Prepare a compliant Indian passport photo
Passport Seva expects a recent 2×2 inch colour portrait. Get the square crop and background right before you print copies or walk into an appointment.
The finished print or digital file should be a true square: 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). Head-and-shoulders framing matters more than “zooming until the face looks big”—leave a small margin around the head as the checklist allows.
Backgrounds should be white or very light and even. Busy wallpaper, office posters, and outdoor clutter are common reasons for a retake even when the size is correct.
Wear everyday clothes that contrast with the background. Uniforms are usually refused unless your appointment type explicitly allows them. Keep jewellery minimal so earrings or necklaces do not hide the jawline.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Finished size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
| Background | White or light, plain |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Usually within 6 months |
| Orientation | Front-facing, head centred |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Cream or textured walls, wrong head size after a selfie, and beauty filters cause most delays.
- Do not crop so tight that the chin sits on the bottom edge.
- Check for shadows under the chin and behind the shoulders before you save.
- If you print, use quality photo paper when the checklist asks for it.
- Keep hairstyle and facial hair close to how you will appear at biometrics.
Make your passport photo now
Crop to the official size in your browser, then download to upload or print.
Works on phone or desktop. No app download.
Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
- • Exact 2 × 2 inch square
- • Eyes open and clearly visible
- • No red-eye or harsh flash glare
- • Ears visible when the form requires a full-face view
- • No digitally reshaped jaw or skin filters
- • Only one person in the frame
- • Sharp focus on the eyes
- • Adequate resolution for print or upload
- • Soft-focus phone portrait that looked fine in chat apps
- • Cream or beige wall that photographs as yellow
- • Smile showing teeth
- • Cap, headphones, or hair covering the eyes
- • Old passport scan reused instead of a new photo
What size does Passport Seva want?
A 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) colour square with a plain light background.
Can I take the photo on my phone?
Yes, if lighting, background, and sharpness meet the checklist. Use the rear camera and crop to a true square.
How many prints do I need?
Follow your appointment type—many applicants bring two identical prints, but digital-only flows differ.
Are religious head coverings allowed?
Usually yes if the face from forehead to chin is fully visible and no shadows hide the features.
Can children use the same size?
Yes—the square size is the same. No parent hands or toys in the frame.
Is a studio visit required?
Not if your home photo meets the rules. Studios are optional convenience, not a legal requirement.
What if my earlier photo was rejected?
Read the reason code, fix only that issue, and take a new photo rather than editing the rejected file heavily.
Does online police clearance use the same crop?
PCC uploads are often square as well, but confirm the portal text—do not assume every government upload matches Passport Seva.