What Documents Are Required For Passport In India?

The passport is an official document, issued by government of a country to its citizens, which makes you eligible to travel to foreign countries. It is an important identity proof which substantiates your citizenship. You travel to make memories, spend quality time with your family/friends, take a business trip or go meet someone, either in your own country or somewhere abroad. If you are travelling abroad, then you must carry your passport with you, however you will not need your passport if you are travelling within your own country. Getting a passport is a crucial step for anyone planning to travel abroad. Whether for education, work, or leisure, a passport is proof of your identity and a travel document. However, applying for a visa in India requires you to submit several documents. These include various proofs for identification, address, and other essential criteria. This blog will cover the documents required for a passport in India, including specific cases like passport renewal and for minors. This comprehensive guide will ensure you have all the information needed for a smooth application process. You should apply for a passport well in advance if you have to travel out of the country. The passport, once issued, is usually valid for 10 years, after which you have to re-apply for the same. There are a specific set of documents that you need to submit as address and age proof for the issuance of passport.

Documents Required to Apply for a New Indian Passport

You can submit any one of the official records from the following list of valid documents:

Proof Of Present Address

When applying for a passport, you must provide proof of present address. This is one of the most important documents required for a passport. The proof of address document should match your current residence and be in your name. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill (water, electricity, or gas), an Aadhaar card, a voter ID card, or a rental agreement. Ensure the document is not over three months to avoid any complications during the verification process.

Proof Of Date Of Birth

Another essential document required for a passport application is proof of your date of birth. This is necessary to confirm your age and identity. The date of birth proof can be a birth certificate issued by the municipal authority, a school leaving certificate, or a PAN card. If you don't have any of these, a certificate of birth issued by the Registrar of Births is also accepted. The document should mention your date of birth as per the records.

Photo ID Proof

When you apply for a passport, you must provide a photo ID proof. This document helps verify your identity and nationality. You can submit your Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, or driving license as proof of valid photo ID. Ensure that the ID card is up-to-date and has a clear photograph to avoid delays in processing your passport.

Passport-Size Photographs

You are required to submit recent passport-size photographs with your application. The photograph should be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm in size, in colour, and with a white background. Ensure the photos are not older than six months and your face is visible. You may need to provide two to four copies, depending on the specific requirements of your passport office.

Previous Passport

If you are renewing your passport, you must submit your previous passport as part of the documents required for passport renewal. The old passport should have all the pages intact and be in good condition. This helps verify your past travel history and other details.

Other Passport Documents

Apart from the standard documents, additional documents may be required depending on your case. These may include an affidavit for a name change, a marriage certificate if you change your surname after marriage, or a divorce decree. These passport documents are necessary to verify the changes in your details.

Documents Required For An Indian Passport For A Minor

If you are applying for a passport for a minor, specific documents are needed. You must provide the child's birth certificate, proof of present address, and a copy of the parent's passport. In some cases, the passport office may also require an Annexure H declaration, signed by both parents, confirming their consent to issue a visa to the minor. Make sure all documents are to avoid any delays in processing.

Documents Required For Minors For Re-Issue Of Passport

The process is slightly different for minors seeking a re-issue of their passport. Along with the old passport, you need to submit a new set of photographs, a self-attested copy of the parent's passport, and updated address proof if your residence has changed. It’s crucial to provide all required documents to avoid issues during renewal.

Documents Required For Passport Renewal

Renewing your passport requires submitting documents verifying your identity and past passport history. These include your old passport, updated proof of address, and recent passport-size photographs. To ensure smooth processing, ensure that all details match your existing records. This will help avoid any complications during verification.

Documents Required For Tatkaal Passport

If you need a passport urgently, the Tatkaal scheme can expedite the process. The documents required for a Tatkaal passport are similar to those required for a regular passport application, with an additional affidavit (Annexure F) and a letter of urgency explaining why the passport is needed urgently. Remember that the Tatkaal scheme has additional fees and a faster processing time.

Documents Required For Availing Diplomatic/Official Passport

Additional documentation is required for those applying for a diplomatic or official passport. This includes a letter from the concerned government department, proof of official duty, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of External Affairs. Diplomatic passports are generally issued to government officials and their dependents for official travel. These documents are the same for adults, senior citizens as well as minors (below 18 years of age). The only exception in case of minors is, you will have to submit a declaration affirming the particulars furnished in the application about the minor as per Annexure D. Also adults (above 18 years of age and below 65 years) will have to declare if they belong to Non-ECR (Emigration Check Required) category, for which a few more documents will have to be submitted by you. You can get the complete list of documents required for passport on the Passport Seva portal. Besides the above mentioned set of records, you might need to submit a few additional documents in special cases such as:

1. If you are a minor and were born through surrogacy, then in addition to the previously mentioned documents you will have to submit a declaration affirming the particulars furnished in the application about the minor as per Annexure I.
2. If you are an adult and an employee of a government/PSU/statutory body, then you will have to provide Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure A.
3. If you are a senior citizen and a retired government official, then you will be required to submit the pension payment order along with address proof and age proof.

We recommend that you check Passport Seva, an online portal established by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India to get the complete details of the documents required for the application of passport.

Conclusion

Applying for a passport requires careful attention to the documents you submit. Each category of passport application, whether for a minor, renewal, or a new passport, has its own set of required documents. Ensuring you have all the documents required for a passport can make the process quicker and smoother. For more information on travel-related queries and to secure your trips, consider checking travel insurance options offered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company. Having the right travel insurance can protect you from unexpected challenges, allowing you to travel worry-free.

FAQs

1. How long does the passport verification process take?

The passport verification process usually takes 7-10 working days. However, this can vary depending on the applicant's location and the availability of police officials.

2. What should I do if my address proof is outdated?

If your address proof is outdated, you must update it before applying for the passport. Documents like an Aadhaar card or utility bills can be easily updated online.

3. Can I submit photocopies of my documents for passport application?

No, only original documents and self-attested photocopies are accepted. Carry your original documents for verification and submit self-attested copies of the application form. *Standard T&C Apply *Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.