Common India driving licence 35x45 mm (1.4x1.75 inch) Photo Rejection Reasons in IN - Expert Tips

By AI Assistant 823 words 4 min read

A crisp, correctly sized 35×45 mm (1.4×1.75 inch) photo is the cornerstone of any valid Indian driving licence application, yet countless applicants face delays or outright rejections every year due to seemingly minor mistakes. From improper background shades and incorrect facial proportions to poor lighting, pixelation, or outdated attire, each oversight can turn a simple formality into a frustrating setback. Understanding the most common rejection triggers not only saves time and money, but also ensures your licence process proceeds smoothly—no more last-minute retakes or endless visits to the RTO. In the following guide, we’ll pinpoint the precise photo requirements mandated across India and reveal the top pitfalls to avoid, so your application sails through on the very first try.

Requirements

  • Incorrect dimensions: Photo must be exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (4″ × 75″) with no cropping or borders
  • Face not centered or full-faced: Applicant’s full frontal view with both edges of face visible and eyes looking straight at the camera
  • Poor image quality: Blurry, pixelated, over-compressed or out-of-focus pictures will be rejected
  • Unnatural expression or open mouth: Neutral expression with closed mouth, relaxed face, and both eyes open
  • Obstructed facial features: No hair, hands, scarves or other objects covering forehead, eyes, nose or mouth
  • Inappropriate headgear: Hats or caps not allowed; religious head coverings only if they don’t obscure any facial feature
  • Background color non-uniform: Plain light-colored (white or off-white) background with no patterns, textures or shadows
  • Overexposed or underexposed lighting: Even lighting required; no harsh shadows, hotspots or reflections on face or background
  • Use of colored or tinted glasses: Dark lenses or tinted eyewear that hide the eyes are prohibited; clear glasses allowed without glare
  • Photo older than six months: Must be a recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months) reflecting current appearance
  • Printed on non-glossy paper: High-quality matte or semi-matte photo paper only; ordinary inkjet or glossy printer paper is unacceptable
  • Digital alterations: No retouching, airbrushing, Photoshop filters or colour adjustments that alter natural skin tone or features
  • Inadequate headspace: Maintain approximately 5 mm of space above the hair; subject’s head must not touch the top edge of the photo

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Common India driving licence 35x45 mm (1.4x1.75 inch) Photo Rejection Reasons in IN - process

Tips and Best Practices

  • Exact Dimensions: Crop your photo precisely to 35×45 mm (4×75 inch) with no visible borders so that automated checks accept it without resizing or cropping errors
  • Plain Background: Use a uniform light-coloured (white/off-white) background with no shadows or patterns to meet RTO requirements and prevent background rejection
  • Neutral Expression: Maintain a straight face with closed mouth and eyes open, avoiding smiles or frowns so facial recognition systems can correctly identify you
  • Proper Head Position: Position your head centrally occupying 70–80 % of the frame with a straight gaze and no tilt to ensure compliance and avoid cropping out key facial features
  • No Accessories or Shadows: Remove glasses, hats, and jewelry and check for even lighting to eliminate reflections or shadows that cause automatic and manual rejections

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most frequent causes for rejection of 35 × 45 mm (1.4 × 1.75 in) India driving licence photos are:

  • Incorrect dimensions: photo not exactly 35 × 45 mm leads to scanner cropping errors
  • Improper background: non-uniform, colored, patterned, or shadowed backdrops fail white/cream requirement
  • Poor image quality: low resolution, blurriness, over- or under-exposure hinder facial recognition
  • Facial obstructions: sunglasses, hats, hair covering eyes, heavy makeup obscure natural features
  • Incorrect pose and framing: off-centre head position, tilted angle, too much or too little headspace
  • Glare and reflections: glasses glare or flash hotspots distort facial details
  • Outdated or damaged prints: creases, marks or fading reduce acceptability

To ensure approval, always verify exact size, use a plain light background, maintain sharp focus with even lighting, keep face fully visible and centred, and submit fresh, high-quality prints.

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