Government photo requirements: one hub for every document

How we keep this guide updated: we review this hub when Passport Seva, UIDAI, NSDL, Sarathi, or embassy portal rules change, and refresh examples based on common user errors.

The universal standard: 35x45mm

Almost all Indian government documents use the same 35x45mm photo with a white background. One properly taken photo can work for multiple applications when the face is recent, centered, and clear. The easiest way to handle the rules is to separate the fixed requirements (size, background, expression) from the small submission differences (file size, print count, signature).

Document-wise requirements

Use the exact document name, not a generic passport-size assumption. This table is a practical starting point; if your portal shows a newer instruction, follow that version first.

What stays the same across documents

• Size: 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm) for almost everything in India
• Background: plain white, no patterns
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed
• Recency: within the last 6 months
• Face coverage: 70 to 80% of the frame
• Quality: clear, high resolution, even lighting

Where the rules usually change

The same photo can need different finishing touches depending on use. A passport form may want a certain print finish, while a recruitment portal cares more about the exact file size in kilobytes. Exam forms may want a signature scan too, and banks may ask for a single clear photo.

• File size and format limits differ by portal; compress only after the crop is correct
• Some forms need a signature or thumb impression alongside the photo
• Save a source copy before resizing so you never edit a compressed copy twice

Common rejection triggers

Poor recency

An old photo may fail if your hairstyle, beard, or face shape has changed noticeably.

Low contrast

If the face blends into the background, the image looks weak on scanning or digital review.

Over-compression

Too much compression blurs the eyes and softens edges. Keep the file within the portal limit without crushing detail.

Wrong crop

A face that is too close, too small, or shifted to one side often gets rejected even when the photo is clear.

Packing checklist for multiple applications

• Save one master photo in a safe folder before resizing it for forms
• Keep a print sheet and a digital copy ready for online and offline needs
• Keep at least 10 to 15 prints if you expect multiple submissions
• Recheck the latest portal instructions before uploading; file rules change more often than photo size

Frequently asked questions