Is a birth certificate mandatory? Learn about alternatives , documents required and key insights for a smooth passport application process in India.
Well, just like a driver’s license is required for driving across the country, a passport is required for international travel. Obtaining a passport used to be a time-consuming process that necessitated a whole lot of paperwork and documentation. Know How is Birth Certificate Mandatory for Passport?
All applicants born after January 26, 1989, had to provide a birth certificate as proof of date of birth, along with the documents required for a passport, according to the 1980 Passport Rules.
However, in light of the difficulties citizens faced as a result of minor errors in their birth certificates, the then-minister of External Affairs December 2016 introduced several changes in the list of documents required to obtain a passport in India. The most significant of which was the removal of the requirement for a birth certificate Mandatory for passport.
Documents Submitted As a Substitute of Birth Certificate to Obtain a Passport
The following passport documents can be submitted with the passport application as proof and substitute for the date of birth and birth certificate respectively:
1. Transfer Certificate/ Matriculation/ School-leaving/ University Certificate:
Among the documents required for a passport, this one plays an important role, as it holds the complete identity and details of an individual, especially the applicant’s date of birth.
2. Aadhar Card
The Aadhar card, which is used for every other government service and legal purpose, is also one of the documents required for the passport because it contains both the biometrics and the DOB, providing all of the information required for the passport.
3. PAN Card
The PAN card obtained from the Income Tax department can be used to show proof of DOB, instead of the birth certificate mandatory for passport.
4. Service/ Pension Records
All government employees can produce a copy of their pension or service records as a document required for obtaining a passport to prove and show evidence of DOB.
5. Voter ID
The Election Commission issues the Election Photo Identity Card, which is also one of the necessary documentation for a passport, but it must include the DOB to be valid alongside a passport application.
6. Driving License
The driving license is issued by the Transport Authority of the state and can be considered in the list of documents eligible to act as proof for obtaining a passport.
The above-mentioned list of passport documents can be used for both the application of a new passport and for the re-issue of a passport, to substitute the birth certificate mandatory for passport.
How to Apply for a Passport Without the Birth Certificate?
In a revision to the passport policy announced in December 2016, individuals are no longer obligated to submit a birth certificate when applying for a passport. Instead, applicants have the option to present alternative documents approved by the government.
According to the Passport Regulations of 1980, individuals born on or after January 26, 1989, were required to submit a copy of their birth certificate for identification when applying for a passport. However, a recent legal amendment now allows for the submission of various documents in place of birth certificates.
The Official Recorder of Births and Deaths
The passport issuance process has been streamlined and liberalized with the acceptance of additional documents as proof of date of birth (DOB). To meet the passport requirements without a birth certificate, applicants must present one of the following documents alongside their application:
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Municipal Corporation
An authorized body under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1969 has the authority to issue a birth certificate for a child born in India.
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School Leaving/Matriculation/Transfer Certificate
To fulfill the proof of date of birth (DOB) requirement, applicants can submit a college/university transfer certificate, school leaving certificate, or matriculation certificate, provided it includes the applicant’s DOB.
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Aadhar Card/E-Aadhaar
Aadhaar is now essential for various applications and verifications. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) allows applicants to use Aadhaar as proof of DOB due to its significant demographic and biometric information. Having an Aadhaar can expedite the passport application process.
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Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
The new regulation permits individuals to use their PAN card as proof of DOB. A valid PAN card issued by the Income Tax (IT) Department, mentioning the DOB, can replace other documents in this list.
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Service Record
Government employees, including retirees, can use their Pay Pension Order or Service Record Extract to apply for a passport. The document must be properly attested or certified by the relevant ministry or department, and the applicant’s DOB should be included.
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Voter Identification Card
The Election Picture Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India is an acceptable document for passport applications worldwide. The Voter Identification Card must display the applicant’s DOB on the front to be considered valid.
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Driving License (DL)
A valid driving license from the State Government’s Transport Department or Authority is among the accepted documents for passport applications, as it contains the applicant’s DOB.
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Policy Bond
Policyholders can use a Policy Bond from Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies as proof of DOB, provided the bond mentions the policyholder’s DOB.
New Passport Rules
From June 2018, new passport rules were brought into effect which include the change in some details along with the documents required for a passport. The new rules are as follows:
1. No Residential Information on the Last Page
This is made possible as a barcode is provided on the last page of the passport, which eliminates the need to provide and print all the details on the passport.
2. Color Change in Passport
To differentiate among the citizens of the country, depending on positions, passports were printed in three different colors, namely, red, white, and blue. The blue passport is given to the ECR (Emigration Check Required) and ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) citizens. According to the change introduced, instead of blue, the passport will now be orange in color.
3. No Printing of Parents Name
Unlike the earlier procedure of passport issuance, wherein the parents’ name was printed on the last page, the new rules have done away with the same.
4. Physical Verification to Online Verification
To reduce the verification time taken for passport documents and the completion of the procedure, a new tracking system will be introduced, and the physical police verification might be transferred to online verification.
Additionally, a concession in the passport fees has also been introduced for children below 8 years and adults above 60 years of age.
Rules That Have Already Been Brought Into Effect
To make the verification of the documents needed for the issuance of passports easier and quicker, various amendments have already been taken into consideration by the government. These include:
1. Removal of birth certificate mandatory for passport
2. Post police verification for passport documents in the Tatkal scheme
3. Eradication of the need to provide the names of both parents
4. Reduction in annexures from 15 to 9 to reduce the pressure of collating the documents needed for obtaining a passport
5. Submission of self-declaration in case there is a need for urgent issue passports for a job.
Conclusion
In the past when a birth certificate mandatory for passport in India, however now the government has amended numerous provisions for the convenience of citizens to simplify all legal processes, particularly those related to passports.
So, what are you waiting for? Go, get that passport, and travel to the places you want to.
FAQs
Is there an alternative document accepted in place of a birth certificate mandatory for passport application?
Yes, there are alternative documents accepted in place of a birth certificate for a passport application, such as a valid government-issued photo identification document, a valid passport or a government-issued certificate of citizenship.
Do both adults and minors need a birth certificate for a passport?
Yes, both adults and minors need to have a birth certificate while making a passport application, as it serves as proof of citizenship and is required for the passport application form.
Can I use a photocopy or a notarized copy of my birth certificate for passport application?
It is recommended to use a certified copy of your birth certificate for the passport application. However, if you only have a photocopy or notarized copy, you can try contacting the nearest passport office and check to see whether they will accept it as a temporary measure.
Is there a specific format or requirement for the birth certificate when applying for a passport?
Yes, there is a specific format or requirement for the birth certificate when applying for a passport. Your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy, and it should also be in a readable condition.
If I was born abroad, what document can I use as a substitute for a birth certificate for a passport application?
If you were born abroad, you can use a valid government-issued photo identification document, a valid passport or a government-issued certificate of citizenship as a substitute for a birth certificate.
Can a delayed or late registration of a birth certificate be accepted for a passport application?
A delayed or late registration of a birth certificate can be accepted for a passport application, but it is essential to provide a valid reason for the delay and ensure that the required documents are submitted.
Are there any exceptions or special cases where a birth certificate may not be required for a passport?
Yes, under the new regulations, there are specific exceptions or special cases where a birth certificate may not be required, even though it is a fundamental requirement in the passport application process.
