Indian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Background & USA Renewal
By Easy Photo Passport · Updated October 9, 2026
An Indian passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square, in colour, on a plain white background, with your face centered and a neutral expression. The photo should be recent (within the last 6 months) and your full face must be clearly visible from the top of the head to the chin. These rules are set by the Ministry of External Affairs (Passport Seva) and apply to new passports, renewals (re-issue), and applications made from abroad.
Indian passport photo requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Digital (OCI / online) | Square JPEG, 200–300 DPI, typically 10 KB–1 MB |
| Background | Plain white |
| Colour | Colour photo |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Face coverage | Full face centered, from crown to chin visible |
| Glasses | Avoid; no glare if worn |
Renewing an Indian passport from the USA (VFS Global)
If you live in the United States and are renewing or re-issuing your Indian passport, the application is handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Indian consulate. VFS requires a 2×2 inch colour photo on a white background — the same square format used for US passports — so one compliant photo works for both. You typically need to submit two printed copies and, for some online steps, a digital version of the same photo.
OCI and Indian visa photos
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card applications and most Indian visa applications also use a 2×2 inch square photo on a white background, but the online OCI portal has strict digital rules — a square JPEG at 200–300 DPI within a set file-size range. Make sure the digital file is an exact square and meets the portal's size limits before uploading.
Common Indian passport photo mistakes
- Using a 35×45 mm (European) photo instead of 2×2 inches.
- A grey, cream, or off-white background instead of plain white.
- Face too small or not centered in the frame.
- Digital file that is not a perfect square or exceeds the OCI portal size limit.
- An old photo that no longer matches your current appearance.
Get a compliant Indian passport photo
Upload any recent selfie and our tool formats it to the 2×2 inch Indian standard with a plain white background and the correct head position — a digital file for online/OCI steps plus a print-ready sheet for VFS. Preview free, pay only if you are happy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Indian passport photo requirements?
An Indian passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square, in colour, on a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
What size is an Indian passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square — the same size as a US passport photo. India does not use the 35×45 mm European size.
What photo do I need to renew an Indian passport in the USA?
VFS Global, which handles Indian passport renewals in the US, requires a 2×2 inch colour photo on a white background. You usually submit two prints and sometimes a digital copy of the same photo.
What are the OCI card photo requirements?
An OCI photo is a 2×2 inch square on a white background. The online OCI portal requires a square JPEG at roughly 200–300 DPI within a set file-size range, so the digital file must be an exact square and within the size limit.
Can I wear glasses in an Indian passport photo?
It is best to remove glasses. If worn, there must be no glare and your eyes must be clearly visible.
Can I take my own Indian passport photo at home?
Yes. Take a photo against a plain white wall and format it to the 2×2 inch Indian standard. An online tool can set the exact size, white background, and head position for both print and digital use.
Free photo tools
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