By Ern Phang, Solicitor & Notary Public
Director of Phang Legal. Solicitor since 1998 and notary public since 2005.
Example: the situation
Uma's section 32A photographs and fingerprints form asks for a black and white photograph, so she brings one. A previous client had the same form rejected because their lawyer wanted colour.
Even the colour of your photograph can matter for the section 32A form. Let's discuss what to check.
Attaching your passport size photograph to Photographs and Fingerprints as per Section 32A of Registration Act 1908
If you've signed documents for India, like the power of attorney, you'll be familiar with this form. It requires you to provide your fingerprint (left thumb), your name and permanent postal address, and a passport-sized photograph of yourself.
Here's an interesting case. Recently, one of our clients was asked to re-sign their Photographs and Fingerprints form because it was rejected. Our client's form was rejected because our client had provided a black and white photograph of themselves according to the instructions in the form that specifically state that a "black & white" photograph was required. Their lawyer directed them to re-sign their form with a colour photograph!
Should you use a colour photograph or black and white photograph?
So what does this mean for clients who must sign and submit this form with their fingerprint and photograph? Honestly, it's unclear to us whether a colour photograph or a black and white photograph is required. The form states black and white, but in practice the majority of our clients use colour photographs (as this is generally the only readily available format) and for the few clients who have used a black and white photograph, it was only in this one case where their form was rejected.
If you're not sure whether you should be using a colour photograph or a black and white photograph, it's best to ask your lawyer in India for advice and direction.
What next?
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit Request a notary quote.Example: the solution
Before her appointment, Uma asked her lawyer in India which photograph to use, and her lawyer asked for colour. She placed her left thumb print and signed in front of our notary public, who notarised the form.
About Us
This blog is maintained by Phang Legal, a boutique law firm with offices in Parramatta and Rouse Hill. We help clients from across Sydney and beyond with personal, professional and timely Legal Services, Notary Services and Apostille Services.
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Level 3, 87 Marsden Street (from 1 March 2026)
Parramatta NSW 2150
Phang Legal — Rouse Hill
214/80 Main Street
Rouse Hill NSW 2155
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About the author
Ern Phang — Solicitor & Notary Public
This article was written by Ern Phang, a director of Phang Legal, a solicitor since 1998 and a notary public since 2005.
Ern has been a member of the Society of Notaries of NSW since 2005, a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries since 2013, and a member of the Law Society of New South Wales since 1998.
Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public and the practical issues his clients face when sending documents from Australia to India and other countries all over the world.
Using information in this article
This article provides general information. Requirements, forms, fees and service arrangements may have changed since its original publication. Check the receiving organisation’s current requirements and obtain advice relevant to your circumstances.
