Aadhaar Photo Requirements — DocReady

UIDAI-compliant photo specifications and guidelines for Aadhaar enrolment and update applications.

Official Requirements for Aadhaar

Photos must meet the specifications published by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).

Last reviewed

May 2026

v1.1

Dimensions2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) — square aspect ratio
File Size20 KB to 100 KB for online applications
BackgroundPlain white — evenly lit, no shadows
Head RatioMust cover 70–80% of the photo area
FormatJPEG only
ExpressionBoth eyes visible, no spectacles if possible

Additional Requirements

  • Photo should be recent (within 3 months)
  • No cap, hat, or headgear (religious exceptions allowed with full face visible)
  • Avoid shiny or reflective clothing

Source: UIDAI — Unique Identification Authority of India · View official guidelines

Correct vs Incorrect

Use this quick comparison to check your photo before uploading.

Check✓ Correct✗ Incorrect
Dimensions2 × 2 inches, square (1:1)Rectangular or non-square photos
BackgroundPlain white, evenly litOutdoor, patterned wall, shadows present
Head CoverageFace covers 70–80% of photoFace too small or too large
File Size20–100 KB, JPEGFile over 100 KB or PNG format

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Photo too old

The photo must be taken within the last 3 months. Old photos may not match your current appearance.

Wrong aspect ratio

Aadhaar requires a square photo (1:1 ratio). A rectangular photo will be cropped or rejected.

Shadows or glare

Harsh lighting causing facial shadows or glasses glare makes the photo non-compliant.

Face not fully visible

Both eyes must be clearly visible. Hair should not obscure the face.

File too large

The online limit is 100 KB. Larger files must be compressed before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Aadhaar photo dimensions?

The required size is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with a square (1:1) aspect ratio. The minimum resolution should be sufficient to clearly show facial features at this size.

What background is required?

A plain white background with even lighting and no shadows. Stand facing a white wall with adequate front lighting.

Can I wear spectacles in my Aadhaar photo?

It is recommended to remove spectacles. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible.

What is the file size limit for Aadhaar photos?

For online Aadhaar applications, the photo file size must be between 20 KB and 100 KB in JPEG format.

What head size is required?

Your face should cover 70–80% of the photo area. This is a larger head ratio than passport photos — use DocReady to verify.

Can I wear a cap or head covering?

No, unless for religious reasons. If worn, the face from forehead to chin must be clearly visible with no shadows.