Photo Requirements for Indian Passports, Visas, and ID Documents
Getting your photo right for official Indian documents requires attention to specific dimensions and rules. Use the tool above to crop your image correctly before you print or upload it.
Overview of Indian Official Photos
India requires different photo sizes and formats depending on the specific document you need. Some documents have official sizes set by government bodies, while others rely on common sizes used across various offices. You can use the tool above to prepare your photo so it matches the exact rules for your application without leaving your device.
When you take your photo, face a bright window and keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away. Ask someone else to take the picture to avoid distortion from a selfie angle. Check your lighting to make sure shadows do not fall across your face or the background behind you.
Passports, Visas, and OCI Cards
An Indian passport photo measures 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters, which is two by two inches, and requires a head height of 35 to 40 millimeters[1]. The Indian e-visa photo uses the exact same 50.8 by 50.8 millimeter dimensions and head height requirements[2].
For an Overseas Citizen of India card photo, the size is 51 by 51 millimeters, and the head height is not set[3]. An Indian regular visa photo requires a 25 by 25 millimeter size with no set head height[4]. Always verify which type of visa or card you are requesting before you crop your image.
Identity and Voter Cards
An Aadhaar card photo measures 25 by 35 millimeters and needs a head height of 22 to 26 millimeters[5]. This identity document is managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India, which sets precise rules for your facial proportions.
An Indian voter ID photo measures 18 by 24 millimeters, which is an official size set by the Election Commission of India, though the head height is not set[6]. Make sure your chin and the top of your head fit within the frame according to these dimensions.
Driving Licences and Permits
An Indian international driving permit photo measures 35 by 45 millimeters[7].
An Indian driving licence photo uses the same 35 by 45 millimeter dimensions as a common size[8]. An Indian Residential Permit photo measures 35 by 35 millimeters with no set head height[9].
Special and Professional Applications
An Indian seafarer identity document photo measures 35 by 35 millimeters with a head height of 24 to 28 millimeters[10]. This specific rule comes from the Directorate General of Shipping for maritime workers.
An Indian citizenship or naturalisation application photo is 35 by 45 millimeters with no set head height[11]. An Indian baby passport photo uses a 50.8 by 50.8 millimeter size with no set head height for the printed format[1].
Printed Versus Digital Submission
Different Indian documents require different submission methods based on government portals. Documents like the Aadhaar card and international driving permit require printed photos[5][7].
Other applications like the e-visa and OCI card require digital submission uploaded directly to the portal[2][3]. Documents like the Indian passport and regular visa accept both printed and digital formats depending on how you apply[4][1]. Check the specific instructions for your application type before you submit your files.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Indian passport photo?
An Indian passport photo is 50.8 by 50.8 millimeters, or two by two inches, with a head height of 35 to 40 millimeters[1].
Can I submit my Aadhaar photo digitally?
No, the Aadhaar card photo submission requires a printed format[5].
What is the head height for an Aadhaar photo?
The listed Aadhaar photo size is 25×35 mm[5].
What size is the Indian voter ID photo?
The Indian voter ID photo measures 18 by 24 millimeters, and the head height is not set[6].
Do I need a specific size for an Indian regular visa?
An Indian regular visa photo is listed as 25 by 25 millimeters[4].