⚠️ Note: Printed photo specs for enrollment centers
These specifications are for the printed photo to bring to enrollment centers. UIDAI does not accept online photo uploads — biometric updates require an in-person visit. Always verify current requirements at uidai.gov.in before your visit.
Aadhaar Card Photo Size Requirements
Last verified: June 2026Aadhaar photo updates require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar enrollment center. UIDAI captures biometrics (photo, fingerprints, iris) on-site. Online updates are available for demographic details (address, name, DOB) only — not for photos.
Quick Spec Summary
- Size: 3.5 × 4.5 cm (portrait)
- File size: Under 50KB (JPEG only)
- Background: Plain white or light grey
- Face coverage: 80–85% of frame
Quick Reference
- Dimensions
- 413 × 531 pixels
- Physical Size
- 35mm × 45mm (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Max File Size
- 50 KB
- Format
- JPG / JPEG
- Face Coverage
- 80–85% of frame
- Background
- Plain white or light grey
Pixel Dimensions at Different DPI
| DPI | Pixels | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| 200 DPI | 276 × 354 px | Minimum acceptable |
| 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px | Recommended✅ |
| 600 DPI | 827 × 1063 px | Professional print |
Our photo resizer automatically sets 413×531 pixels — the UIDAI recommended resolution at 300 DPI.
Common mistake: Aadhaar and PAN Card dimensions are reversed!
- Aadhaar: 3.5 cm width × 4.5 cm height (Portrait — taller than wide)
- PAN Card: 4.5 cm width × 3.5 cm height (Landscape — wider than tall)
Many applicants mix these up. Double-check orientation before your enrollment visit.
Why the 50KB File Size Limit?
UIDAI processes over 1.3 billion Aadhaar records. At 50KB per photo, the entire database stays manageable (~65TB). A photo at 1MB would require 1,300TB of storage. The 50KB limit maintains sufficient quality for biometric face-matching while keeping infrastructure practical.
Common Rejection Reasons
- ❌Wrong file size (over 50KB) — most common rejection
- ❌Wrong orientation (landscape instead of portrait)
- ❌Colored background (must be white or very light grey)
- ❌Wearing glasses with tinted lenses or glare
- ❌Smiling or non-neutral expression
- ❌Hair covering forehead or eyes
- ❌Photo older than 6 months
- ❌Low resolution or blurry image
- ❌Heavy makeup, filters, or beauty effects applied
Common Photo Specification Errors
- Photo file size exceeds 50 KB — compress before printing if your center requires a digital file
- Wrong dimensions — photo must be 413×531 pixels (300 DPI equivalent)
- Wrong orientation — portrait 3.5×4.5 cm, not landscape
- Face too small or not centred — full face should occupy 80–85% of the frame
How to Resize Your Photo
- 1
Take or select a recent passport-style photo with a plain background
- 2
Open the WorkUtilities Photo Resizer and select the Aadhaar Card preset
- 3
Upload your photo — width, height, and 50 KB limit auto-fill
- 4
Choose a white background and click Resize Photo
- 5
Download the resized JPG and print it to bring to your Aadhaar enrollment center (if required)
Resize your photo to the exact dimensions and file size — free, instant, and private in your browser.
Resize Photo for Aadhaar — Free & Instant✅ Auto-sets 3.5×4.5 cm · ✅ Compresses to under 50KB · ✅ Runs in your browser — photo never uploaded
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact Aadhaar photo size in pixels?
At 300 DPI (recommended): 413×531 pixels. At 200 DPI (minimum): 276×354 pixels. Our photo resizer automatically sets the correct dimensions.
Can I update my Aadhaar photo online?
No. UIDAI does not allow online photo or biometric updates. Photo, fingerprint, and iris updates require an in-person visit to an Aadhaar enrollment center. Online updates are limited to demographic details such as address, name, and date of birth.
Why does UIDAI require photos under 50KB?
UIDAI manages over 1.3 billion Aadhaar records. A strict 50KB file size limit keeps the photo database manageable while maintaining enough quality for biometric face-matching during verification.
What's the difference between Aadhaar and PAN Card photo size?
The dimensions are reversed — Aadhaar is 3.5×4.5 cm (portrait, taller than wide) while PAN Card is 4.5×3.5 cm (landscape, wider than tall). This is one of the most common reasons for application rejection.
Can I use the same photo for Aadhaar and Passport?
Both use 35×45mm portrait proportions, but digital specs differ: Passport Seva requires 630×810 px (10–250KB) while Aadhaar printed photos use 413×531 px (under 50KB). Resize separately for each document.
Why might my Aadhaar photo be rejected at enrollment?
Common reasons: file size even 1KB over the 50KB limit, wrong orientation, coloured background, hair covering forehead, or photo older than 6 months. Some centers ask you to bring a printed photo meeting these specs — use our resizer to prepare one before your visit.
Can I use a mobile photo for Aadhaar enrollment?
Yes, you can start with a mobile photo as long as you resize it to 413×531 pixels, compress to under 50 KB, and use a plain background before printing. UIDAI captures biometrics on-site at the enrollment center.
How do I reduce Aadhaar photo size below 50 KB?
Use the WorkUtilities Photo Resizer with the Aadhaar preset — it automatically resizes to 413×531 pixels and compresses to under 50 KB.