Glasses worn in photo
Remove all eyeglasses. VFS Global and Indian Consulates strictly reject photos showing frame obstruction or lens reflection.
VFS & Embassy Guide
Indian Passport Renewal in USA Photo Requirements & VFS Guide
Complete guide for Indian passport renewal in USA: 2x2 inch photo specs, VFS Global upload rules, file number lookup, CGI portal guidelines, and photo vs signature limits.
Prepare This PhotoVFS Global / Passport Seva USA - 8 min read
Upload Checklist
Use a recent color photo taken within the last 6 months.
Keep a neutral facial expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
Do not wear spectacles, dark glasses, or tinted lenses.
Both ears should be visible with hair tucked behind.
Separate photo and specimen signature uploads according to VFS portal file limits.
Common Errors and Fixes
Incorrect background shade
Use a pure white background. Off-white, grey, or textured backgrounds cause automated portal rejections.
File number vs Passport number confusion
The File Number is printed on the last page of your Indian passport (e.g. USA1000000000) and is required on VFS forms.
Government issuing entity error
For Indian passports renewed in the US, select Indian Embassy / CGI (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, or Washington DC) as the issuing authority.
Step-by-Step Workflow
1
Fill out Government Online Form
Complete your application on the Passport Seva NRI portal and note down your Application Reference Number (ARN) and File Number.
2
Prepare 2x2 Biometric Photo
Capture your photo against a white wall, remove glasses, and crop to 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) or 600x600 px for digital upload.
3
Submit via VFS Global USA
Upload the 2x2 JPEG file and specimen signature to the VFS portal, then print physical copies if submitting a postal application.
Final Safety Check
Do not alter your facial features
Government photo rules commonly reject altered, filtered, or beautified images. Use the studio for compliance checks, crop, export, and background preparation only. Follow the official source for your final application route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indian passport renewal through VFS Global USA requires a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photo with a plain white background and chin-to-crown face height between 1 and 1.375 inches.
The File Number is located on the back page of an Indian passport (usually top right corner or near the address details). It is a unique alphanumeric identifier used during NRI reissue applications.
The issuing entity is the Embassy of India, Washington DC or the appropriate CGI consulate (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, or Atlanta) that issued your previous passport.
No. Eyeglasses are not permitted in Indian passport renewal or visa photos.