Indian driving licence photo (35×45 mm)

Understanding the Size and Official Standards

Central forms call for recent passport-size photographs, but do not set one physical photo size^[1]. Requirements can vary by licensing authority.

Because the official rules do not state a specific physical dimension, 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 inches) is widely used as a practical passport-photo crop^[1]. You should confirm the exact measurements with your local licensing office before you finalize your application.

The official guidelines also do not set a specific head height requirement for the picture^[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the common 35x45 mm format while you verify your local office preferences.

Background and Lighting Guidelines

Central forms require recent passport-size photographs but do not state a background color^[1]. When you take your photo, aim for a plain, light-colored background without any patterns, textures, or shadows.

Good lighting helps make your facial features clear and distinct. Face a bright window or use balanced indoor lighting to avoid dark shadows under your nose or chin. Keep your camera at eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from your face.

Digital File Limits and Upload Rules

Driving licence applications often require digital uploads alongside your paper forms. The Sarathi upload guidance requires applicant photo and signature files to meet specific technical limits^[2].

The Sarathi upload guidance requires applicant photo and signature files^[2]. Check the current portal instructions for the applicable technical limits before uploading.

Check the Sarathi portal instructions for the file-size limit that applies to your application^[2].

Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step

You can take your own passport-size photo at home using a smartphone or digital camera. Stand against a plain wall and have a friend take the picture so your face stays natural and undistorted.

For a clear portrait, face the camera and make sure your face is visible.

Set up your camera or phone on a stable surface or ask someone to hold it. Stand about one meter away from the camera to avoid any distortion of your facial features. Look straight into the lens, keep your shoulders square, and maintain a natural expression with your mouth closed. Avoid tilting your head up or down.

Preparing Your Photo for Print and Submission

Some application formats require printed photographs attached to physical forms, while others rely on digital uploads through the portal. Check your specific form instructions to see whether you need printed copies, digital files, or both.

If you need a physical print, ask your licensing office which size and print format it accepts. The central forms do not prescribe a single physical photo size^[1].

Driving licence applications may use supplied scanned photos, while some licence formats require no photo to be attached depending on the state rules^[3]. Always check Form 4 and Form 6 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to see how your local office processes the paperwork[1, 3].

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

The cited central forms do not list blurry, dark, or pixelated photos as specific rejection reasons^[1]. Check your local authority’s instructions.

Follow the Sarathi portal instructions for the upload requirements that apply to your application^[2].

If a file is too large or exceeds the maximum limit, the portal may reject your upload automatically^[2]. Make sure your image is sharp, well-lit, and properly sized before you submit your forms to the State or Union Territory Licensing Authority.