Aadhaar Card Photo Size Requirements 2026 — UIDAI Specifications
Uploading a photo for Aadhaar card enrolment, update, or correction requires meeting UIDAI's specific size and format requirements. An incorrect photo size is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected at the Aadhaar centre or through the myAadhaar portal. Here are the exact specifications and how to prepare your photo correctly.
Aadhaar Card Photo Size Requirements (UIDAI 2026)
UIDAI Photo Specifications
Photo dimensions: 35mm × 45mm (passport size)
File format: JPEG / JPG only
File size: Maximum 1 MB (1,000 KB)
Minimum resolution: 300 DPI recommended
Background: White or light plain background
Face coverage: Face should cover 70–80% of the frame
Expression: Neutral, eyes open and looking at camera
For online Aadhaar update through the myAadhaar portal, the photo upload typically accepts files up to 1 MB in JPEG format. At Aadhaar enrolment centres (CSC/Mahagram), the operator captures your photo digitally — you don't bring a photo file. The file size requirement applies mainly to online self-service updates.
How to Resize Your Photo to Aadhaar Requirements
If your photo is larger than 1 MB or not in the right dimensions, you need to resize and compress it before uploading.
Step 1 — Resize to 35×45mm:
Go to the image resizer, upload your photo, and set the dimensions. At 300 DPI, 35×45mm = 413×531 pixels. At 200 DPI (minimum acceptable), 35×45mm = 276×354 pixels. Use 413×531 px for best quality.
Step 2 — Compress under 1 MB:
If the resized photo is still over 1 MB, use the JPG compressor to reduce the file size. A properly resized passport photo at 413×531 pixels will typically be 50–200 KB — well within the 1 MB limit.
Photo Requirements for myAadhaar Portal Updates
When updating your Aadhaar photo through myAadhaar.uidai.gov.in, the portal requires you to upload a recent photograph. The requirements are:
• Colour photograph (not black and white)
• Taken recently (not older than 6 months)
• Plain white or light background
• Both ears visible
• No sunglasses, tinted glasses, or heavy headwear
• No shadows on the face or background
• JPEG format, under 1 MB
Common Reasons Aadhaar Photo Upload Fails
File is not in JPEG format
PNG, WebP, HEIC, and other formats are rejected. Use the image converter to convert your photo to JPG before uploading.
File is over 1 MB
Modern smartphone photos are typically 3–8 MB. Compress the photo using the JPG compressor to get under 1 MB.
Photo dimensions are incorrect
The portal may reject photos that are too small (under 200×250 pixels) or have an extreme aspect ratio. Resize to 413×531 pixels (35×45mm at 300 DPI) for consistent results.
Background is not light/white
If your photo has a coloured or dark background, use the background changer to change it to white.
Aadhaar vs Other Government ID Photo Sizes
India's government services use broadly consistent photo standards across most IDs:
Aadhaar card: 35×45mm, JPEG, max 1 MB
PAN card (NSDL): 3.5×4.5 cm (35×45mm), JPEG, 20–50 KB
Passport: 51×51mm, JPEG, 10–1500 KB
Indian driving licence: 35×45mm, JPEG, max 1 MB
Voter ID (EPIC): Captured at BLO office — no digital upload
UPSC / SSC / IBPS exams: 10–200 KB, 3.5×4.5 cm format
For a complete guide to PAN card photo requirements, see our PAN card photo size guide.
Aadhaar Photo Update — Online vs Offline
Online (myAadhaar portal): Go to myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → log in with your Aadhaar number and OTP → select Update Aadhaar Online → choose Update Photo → upload your JPEG photo → pay ₹50 service charge → submit. Update typically reflects in 2–5 working days.
Offline (Aadhaar Enrolment Centre / CSC): Visit your nearest Common Service Centre or Aadhaar enrolment centre. The operator captures your photo digitally using their camera — you don't need to bring a photo file. The ₹50 update fee applies here too.
Resize and Compress Your Aadhaar Photo — Free
Reduce your photo to under 1 MB in seconds. Works for Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and all government forms.
Aadhaar Photo Requirements — Common Mistakes
The most common upload failures on the UIDAI and mAadhaar portal:
Wrong file type: The portal accepts JPEG/JPG only. PNG, WebP, and HEIC files are rejected. Convert your photo to JPG before uploading. Use the PNG to JPG converter if needed.
File too large: The standard limit is 50KB for Aadhaar photo uploads. A phone camera photo is typically 2–5MB — compress it before uploading. Use the image compressor to reduce to under 50KB.
Wrong dimensions: If you're asked for a specific pixel size and your image doesn't match, use the resize tool to set exact pixel dimensions before uploading.
How to Check Aadhaar Photo Size Before Uploading
On Windows: right-click the image file → Properties → Details tab. You'll see the file size in KB and the image dimensions in pixels.
On Mac: right-click → Get Info. File size is shown at the top, dimensions are listed under 'More Info'.
On phone: on iPhone, open the photo → swipe up to see file size in the Info panel. On Android, open Gallery → tap the photo → Info.
Aadhaar Update Photo Online
To update your photo on the Aadhaar card, visit the UIDAI self-service portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. You'll need your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. The updated photo takes approximately 90 days to appear on the digital Aadhaar.
For the update, the photo requirements are the same as the original enrollment: clear face, no glasses, plain background, file size under 50KB in JPG format.
How to Convert HEIC Photo to JPG for Aadhaar Upload
iPhone photos are saved in HEIC format by default. UIDAI portals do not accept HEIC. To convert: use the HEIC to JPG converter online, or on iPhone go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible to make all future photos save as JPG automatically.
After converting to JPG, check the file size. iPhone HEIC photos converted to JPG are typically 3–8MB — you'll need to compress to under 50KB before uploading to the Aadhaar portal.
Resize Photo for Aadhaar Upload
Set exact pixel dimensions. Download in JPG format instantly.