Quick answer
What photo size is needed for a voter ID (Form 6)?
The Election Commission of India's Form 6 asks for one recent, unsigned, passport-size colour photograph of 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, showing a frontal view of the full face against a white background, with eyes open. Form 8 uses the same size if you change your photo.
For a new voter ID (EPIC) on Form 6, the Election Commission of India asks for one recent passport-size colour photo, 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, unsigned, showing a frontal view of the full face on a white background, with your eyes open and both edges of your face visible. To change the photo on an existing card, you use Form 8 with a photo of the same size.
The details below come from the current ECI Form 6 and Form 8 and their guidelines, as published by state Chief Electoral Officers, and from ECI's Voters' Service Portal.
Form 6 photo requirements (new voters)
Form 6 is the "Application Form for New Voters", filed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The photo box on the form and its guideline give these rules:
| Size | 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm (45 mm high × 35 mm wide), passport size |
|---|---|
| Number | One |
| Colour | Recent, good-quality colour photograph |
| Background | White |
| Pose | Frontal view of the full face |
| Eyes and face | Eyes open, with both edges of the face clearly visible |
| Signature | Do not sign the photo |
| Card delivery | After enrolment, the EPIC is sent free of cost by speed post to your postal address |
Older forms show 3.5 × 3.5 cm
Some state election websites still host older versions of Form 6 and Form 8 with a 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm photo box. The current ECI forms ask for 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm. Download the form from the Voters' Service Portal or your state Chief Electoral Officer's current forms page.
Changing your voter ID photo (Form 8)
Form 8 is the ECI form for shifting your residence, correcting entries in the electoral roll, getting a replacement EPIC and marking a person with disability. "Photo" is one of the details you can correct. Form 8 has a photo box for a recent passport-size unsigned colour photo, 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, frontal view, white background, which you fill in only if the photo is to be changed.
Applying online on the Voters' Service Portal
You can file Form 6 and Form 8 online on ECI's Voters' Service Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) or the Voter Helpline App, uploading your photo and documents instead of pasting a print. ECI's form guidelines describe the photo but do not give a file format or file size limit, so follow what the upload screen shows.
Keep the upload clear
Use the same rules as for the printed photo: a recent colour photo on a white background, facing the camera, eyes open. Crop it to the 4.5 × 3.5 cm shape before you resize it, so your face is not stretched or cut off.
e-EPIC: the digital voter ID
ECI's e-EPIC page describes e-EPIC as a PDF version of the EPIC that you can keep on your phone, upload to DigiLocker, or print and laminate yourself. ECI's steps use your EPIC number or form reference number and an OTP sent to your registered mobile number; check the Voters' Service Portal for who can download it now. If the photo on your card is old or unclear, file Form 8 to change it.
Sample photos
How to get your voter ID photo right
- Take a recent photo on white. Stand against a plain white wall in even light, face the camera straight on, keep your eyes open and your hair off your face.
- Crop it to 4.5 × 3.5 cm. Crop to 45 mm high and 35 mm wide so your full face and both edges of it are clearly visible. Do not sign the photo.
- Attach it to Form 6 or Form 8. Paste the print in the box on the paper form, or upload it on the Voters' Service Portal or the Voter Helpline App within the limit the upload screen shows.
- Use Form 8 to replace an old photo. If your voter ID photo is old or unclear, file Form 8, choose "Photo" as the entry to correct and attach the new photo.
Voter ID photo FAQ
The Election Commission of India's Form 6 asks for one recent passport-size colour photograph of 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm (45 mm high, 35 mm wide), unsigned, showing a frontal view of your full face against a white background.
No. Form 6 and Form 8 both ask for an unsigned photograph. You sign the declaration on the form instead.
Use Form 8, the ECI form for shifting residence and correcting entries. Choose "Photo" as the detail to correct and attach a new 4.5 × 3.5 cm unsigned colour photo with a white background. The photo box on Form 8 is only filled in if the photo is being changed.
Some state election websites still host older versions of Form 6 and Form 8 with a 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm box. The current ECI forms ask for 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, so use the current form from the Voters' Service Portal or your Chief Electoral Officer's website.
ECI's Form 6 guidelines describe the photo, not the file. The Voters' Service Portal and the Voter Helpline App show the accepted format and size on the upload screen, so check there. Use a sharp, recent photo on white so it is still clear after resizing.
ECI describes e-EPIC as a PDF version of your Elector's Photo Identity Card that you can download to your phone or print yourself. ECI's steps use your EPIC number or form reference number and an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Official sources
- ECI Form 6 and guidelines, as published by the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur (PDF)
- ECI Form 6, as published by the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana (PDF)
- ECI Form 8, as published by the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana (PDF)
- Election Commission of India: Voters' Service Portal
- Election Commission of India: Download e-EPIC
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.