Indian Passport Photo Specifications (2025)

Official Requirements:

Dimensions:

51mm × 51mm (2 inches × 2 inches)

Digital File Size:

10KB to 50KB (maximum 50KB)

Format:

JPEG only

Resolution:

Minimum 600×600 pixels

Background:

White or light colored only

Face Size:

25mm to 35mm (head height in photo)

The 51×51mm square format is specific to Indian passports. Most other countries use rectangular photos. Don't assume your ID photo or visa photo will work for Indian passport.

International Passport Photo Requirements

Country	Dimensions (mm)	Dimensions (inches)	File Size
India 🇮🇳	51 × 51mm	2″ × 2″	10-50KB
USA 🇺🇸	51 × 51mm	2″ × 2″	240KB max
UK 🇬🇧	45 × 35mm	1.77″ × 1.38″	≤ 10MB
Schengen Visa 🇪🇺	35 × 45mm	1.38″ × 1.77″	Varies by country
Australia 🇦🇺	45 × 35mm	1.77″ × 1.38″	Varies
Canada 🇨🇦	50 × 70mm	2″ × 2.75″	60KB-240KB

Common Photo Booth Mistakes

Most photo booth rejections happen because studios don't follow exact specifications. Here's what goes wrong:

Mistake #1: Wrong Dimensions

Photo studios often use standard 35×45mm (Schengen size) for everything. When you say "passport photo," they assume that size. For Indian passport, you need exactly 51×51mm square. Always specify.

Mistake #2: File Size Too Large

Studios give you 200-500KB files from their digital cameras. Indian passport portal rejects anything over 50KB. Always ask: "Can you compress to under 50KB and send on WhatsApp?"

Mistake #3: Face Too Small or Too Large

Your head height should be 25-35mm in the 51mm photo (roughly 50-70% of photo height). Too close (face fills entire photo) or too far (tiny face with lots of background) both get rejected.

Mistake #4: Off-White Background

Cream, light gray, or light blue backgrounds get rejected. Must be pure white or very light off-white. Photo booths with colored backdrops won't work.

Mistake #5: Shadow on Background

Poor lighting creates shadows behind your head. This fails automated background checks. Look for studios with proper front lighting, not side lighting.

How to Get Perfect Passport Photo (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find Right Photo Studio

Not all studios know passport specifications. When calling, ask:

"Do you do Indian passport photos - 51mm square at 50KB?"
"Can you send digital copy on WhatsApp or email?"
"Do you have white background with proper lighting?"

Pro Tip: Studios near passport seva kendras usually know specs better than random mall studios.

Step 2: Wear Appropriate Attire

Dark colored clothes (contrast against white background)
Avoid white or very light colors (blends with background)
No patterns or graphics on shirt
Formal or semi-formal preferred (not mandatory)
No caps, sunglasses, or heavy accessories

Step 3: At the Photo Studio

Remove glasses if possible (unless you always wear them)
Neutral expression - no smile, no frown
Look directly at camera
Keep both ears visible
Ask photographer to check face-to-photo ratio

Step 4: Get Digital File & Verify

Ask studio to send file immediately via WhatsApp/email. Before leaving:

Right-click file → Properties
Check Dimensions: Should be around 600×600 pixels (minimum)
Check File Size: Should be under 50KB
If file is too large, ask them to compress

Step 5: Final Resize & Compress

Even if studio gave you correct size, double-check by resizing with our tool:

Go to ResizeKB.tech/passport-photo-resize
Upload your studio photo
Tool automatically resizes to 51×51mm and compresses to 50KB
Download and use for application

DIY Passport Photo at Home (Budget Option)

Can't find good photo studio? Here's how to do it yourself:

1. Setup

Hang white bedsheet or stand against white wall. Natural daylight from window (avoid direct harsh sunlight). Position yourself 3-4 feet from background to avoid shadows.

2. Camera

Any smartphone with decent camera works. Use rear camera (better quality than selfie camera). Set up phone on tripod or stack of books at eye level.

3. Taking Photo

Use timer or ask someone to click. Face camera directly, neutral expression, both ears visible. Take 10-15 shots, choose best one where lighting is even and focus is sharp.

4. Editing

Crop to square (1:1 ratio) with face centered. Increase brightness slightly if too dark. Don't over-edit - no filters, no beauty mode. Upload to our tool for final resize and compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my Aadhaar or Pan Card photo for passport?

Different dimensions. Aadhaar/Pan Card photos are 3.5×4.5cm (rectangular), passport needs 51×51mm (square). You'll need to take new photo or crop and resize existing one (but quality may suffer).

Q: What if my photo is 55KB instead of under 50KB?

Portal will reject it. You must compress to exactly 50KB or less. Use our passport photo tool to automatically compress to 50KB.

Q: Can I wear glasses in passport photo?

Indian passport guidelines prefer no glasses, but prescription glasses are allowed if you always wear them. No sunglasses, no tinted glasses. Make sure there's no glare on lenses.

Q: How recent should passport photo be?

Taken within last 3 months. Your current appearance should match photo. If you've changed hairstyle, grown beard, or look significantly different, take new photo.

Conclusion

Passport photo requirements are strict but straightforward. Indian passport needs exactly 51×51mm at maximum 50KB. Most rejections happen because studios give wrong dimensions or file size. Verify specifications yourself, use our tool to ensure perfect sizing, and your application will sail through.

Passport Photo Size: 51mm × 51mm at Exactly 50KB (Complete Guide 2025)