How many photos required for Indian passport?

During the passport application journey, you have to deal with plenty of questions and one of the most common questions is, "How many photos required for Indian passport?" It sounds simple but not having a correct answer will complicate your application and chances of rejection.And we want you to avoid complications and rejections! Pay attention, because this is about more than the number of photos. It is about making sure every single one of those photos meets the strict, unbending photo requirements from the government. 

In this thorough guide, we promise to address all your questions and be your one-stop source for all the information you need to allow you to proceed with the photos that must be used for passport.

How Many Photos Should I Take? 

Let's talk about the most important question first. If you are applying for a standard Indian passport application, you will be required to submit two identical passport photographs. 

This is true whether you are applying for a new passport, a re-issue of a passport, or even a diplomatic/official passport. These two passport photographs are required for two different things: one is to be glued to the physical application form you submit, and the other is purely the official record to be added to the database. Again, in either case, both photographs you provide must be identical and taken within the last month. So, again, assuming you are getting your pictures taken, the clearer answer to "how many photos required for Indian passport" is two. 

Indian Passport Photo Specifications

The Indian government has established very specific requirements for passport photos, and not submitting a photo that meets the Indian passport photo specifications is one of the most common reasons for delays with applications. Here are the full requirements:

1. Dimensions and Size:

• The photograph must be 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) in size.

   

• Your head (from the chin to the top of the hair) must be 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm - 35 mm).

2. Background:

• This is critical and non-negotiable. The background must be plain white or off-white.

   

• There are to be no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people/objects in the background. Most professionals will have a dedicated white background for this purpose.

   

3. Pose and Expression: 

You must have both eyes open, and neutral expression, and be looking straight ahead directly at the camera - a natural look, or closed mouth smile is acceptable - but no showing teeth.

• Your face should be centered and occupy approximately 70 - 80% of the frame.

   

• Both edges of your face must be visible.

4. Eyes and Eyewear:

• You have to have open, clear, and fully visible eyes. No red-eye is allowed.

   

• You may wear prescription glasses as long as there is no glare and the frames do not cover your eyes. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not permitted.

   

• As a rule of thumb, it may be safer to take the picture without glasses in order to avoid rejection.

5. Headgear and Religion:

• Generally, headgear is not permitted, but an exception is allowed if you wear headgear for religious reasons (eg, turban for Sikh men, hijab for Muslim women.)

   

• Even in these cases, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.

6. Photo Quality:

• The photo must be clearly focused and sharp/clear.

   

• It must be printed on medium to high quality, matte or glossy photo paper.

   

• It must have no creases, stains, or ink marks.

   

• The photo must be in color. Black and white photos are not allowed.

Pro Tips for Your Passport Photos

Knowing the specification for Indian passport photos is one thing, getting it right is another. Here are a few additional tips:

1. Clothing: Please wear your ordinary, casual clothing. Do not wear a white top or shirt, as this will blend into the white background. It is better to wear a dark color and solid-colored clothing.

    

2. Recent: The photo should be a recent likeness (like within the last month). Changes in how you look (significant changes in hair color, facial hair, etc.) can cause issues.

    

3. Natural: Use little or no makeup. The photo is going to be your current likeness, not some glamorized version of your likeness.

    

4. Digital upload for online applications: Remember, when you apply online, you will also be required to upload a digital photo. This digital upload has to be identical to the physical versions you are submitting and has to meet all specifications for size and format (e.g., often must be a JPEG and a particular file size).

    

Typical Errors to Avoid 

To avoid complications in your application process, be sure not to make the common mistakes related to the requirements for India passport photographs.

• Taken Recently: While you might think the photograph of you taken recently looks the same, don't take a chance on it. 

• Background not appropriate colour: Either light grey or cream is not white. It will be rejected.

• Facial Expression: Keep neutral face, no smile, no frown, no raising of eyebrows.

• Bad quality print: Printing at home or a pixelated or blurry photo almost guarantees a delay.

• Face and/or Background are shadowed: Ensure you have even lighting. 

Also Read : How to Apply For Passport Online: Complete Guide

Final Checklist Before You Submit

Before you put the envelope together, ensure you check: 

• Do I have two copies that are identical?

• Does the size measure 2x2 inches?

• Is the background directly white?

• Is my face to see clearly and neutral facial expression?

• Is my printed height and quality good, recent? 

Once you understand not only how many photos required for Indian passport, but detailed information about the Indian passport photograph specification in total you can set yourself up to have a perfect application. A little care of details upfront saves you time and energy to deal with ways to avoid delays and allows you to move your application for your new passport forward.