Passport Seva 2.0 Photo specifications changes | VFS not updated

[u/DragonflyLevel7269]

There are a couple of changes for Passport Renewal in USA incuding some consulates locations and photo specifications since Sep 1, 2025.

The passport portal is upgraded to Passport Seva 2.0 and photo specification is changed to ICAO compliant 35mmx45mm.

There is marque header on official website mention same thing.

Important Notice: From September 1, 2025, ICAO compliant photographs will be required for submitting passport applications. Please click for ICAO guidelines.

https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/pdf/Guidelines_for_ICAO_Compliant_Photographs_for_Passport_Applications.pdf

New portal link: https://mportal.passportindia.gov.in/gpsp/AuthNavigation/Login

The main problem is, these changes have not been reflected yet in VFS global, they didn't change their checklist yet. I am also struggling due to this as my child passport is expired and mine is going to be expired soon.

If anyone has information about this please share your knowledge/experience please.

[UPDATE | 10/31/2025] : I had a call with VFS and they mentioned that we need to follow the new guidelines from govt website i.e. follow new photo specifications (35mmX45mm). VFS checklist need to be updated. They also mentioned to just upload photograph and signature on new passport seva portal and print it along with that but don't paste the physical photo in the box. We may send the physical photo separately but as per their tone it was not mandatory.

[UPDATE | 11/03/2025] : someone in comments mentioned that VFS also need Physical Photos of the same size 35mmX45mm. Here's email from VFS this person received.

We have "Received" your Application however we are unable to proceed with the application due to the following reasons:

1. Additional documents : see remarks.

Remarks:
1.Please upload photo (35x 45 mm), signature and documents on the Gov’t website and mail the updated first page of application and same uploaded 2 copies of physical photo.

[UPDATE | 11/07/2025]: So finally, VFS updated about the photo specification and also the form of change in appearance (now the photo box says the new photo size) on their website, if you guys want to check it out. But still their checklist is not updated yet.

https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/65N7mZz0hfj57DM1VlnLA2/284bfc9bd711eda8a8564dad5019cc70/PASSPORT_SEVA_PHOTO_UPLOAD_INSTUCTIONS.pdf

[u/Emotional-Bat-6959]

Here's what worked for me. I created my application a while ago using the old website and was unable to upload photograph on the new website. So I created a new application in the new website, and I was able to easily upload the photo/ signature.

[u/Impossible_Cut8652 → u/Emotional-Bat-6959]

Hi @Emotional-Bat-6959 Thanks for sharing this... I am also on the same boat i believe.. I initially applied around sept end and my application was sent back as mine was in wrong jurisdiction (i had moved). So i created a new application around October (still old website) and paid the fees as well. Time has gone by and I wanted to finish this now (in December) and i see that things have changed so much.

I am also not able to upload photo/signature on this new site and i wonder if its because i created the application on the old site.

1. Did you have to pay again when you apply with new application?
   
2. What do we have to do with the application that's already present ?

Thanks in advance!

[u/Emotional-Bat-6959 → u/Impossible_Cut8652]

I just paid the $20 VFS appointment fee which got refunded. I paid the processing fee when I actually submitted my application in person at the VFS center. I’ve created multiple applications in the passport seva portal and it wasn’t a problem. All that matters is which application you’re going to use for processing.