets this wrong. Your face should be centred and fill most of the square.
- 04
Glasses
Glare on lenses or thick frames over the eyes get photos rejected. Take them off.
- 05
Expression or pose
Smiling with teeth, tilted heads and half-closed eyes are common problems. Look straight ahead, mouth closed.
- 06
Low quality
Blurry, pixelated or filtered photos fail. Use the back camera in good light rather than a front-camera selfie.
Watch out
A rejected photo can mean another appointment and weeks of delay. Check your photo against the requirements above before you submit it.
Photo requirements by application
Every Indian passport application from abroad uses the same 2×2 photo. What changes is how many you bring and who is in it.
| Application | Printed photo | Digital upload | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New adult passport | 35x45 mm | As per online form | Usually two or more prints |
| Renewal / reissue on expiry | 35x45 mm | As per online form | New photo, not the one in your old passport |
| Lost or damaged passport | 35x45 mm | As per online form | Bring the police report too |
| Change of name or details | 35x45 mm | As per online form | Photo must match how you look now |
| Minor passport | 35x45 mm | As per online form | Parents' consent forms also needed |
| Baby / infant passport | 35x45 mm | As per online form | No hands, toys or dummies in frame |
Note
Applying inside India? Passport Seva Kendras take your passport photo at the appointment.
Get a photo that meets every rule
35x45 mm, white background, 630x810 px digital copy and a 4×6 print sheet — checked by a person.
Free preview · $8.99 one-time for the HD photo
Browse by application
Pick your application to see its photo rules, with a tool to make the photo.
Quick start
- Find your application above
- Check its size and upload rules
- Make your photo with our tool
- Upload it with your online form or print the 4×6 sheet
We set the right size for the application you pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Indian passport photo requirements?
Is the Indian passport photo 2×2 or 35×45 mm?
Can I wear glasses?
Can I smile?
Can I wear a turban, hijab or dupatta?
What should I wear?
Indian Passport Photo Maker
35x45 mm, white background
Passport Renewal Photo
Renewing from abroad
Take a Photo at Home
Light, background and pose
Why Photos Get Rejected
And how to avoid it
Requirements are compiled from Passport Seva, Indian mission and VFS Global / BLS International guidance. Rules can change, so always follow the official instructions for your application. Updated October 2026.