Passport photos, as one of the most important documents to identify one’s identity, vary from country to country in terms of the official requirements. That is to say, a passport-style photo for one country might not be applicable for another. However, there are also some similarities. For example, the images must be clear, sharp and highly visible. Sometimes, an identity photo could fit standards of other documents with minor adjustments. Then, what about US and Indian passport photo? What are the differences and similarities between them? Just move on to find out the answer.
US Passport Photo Requirements
Before we make a comparison between them, let’s learn about their official requirements respectively. US passport photo could be taken in UPS stores, retail stores, or at home. No matter where you choose, it is necessary to get familiar with what a qualified picture should be.
Size and Resolution
The whole picture must measure 2 x 2 inches (approx. 51 x 51 cm). For a digital version, the resolution should be 301 dpi and between 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels. The values for height and width must be the same. Moreover, there are also rigorous guidelines for ratios of body parts. The measurement from the chin to the top of the head (hair included) should occupy 50%-69%, that is, 1-1 3/8 in. (2.5 – 3.5 cm). The measurement from the bottom of the photo to the eye level should be 1 3/16 in..
Color and Lighting
The US passport photo must be colored with non-textured, plain white or off-white background. Let the light evenly spread on the face and the background to prevent shadows. Make sure to take the photo in a well-lit environment so as to present your natural color skin.
Submit Recent Photos
The passport office would verify whether the photo you upload looks like your real look. Therefore, it is required to be taken in the last 6 months at the time you apply. If your appearance has changed during this period, make sure to submit the newest one.
Posture & Facial Expression
Applicants on the passport photo must look decent and serious. Leave those cute, funny or sultry pictures on social media. According to the state government, you should keep a neutral facial expression, no grinding, pouting, frowning or laughing. Just keep your mouth closed and eyes open. Keep the head center in the frame, without looking at either side or looking up and down.
What to Wear & Not to Wear
You don’t need to look fashionable in passport-style photos. The authority request applicants to wear normally worn clothes, such as T-shirts, shirts or jackets. That is to say, uniforms or similar clothes and camouflage attire are prohibited. Moreover, as the background is white, what you wear should be dark color in contrast with the backdrop.
When it comes to the hats and headgear, you must not wear them unless you provide a signed statement to verify that you have to wear them customarily or mandatorily in public places for recognized religious reasons or a medical statement signed by a registered doctor to prove that you have to wear them as part of a treatment. Most importantly, the headcover or veil must not cover or project shadows on your face.
As for glasses, the updated rules accept them only for medical reasons, but you must include a signed report from your doctor in your application. Otherwise, you must take off it. However, sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed because they obscure your eyes.
Last but not least, you can wear piercings on any part of your face or jewelry as long as they don’t cause shadows or hinder facial features. Permanent tattoos are acceptable.
For Babies & Infants
Requirements on baby passport photos might be lenient. Infants are not compelled to open or entirely open their eyes. Neutral facial expressions are not a must as long as it does not distort the facial features.
Indian Passport Photo Requirements
Size & Dimensions
The Indian passport photo size should be 2″x2″ (51×51 mm). The height of head should measure 1-1 3/8 in (2.5 – 3.5 cm). The height of the eye line should be 1 3/16 in..
Color and Lighting
The Indian passport photo must not be black and white. The background should be white or off-white. Don’t leave any distracting items in the photo, which is important for babies. If you hold the infants to take a photo, don’t capture any part of your body, so do toys and snacks that are used to comfort them. The whole face must be evenly lit to avoid shadows covering any part of the photo. Proper illumination can also prevent underexposure or overexposure.
Use Photos Recently Taken
To present your current look, the photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Posture & Facial Expression
The photo must show the whole face without shadows or coverings. Keep your head in the center and look straight at the camera. Imagine that there is a line between the camera and the eyes and it is parallel to the ground. Maintain a neutral facial expression. Keep your eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling or frowning is not permitted.
Eyewear, Headwear & Attire
If you do wear glasses in daily life, you can keep them in the Indian passport photo. However, the lenses must be clear and don’t reflect any glare in case of blocking your eyes. The frame should not cast shadows around the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
Headwear is acceptable only for religious reasons. Make sure it does not hide any part of your face.
As for the dress code, there is no particular requirement. Either professional or casual dressing is permitted. It is suggested to avoid uniforms, white or light-colored clothes that would blend into the white background and off-shoulder or sleeveless tops that might make you look naked in a cropped photo.
For Babies & Infants
Newborns below 12 months can be photographed while their eyes are closed. Moreover, how much space the head takes up in the whole picture and the height of eye level are not strictly regulated, but the size of the whole picture should be 35 x 45mm.
Comparisons Between US vs Indian Passport Photo
The US government requires applicants to print photos on matte or glossy paper while the Indian authorities request thin photo paper. They are not contrary rules. A thin paper could also be glossy. Just make sure the printed version is clear and high-quality.
As you can see, requirements for US and Indian passport size photo are similar in most cases, such as size and pixels, backgrounds, neutral facial expressions and postures. However, there are still some minor differences like pixels, resolution and requirements on glasses. Let’s make a summary.
| US passport photo | Indian passport photo | |
| Size | 2 x 2 inches | 2 x 2 inches |
| Resolution | 600×600 – 1200×1200 pixels | 350 x 350 – 1000 x 1000 pixels |
| Background | White/off-white | White/off-white |
| Smile | Yes, but eyes must be open and mouth closed. | No |
| Frown | No | No |
| Grin | No | No |
| Make faces | No | No |
| Hats | No | No |
| Religious veil | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses | No (unless for medical reasons) | Yes (as long as it does not obscure eyes) |
How to Make Qualified Passport Size Photo
What if you don’t know whether your passport photo is compliant or not? You can use this online passport photo maker, AiPassportPhotos to check. There are identification photo templates for more than dozens of countries and regions, including Indian and US passport photos.
This is an online tool that does not require downloading and installation. That is to say, you can make a perfect passport at any time and anywhere. After uploading the photo, the AI will scan and examine the compliance. If qualified, it would crop and adjust the background automatically. If not, you should retake a new one. You would get a digital passport photo which could be printed in common retail stores or pharmacies.
Summary
Considering the similarities of US and Indian passport photos, it is very likely to take a shot that meet the requirements of both countries if you pay attention to the resolution, and avoid smiles and glasses. In order to 100% guarantee compliance, you can turn to AiPassportPhotos. All these could be done with a smartphone.
Erin Lo