How to Make Passport Size Photo on Mobile Free

Indian passport photo requirements

Requirement	Specification
Print size	3.5cm × 3.5cm (square)
Online upload size	Up to 1MB, JPG format
Background	Plain white only
Face coverage	70–80% of the frame
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Glasses	Not allowed (MEA 2023 guidelines)
Recency	Within last 6 months

The Indian passport uses a square 3.5cm × 3.5cm format — different from the rectangular 3.5cm × 4.5cm format used for government exam applications. Use the correct format for each submission.

How to take a passport photo at home with your phone

You do not need a studio. Here is the exact process that produces a consistently acceptable passport photo using any Android or iPhone.

1White background

Stand against a plain white wall. If your wall is off-white, hang a white bedsheet behind you. No patterns, no shadows on the background.

2Natural window light

Face a window — daylight should fall on your face. Do not put the window behind you (silhouette). Do not use the phone flash — it creates harsh shadows. Soft overcast daylight is ideal.

3Camera at eye level

Ask someone to take the photo, or prop the phone at eye level and use the self-timer. Selfie angle distorts proportions. Use the rear camera — higher resolution than front camera.

4Expression and framing

Neutral expression, mouth fully closed, eyes open. Remove glasses. Full face visible with no hair over the forehead. Small gap between the top of your head and the frame edge.

5Crop to square

Open Passport Photo Maker — it applies the correct square crop automatically. Or use Image Resizer and manually crop to a square with your face taking up about 75% of the height.

6Compress for online upload

Passport Seva accepts JPG up to 1MB. A phone photo is typically 3–6MB — use Image Compressor and target 500–700KB. Verify the size before uploading to the portal.

Make Your Passport Photo Free

Correct square crop applied automatically. Browser-only, works on Android and iPhone.

Open Passport Photo Maker →

Physical photos for PSK appointment

Bring physical prints to your Passport Seva Kendra appointment. PSK typically asks for 2 copies of a 3.5cm × 3.5cm square photo printed on glossy or semi-gloss photo paper — not plain paper. Any local photo studio can print these for Rs 20–50 for 4–6 copies.

Common rejection reasons at PSK

Glasses: MEA 2023 guidelines prohibit glasses. Remove prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses before taking the photo.

Coloured background: Must be plain white. Use Remove Background to replace a non-white wall with white.

Shadow on face or background: Face the window directly — not sideways. Overhead-only lighting creates chin and nose shadows that officers flag.

Wrong format: A 3.5cm × 4.5cm rectangular exam photo submitted for passport is incorrect. The passport requires the 3.5cm × 3.5cm square format.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear glasses in my Indian passport photo?

No. MEA guidelines updated in 2023 prohibit all types of glasses in passport photos — prescription, reading, and sunglasses are all disallowed. Remove glasses for the photo; you can wear them normally at the PSK appointment.

What is the difference between a passport photo and a government exam photo in India?

Indian passport requires a square 3.5cm × 3.5cm photo. Government exams (SSC, UPSC, Railway) require a rectangular 3.5cm × 4.5cm photo. File sizes also differ — Passport Seva allows up to 1MB while exam portals require 20–50KB. Always use the correct format for each application.

Can I take a selfie for the passport photo?

A selfie taken at eye level with a white background and good lighting can meet the requirements. The problem is the typical downward angle, which distorts proportions. Prop the phone at eye level with the self-timer, or use the rear camera with someone else taking the photo, for better results.