Cheapest Passport Photo Options – How to Get the Best Deal in India
Need a passport photo but don’t want to break the bank? You’re not alone. Hundreds of Indians search for the cheapest passport photo every year, and most end up overpaying at big stores or missing simple DIY tricks. Below you’ll discover the real low‑cost spots, free tools you can use on your phone, and the exact rules you must follow so the photo is accepted the first time.
Where to Find the Cheapest Passport Photo Services
Local kirana shops and small photo booths often charge between ₹30‑₹80 per print, far cheaper than the ₹200‑₹300 you’ll see at chains like Walgreens or CVS. Ask the shop owner if they can print a 2×2 inch size on glossy paper – most will comply for a nominal fee. If you have a friend who runs a printing business, you can sometimes get a bulk discount for a few copies.
Online print‑on‑demand sites such as PrintYourPhoto.in run promotions that drop the price to ₹49 per passport‑size sheet. Upload your image, select “passport,” and the photo arrives at your doorstep in 2‑3 days. Keep an eye on coupon codes; a quick Google search can shave another ₹20 off the total.
DIY Passport Photo: Free Tools and Tips
Doing it yourself is the ultimate money‑saving hack. First, snap a clear portrait against a plain white wall. Use a free app like Passport Photo Maker or an online tool such as idphoto4you.com. These platforms automatically crop to the exact dimensions (2×2 inches) and check for common errors like shadows or tilted heads.
Need to resize? The “Free App to Resize Photos” article shows that Resize Me works on Android and iOS without any hidden fees. Just load your picture, set the width to 600 px and height to 600 px, and the app will output a passport‑ready file. You can then print at any local shop for the cost of paper only.
Don’t forget the little rules: no earrings, headwear, or glasses (unless medically required). The Can You Wear Earrings in Passport Photos? guide confirms that most countries reject earrings, so remove them before shooting. A neutral expression and eyes open are must‑haves.
Finally, double‑check the photo against the official checklist on the passport website. If every detail matches, you’ll avoid costly re‑uploads and extra fees at the passport office.
Bottom line: the cheapest passport photo is either a ₹30 print from a local shop or a free digital file you create yourself. Choose the method that fits your schedule, follow the simple guidelines, and you’ll save money without risking rejection.