Passport Regulations: What You Need to Know for a Perfect Indian Passport Photo

Getting a passport can feel like a paperwork maze, but the photo part is the easiest to nail when you know the rules. In India the government has clear guidelines about size, background, and even what you can wear. Follow this guide and you’ll avoid the dreaded "photo rejected" stamp.

Key Photo Rules for Indian Passports

First things first – the photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm). The face should fill 70‑80% of the frame, which means the top of your head to the chin is about 1.2 inches. Use a plain white or off‑white background with no shadows. Your expression should be neutral: eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling.

What about jewelry? The short answer: keep it minimal. Earrings are allowed only if they don’t cast shadows or cover the ears. Small studs are fine; big hoops or dangling pieces can cause a rejection. Glasses are a no‑go unless you have a medical exemption – in that case, get a doctor’s note and a clear, glare‑free photo.

Make sure your hair is neat and away from your face. Hats, caps, or head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, and the face must be fully visible. If you need a head covering, the full face must still be visible from chin to top of the forehead.

How to Resize and Print Your Passport Photo at Home

You don’t have to visit a studio every time. With a smartphone and a free resizing app, you can get a compliant photo in minutes. Here’s a quick workflow:

1. Take a high‑resolution portrait against a white wall. Stand about 4‑5 feet away to avoid shadows.
2. Upload the picture to a free app like “Passport Photo Maker” or a web tool that lets you set exact dimensions.
3. Crop to a square, then set the size to 2 × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm). Most tools let you adjust the head height to meet the 70‑80% rule.
4. Save the file as a high‑quality JPEG (300 dpi). This ensures the print isn’t blurry.
5. Print on glossy or matte photo paper using a color printer set to its highest quality. Check the print size with a ruler before sending it off.

If you prefer a professional finish, many online printing services accept the correctly sized digital file and mail you the prints. Just double‑check that the service uses the right paper type and doesn’t add watermarks.

Lastly, always do a quick visual check before submitting: is the background pure white? Are there any shadows on your face or neck? Is your expression neutral? A minute of review saves you a trip back to the lab.

Following these simple steps will keep your passport photo compliant, save time, and cut down on extra fees. Now you’re ready to fill out the application form and move on to the next step of getting your passport.