Applying for an Indian passport? Using the wrong photo size is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or rejected.
Passport Seva states that a photograph is not required to be submitted with applications at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). One important exception is a minor applicant below 4 years of age, who should carry a recent 4.5 × 3.5 cm passport-size photograph with a white background. For applications submitted at other collection centres such as DPC, SPC or CSC, the application instructions specify one recent colour photograph measuring 4.5 cm high × 3.5 cm wide (45 × 35 mm), with a plain white background.
Indian Passport Photo Size: What Applies to You?
For DPC/SPC/CSC applications where a printed photograph must be affixed, Passport Seva specifies 4.5 cm high × 3.5 cm wide. For a child below 4 years visiting PSK/RPO, Passport Seva also asks you to carry a recent 4.5 × 3.5 cm photograph with a white background.
cm (width × height)
mm (width × height)
plain white background
The photograph should show a clear frontal view of the full face, with the head centred in the frame.
Quick distinction
PSK/POPSK: you normally do not submit a printed photograph. Minor below 4 years: carry a recent 4.5 × 3.5 cm photo with white background. DPC/SPC/CSC: where a photograph is affixed, use a recent colour 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm photo with a plain white background.
Quick Reference
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35 mm (3.5 cm) |
| Height | 45 mm (4.5 cm) |
| PSK / POPSK | Photograph not required to be submitted; minors below 4 should carry a recent 4.5 × 3.5 cm photo |
| Photo type | Recent colour photograph |
| Background | Plain white |
Background Requirements
Your passport photo background should be:
Avoid:
💡 Passport Seva specifies a plain white background for the printed photograph where one is required.
Face Requirements
Where a printed photograph is required, Passport Seva guidance includes:
The face should occupy a significant portion of the image and remain clearly visible.
Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected
Where a printed photograph is required, use the specified 35 × 45 mm (width × height) size.
Use a plain white background and avoid distracting shadows.
Low-quality photos can fail verification.
The face should not be too small or too large.
Some online applications may require smaller image files.
If your photo is too large, use the Toolorix Image Compressor to reduce it to: 20KB, 50KB, 100KB, or any custom size.
How to Create a Passport Photo Online
You can create a passport-size photo in a few steps:
Upload your photo
Select passport size option
Adjust crop if needed
Download final image
Create passport-size photos directly in your browser with no signup required.
📌 Need to prepare a passport photo online? Use Toolorix Passport Photo Maker to prepare a passport-size photo, Image Resizer to set exact dimensions, and Image Compressor to reduce file size when an online form specifies a file-size limit.
Related Tools & Guides
🛠️ Free Online Tools
📚 Related Guides
💡 These guides help you understand image resizing and compression in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single photo-submission rule for every application route. Passport Seva says a photograph is not required to be submitted at PSK/POPSK. Minors below 4 should carry a recent 4.5 × 3.5 cm photograph with a white background. For DPC/SPC/CSC applications where a printed photograph is affixed, the specified size is 4.5 cm high × 3.5 cm wide (45 × 35 mm).
Passport Seva’s application instruction booklet specifies the physical printed-photo dimensions rather than a universal pixel size. If a particular online service asks for a digital image, follow the pixel and file-size requirements shown by that service.
Yes. A mobile phone photo can be used if it is clear, properly lit, and follows passport photo requirements.
Passport Seva specifies a plain white background for a printed photograph submitted where one is required.
Yes. You can use Toolorix Passport Photo Maker or Image Resizer to resize passport photos to the correct dimensions.
Use Toolorix Image Compressor to reduce image size to 20KB, 50KB, 100KB, or any custom file size required by online forms.
📋 Official Government Source
For the latest requirements, verify details with the official Passport Seva portal.
Visit Passport Seva PortalFinal Tip
Before submitting a passport application, double-check:
Using the correct passport photo specifications can help avoid unnecessary delays in processing your application.