Passport Application for Minor: Apply Online in Easy Steps

Getting a passport for your child is an important step if you plan to travel abroad. In India, the process has become much simpler with the option to apply online. Whether you're applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one for your minor, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Let's explore how to apply for a minor's passport online in India effortlessly.

Who Can Apply for a Minor's Passport?

Only a parent or legal guardian can apply for a minor's passport. Since individuals under 18 require consent and supporting documents from an adult, this ensures their travel is both safe and legally compliant.

Step by Step Guide Apply for a Minor Passport

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before diving into the online application process, it's crucial to gather all the necessary documents. For a minor's passport, you'll need:

1. Birth certificate
2. Aadhaar card or proof of address of parent(s)
3. Passport of both parents (if available)
4. Proof of nationality of both parents (if the child was born outside of India)

Step 2: Register Online

Head to the Passport Seva website and create an account if you don't have one already. Provide your basic personal information to complete the registration process. If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Once logged in, fill out the online application form accurately and completely. Any mistakes or omissions could delay the processing of your application. Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting the form.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee for a minor's passport is Rs. 1,000. You can pay this fee online using a debit or credit card or through net banking.

Step 5: Schedule an Appointment

After paying the application fee, schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) nearest to you. Bring along all the original documents, including the application form and fee receipt, on the day of your appointment.

Step 6: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

Attend your scheduled appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra. A passport officer will review your application and documents to ensure everything is in order. If all is well, your application will be accepted, and your passport will be processed. If there are any issues, you'll be notified and given the opportunity to rectify them.

Step 7: Track the Status of Your Application

Once you've submitted your application, you can track its status online using the application reference number provided at the time of submission. You'll be notified when your passport is ready for collection or delivery. Also Read - Passport Renewal Process : Documents, Procedure, & More

Additional Information

Passport Validity for Minors

A minor's passport in India typically holds a validity of five years or until the child reaches the age of 18, whichever comes first. This duration aligns with the fact that minors grow and change rapidly, and thus, their passport information may become outdated relatively quickly. However, for minors aged between 15 and 18, there's an option to obtain a passport with a validity of ten years, provided they undergo police verification. This extension allows older minors to have a longer validity period, similar to adult passports, enabling them to use the passport for a more extended period without frequent renewals.

Eligibility For Minor Passport In India

1. Minors aged 15–18 seeking a 10-year passport.
2. Minors from Jammu & Kashmir or Nagaland.
3. Cases of separated or divorced parents.
4. Legal guardians applying.
5. Parents with passports listing their spouse's name.
6. One parent applying without the other's consent.
7. Single parents applying.
8. Adopted or surrogate-born children.
9. Students living away from parents.

Note: Minors aged 15–18 can get a 10-year passport by paying the adult fee.

Fees Structure for Minor Passport

The fee structure for minor passport applications varies based on several factors such as the age of the minor, the required validity period, and the type of application, whether regular or Tatkaal (urgent). For instance, applicants under 15 years of age typically pay Rs. 1,000 for a regular passport and Rs. 2,000 for a Tatkaal passport. The fee may differ for passport reissues based on reasons like expiration, change in particulars, or loss or damage.

Payment Modes for Minor Passports

Applicants have the flexibility to make passport application payments online through various modes such as credit/debit cards, internet banking, or SBI bank challan/wallet payment. This diverse range of payment options caters to the convenience of applicants, ensuring that they can choose the mode that suits them best.

Processing Time for Minor Passport in India

Once the passport application is successfully submitted, the processing time is relatively swift, with passports usually dispatched within 4-7 working days. This efficient processing ensures that minors can obtain their passports promptly, enabling them to start on their travel plans without unnecessary delays. Additionally, applicants can conveniently track the status of their application online through the Passport Seva Kendra website, providing them with transparency and peace of mind throughout the process.

Protecting your Minor Passport

Ensuring the safety and security of a minor's passport is paramount. Parents or guardians should store it in a dry and secure place, refrain from letting anyone else use it, and maintain a photocopy of the passport page for reference. Additionally, considering the uncertainties of travel, obtaining travel insurance in India from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company for your child's passport is highly recommended. In the unfortunate event of loss or theft during travel, having travel insurance can provide financial coverage for expenses related to passport replacement or reissue. Applying for a passport for your child doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the convenience of online applications and clear guidelines provided by the Passport Seva Kendra, the process has become simpler than ever before. By following these easy steps and ensuring all required documents are in order, you can obtain a minor's passport hassle-free. So, get started today and prepare your child for exciting adventures abroad! Also Read - Passport Application Status Check: Online & Offline Methods *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.