Driving licence photo size and requirements

How we keep this guide updated: we review this page when Sarathi portal or state RTO upload rules change, and refresh examples based on common user errors.

RTO and state portals can vary

Driving licence photo uploads usually need a clear front-facing ID crop, but the exact size and file limits can vary by state portal or RTO process. Prepare a clean photo first, then match the final upload instruction on your state portal. Avoid shadows, head tilt, and blur, and keep the source photo natural before compression.

• Confirm the size and KB limit on your state portal
• Keep the source photo natural before compression

Detailed photo requirements

If your state portal asks for a webcam capture, sit still, remove strong reflections, and keep your eyes open and level. For a printed submission, use a photo-paper print so the face stays sharp even after handling.

Online (Sarathi) vs RTO office

Keep the file light enough to upload but not so compressed that your features turn soft or pixelated. For office visits, carry extra copies in case a sheet gets bent or smudged.

State-wise notes

DL photo specifications are standardized across India through the Sarathi system. All states follow the same 35x45mm standard, but local RTO workflows can still differ in how they accept uploads, prints, or on-site captures.

Do’s and don’ts

A good DL photo should look like the version of you that a traffic officer can recognize quickly. Keep the frame simple, the background plain, and the expression calm.

Do’s

• Wear glasses if you need them for driving
• Use a plain white background
• Face directly at the camera
• Use a recent photograph

Don’ts

• Sunglasses
• Colored backgrounds
• Old photographs
• Blurry images

Check before uploading or printing

Spend a minute checking the same details the portal or office will check later. The photo should be recent, centered, and easy to match to your face without zooming in.

On-screen check

• Eyes are open and visible
• No glare on glasses or shiny skin
• Crop does not cut the chin or hairline too tightly
• Image is not blurry at full size

Before printing

• Use a clean photo-paper print
• Keep extra copies in case a sheet gets damaged
• Trim carefully so edges stay neat

Common problems and fixes

Photo looks too dark

Move closer to a window or use brighter front-facing light. Avoid strong backlighting, which shades the face even when the background looks light enough.

Upload keeps failing

Check the file format and size first. A JPEG that is too large or too compressed can be rejected even when the photo itself looks fine.

Face is not centered

Re-crop with a little more space above the head and equal space on both sides. A balanced crop is easier for portal review and office verification.

Glasses reflect too much

Tilt the light source, not your face, and wipe the lenses before shooting. If reflections still hide the eyes, retake without the brightest light directly in front.

Frequently asked questions