India is a fairly unique country when it comes to the process of getting a passport. While the process might seem complicated, it's actually just a few steps away from completing!
Which Documents Are Needed for a Passport Appointment?
To secure a passport appointment, you will need to present specific documents that serve as proof of your identity, nationality, and other essential information. The exact Documents Required for Passport may vary depending on your country’s passport application process and regulations. However, the most common Documents Required for Passport appointment include:
- Proof of Identity: A government-issued photo ID that establishes your identity. This can be a valid driver’s license, national identity card, or any other official document with your photograph and name.
- Proof of Citizenship: Documents confirming your citizenship status, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship card.
- Passport Application Form: The completed and signed passport application form. This form can usually be obtained from the passport office or downloaded from the official passport website of your country.
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specific requirements outlined by your country’s passport office. Typically, two identical photographs are needed.
- Proof of Address: Valid documents that verify your current residential address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or a rental agreement. The document should have your name and address clearly mentioned.
- Fee Payment: The required passport application fee. The fee amount may differ based on factors such as the type of passport, processing speed, and additional services requested.
- Additional Documents: In certain cases, you may be asked to provide additional documents or specific requirements based on your individual circumstances. These could include name change documents, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or other supporting paperwork.
Documents Required for Passport in India
When applying for a passport in India, you will need to submit certain essential documents to establish your identity, citizenship, and address. The following are the key documents required for passport application in India:
- Proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Valid Indian driving license
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport of either parent (in the case of minors’ passports)
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Valid Indian passport of either parent (in the case of minors’ passports)
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Spouse’s passport copy (if staying together)
- Passport-size Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office.
- Annexures and Declarations:
- Annexure-I (for minors, and those with single parents or legal guardians)
- Annexure-H (for government servants)
- Annexure-D (for change in name or initials)
- Annexure-F (for deletion of spouse’s name after divorce)
- Annexure-K (for reissue of passport without police verification)
- Marriage Certificate:
- Required for applicants who wish to change their name after marriage.
Documents for Applying for a Fresh Passport In India
- Proof of age: Birth certificate, PAN card, Aadhaar card, school leaving certificate, or transfer certificate.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, utility bill (electricity, water, gas), telephone bill, bank account statement, rent agreement, or letter from employer.
- Proof of nationality: Birth certificate, voter ID card, or Aadhaar card.
- Two passport-sized photographs: The photographs should be recent, with a white background and not older than six months.
- Annexure E: This is a declaration of citizenship, family details, and no criminal record. It can be downloaded from the Passport Seva website.
Documents for Applying for a Minor’s Passport
- Proof of age: Birth certificate.
- Proof of address: Proof of address in the name of the parent(s) can be submitted.
- Consent of both parents: Both parents must give their consent for the minor to apply for a passport. This can be done by signing the Annexure E form.
- Proof of identity of parents: The parents must submit a copy of their passport or other government-issued ID.
Documents Required for Minors for a Fresh Passport
When applying for a fresh passport for a minor (someone under 18 years old) in India, the following essential documents are required to establish their identity, citizenship, and parent/guardian details:
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport of either parent
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar of one of the parents/guardians
- Voter ID Card of one of the parents/guardians
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill of one of the parents/guardians
- Rent Agreement (if applicable and if the address is the same as that of one of the parents/guardians)
- Bank Statement/Passbook of one of the parents/guardians (if the address is the same as that of one of the parents/guardians)
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport of either parent
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs of the minor adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office.
- Annexure-I:
- Annexure-I is a declaration by the parent(s) or guardian(s) granting consent for the issuance of a passport to a minor. It needs to be submitted on non-judicial stamp paper or as per the format prescribed by the passport office.
- Annexure-H (for government servants) or Annexure-D (for change in name or initials) – if applicable and required.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
- If the parents are married and the minor’s name needs to include both parents’ names or if there is a change in the minor’s name after marriage.
Get Register For Passport In India
Mandatory Documents for Renewing a Passport
- Old passport: You must submit your old passport in good condition.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, utility bill (electricity, water, gas), telephone bill, bank account statement, rent agreement, or letter from employer.
- Two passport-sized photographs: The photographs should be recent, with a white background and should not be older than six months.
There are a few Reasons why You Might Need to Renew Your Passport.
- Your passport has expired.
- Your passport is damaged or torn.
- You have changed your name or other personal details.
- You need to add or remove pages from your passport.
- You need a new passport for a specific purpose, such as travel or employment.
Mandatory Documents for Re-issuing a Passport
- Application form: You can download the application form from the Passport Seva website or fill it out online.
- Old passport: You must submit your old passport in good condition. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to file a police report and submit a copy of the report with your application.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, utility bill (electricity, water, gas), telephone bill, bank account statement, rent agreement, or letter from employer.
- Two passport-sized photographs: The photographs should be recent, with a white background and should not be older than six months.
- Annexure E: This is a declaration of citizenship, family details, and no criminal record. It can be downloaded from the Passport Seva website.
Documents Required for Minors to Reissue a Passport
- Proof of address: Proof of address in the name of the parent(s) can be submitted.
- Consent of both parents: Both parents must give their consent for the minor to apply for a passport. This can be done by signing the Annexure E form.
- Proof of identity of parents: The parents must submit a copy of their passport or other government-issued ID.
Documents Required for Passport Availing Diplomatic/Official Passport
When applying for a Diplomatic or Official Passport in India, individuals who are eligible for such passports will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Identity Proof:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Valid Indian driving license
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- Official Letter or Note:
- Individuals applying for Diplomatic or Official passports should provide an official letter or note from their respective government office or department confirming their eligibility for such a passport.
Documents Required for an Indian Passport Renewal
When applying for the renewal of an Indian passport, you will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Old Passport:
- The original old passport needs to be renewed.
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Spouse’s passport copy (if staying together)
- Annexures and Declarations (if applicable and required):
- Annexure-F (for deletion of spouse’s name after divorce)
- Annexure-D (for change in name or initials)
- Annexure-K (for reissue of passport without police verification)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
- Required if there is a change in name after marriage.
- Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Depending on your specific situation, additional documents may be required. For example, if there was any change in personal particulars like name, address, or any other relevant details, you may need to provide supporting documents for the changes.
Documents Required for a Tatkaal Passport in India
When applying for a Tatkaal passport in India, you will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Valid Indian driving license
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- Annexure-F:
- Annexure-F is required for Tatkaal passport applications. It serves as a verification certificate for applicants who want to obtain a passport under the Tatkaal scheme. This annexure must be attested by a gazetted officer or an authorized official.
- Verification Certificate as per Annexure-B (if applicable):
- If you are unable to provide three documents from the above-mentioned proof of address, you can submit a Verification Certificate as per Annexure-B. This certificate should be on official letterhead and signed by a responsible person known to you and willing to vouch for your address.
Documents Required for ECR Passport
When applying for an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport in India, you will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Valid Indian driving license
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- ECR Status Proof (Emigration Check Required):
- The following documents are accepted as proof of ECR status:
- A certificate from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) office
- Any document indicating that the applicant has undergone ECR stamping, such as a canceled ECR stamp or an emigration clearance printout.
- The following documents are accepted as proof of ECR status:
- Annexure ECR (if applicable):
- For individuals who are eligible for ECR but wish to apply for a non-ECR passport, Annexure ECR should be submitted. This annexure declares the applicant’s desire to obtain a non-ECR passport.
Documents Required for Non-ECR Passport
When applying for a Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport in India, you will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Proof of Identity:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Valid Indian driving license
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID cards
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any authorized office
- Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Valid Indian passport (if applicable)
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- Self-declaration as per Annexure “B”:
- Applicants who fall into any of the following categories are eligible to submit a self-declaration in the form of Annexure “B” instead of providing a Non-ECR certificate:
- All persons having educational qualifications of matriculation and above.
- Income taxpayers (including agricultural income taxpayers) in their individual capacity, their spouses, and dependent children below the age of 24 years.
- Persons holding a valid visa for any of the following countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the European Union, and South Korea.
- Applicants who fall into any of the following categories are eligible to submit a self-declaration in the form of Annexure “B” instead of providing a Non-ECR certificate:
Documents for ECR Passport Renewal
The documents required for the renewal of an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport in India are generally the same as those for a regular passport renewal. When renewing an ECR passport, you will need to provide the following essential documents:
- Old Passport:
- The original old passport needs to be renewed.
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions and background color as prescribed by the passport office. The number of photographs may vary, so it’s best to check the specific requirement.
- Proof of Address:
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Statement/Passbook
- Spouse’s passport copy (if staying together)
- Annexures and Declarations (if applicable and required):
- Annexure-F (for deletion of spouse’s name after divorce)
- Annexure-D (for change in name or initials)
- Annexure-K (for reissue of passport without police verification)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
- Required if there is a change in name after marriage.
- Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Depending on your specific situation, additional documents may be required. For example, if there was any change in personal particulars like name, address, or any other relevant details, you may need to provide supporting documents for the changes.
The Documents Must Be Submitted in the Following Order
When submitting the documents for a passport application or renewal in India, it is important to follow a specific order to ensure a smooth and organized process. While the exact order may vary slightly based on individual circumstances and the specific type of application, the following is a general guideline for submitting the documents in order:
- Passport Application Form:
- Start by filling out the required passport application form either online or manually, depending on the method preferred or specified by the passport office.
- Passport-sized Photographs:
- Attach the recent passport-sized photographs as per the prescribed dimensions and background color. The number of photographs required may vary, so check the specific requirement.
- Old Passport (for renewal):
- If you are renewing your passport, submit the original old passport that needs to be renewed.
- Proof of Identity:
- Attach the relevant proof of identity documents, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Indian driving license, PAN Card, or any government-issued photo ID card.
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Include the necessary documents to prove your Indian citizenship, such as the Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation, Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate, or a valid Indian passport if applicable.
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Submit the required documents to establish your date of birth, such as the Birth Certificate, Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar, or a valid Indian passport if applicable.
- Proof of Address:
- Provide the documents to verify your current address, such as Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar, Voter ID Card, Electricity/Water/Gas/Telephone bill, Rent Agreement, or Bank Statement/Passbook.
- Annexures and Declarations (if applicable):
- If any annexures or declarations are required based on your specific situation, include them accordingly. For example, Annexure-F (for deletion of spouse’s name after divorce), Annexure-D (for change in name or initials), Annexure-K (for reissue without police verification), etc.
- ECR Status Proof or Non-ECR Declaration (if applicable):
- If you are applying for an ECR passport, include the relevant ECR Status Proof or the Non-ECR Declaration (Annexure-B) as per your eligibility.
How to Apply for a Fresh Passport Online?
Applying for a fresh passport online in India is a convenient and straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva website
- Go to the official Passport Seva website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/.
- Step 2: Register/Login on the Passport Seva website
- If you are a new user, click on “Register Now” to create a new account. If you are an existing user, log in using your registered email ID and password.
- Step 3: Fill in the Passport Application Form
- After logging in, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
- Choose the option for a “Fresh Passport.”
- Fill in all the required details in the online passport application form accurately. Make sure to double-check the information before moving to the next step.
- Step 4: Choose Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Appointment Slot
- Once you have filled in the application form, you will be prompted to select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) where you want to go for your application submission.
- Choose a convenient date and time slot for your appointment at the selected PSK.
- Step 5: Pay the Passport Fee
- After selecting the PSK and appointment slot, you will be redirected to the payment page to pay the passport application fee. The fee may vary based on the type of passport and the number of pages.
- You can make the payment online using various methods, such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or through mobile wallets.
- Step 6: Print Application Receipt
- After successful payment, a payment receipt and application reference number will be generated. Print the application receipt as it will be required during your visit to the PSK.
- Step 7: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
- On the scheduled appointment day, visit the selected PSK with all the required documents and the printed application receipt.
- Step 8: Complete Biometrics and Document Verification
- At the PSK, you will undergo biometrics (fingerprints) and document verification. The officials will check your documents and process your application.
- Step 9: Application Processing
- After completing the biometrics and document verification, your application will be processed by the passport authorities.
- Step 10: Receive the Passport
- Once your application is approved, your passport will be printed and dispatched to your registered address within a few days.
Forms of Identification Required on Indian Passports
Documents required for Passport vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. However, all citizens of India must have a valid Indian passport or an identification card issued by the Indian government. The following are the most common documents that are required for Indian passports:
- A passport photo. This is required for all citizens of India.
- A valid visa if traveling to a foreign country. Indians must have a valid visa before traveling to any foreign country.
- A birth certificate if traveling with a dependent child under the age of 18 years old.
- Proof of citizenship if applying for an Indian passport for the first time. This can be either a copy of your voter ID card or a copy of your permanent resident card (if you live in India).
- Proof of address if applying for an Indian passport for the first time and your residence is not in India. This can be either a copy of your utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (if you live in India).
What Happens if You Lose Your Passport?
Documents Required for Passport – If you lose your passport, you will need to apply for a new one. If you have an emergency passport, you can use this to travel to your home country or another country until you can get a new passport. You will need to provide proof of identification such as a driver’s license or passport photo ID.
FAQs
What documents are required for passport application?
The Documents Required for Passport application include proof of identity, proof of citizenship, proof of date of birth, proof of address, passport-sized photographs, and any additional documents as per specific requirements.
Is an Aadhaar Card enough for a Passport Application?
Yes, an Aadhaar Card is acceptable as proof of identity and proof of address for a passport application.
Is a PAN card mandatory for a Passport Application?
No, a PAN card is not mandatory for a passport application. However, it can be used as a valid proof of identity and address if needed.
How much does a Passport cost?
The passport fee varies based on the type of passport (normal or Tatkaal), number of pages, and the applicant's age. Please check the official Passport Seva website for the current fee structure.
How long does it take to get a normal Passport?
The processing time for a normal passport application is usually 30 to 45 days from the date of application submission.
How long does it take to get a passport through the Tatkaal scheme?
Tatkaal passports are processed on an expedited basis within 1 to 3 working days, depending on the applicant's eligibility and verification process.
How can I submit my Passport application form?
You can submit your passport application form online through the official Passport Seva website. After filling the form online, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for further processing.
Is police verification required for a Tatkaal Passport?
In some cases, police verification may not be required for Tatkaal passports if the applicant has undergone pre-verification through the mPassport Police App. However, it may still be carried out after passport issuance.
Are there fees for rescheduling or canceling my Passport Appointment?
Yes, there may be fees associated with rescheduling or canceling your passport appointment. The specific fee amount and rules may vary, so it's advisable to check the official website for the latest information on appointment-related fees.
Can I track the status of my Passport Application online?
Yes, you can track the status of your passport application online through the official Passport Seva website using your application reference number.
How to check the Indian Passport Application Status?
You can check the status of your Indian passport application online through the official Passport Seva website using your application reference number.
Is an education certificate necessary to apply for a Passport?
No, an education certificate is not mandatory for a passport application. The essential documents include proof of identity, citizenship, date of birth, address, and passport-sized photographs.
Can someone else submit my documents for a passport application on my behalf?
No, the applicant must be present in person to submit the passport application and documents. However, if the applicant is a minor or physically challenged, a representative with an authority letter may submit the documents.
Do I have to submit my original documents when applying for a passport?
Yes, you must submit original documents along with their self-attested copies during the passport application process.
Can I get a new Passport if my current one is missing or stolen?
Yes, if your passport is lost or stolen, you can apply for a new passport by filing an FIR with the police and following the necessary procedures for reissue.
What are the different types of Passport categories?
The different types of passport categories include ordinary passport, official passport, diplomatic passport, and passport for minors. Ordinary passports can be issued for various purposes like employment, education, tourism, etc.
Is a police report required when applying for a passport reissue if my current one is missing or stolen?
Yes, you must submit a police report (FIR) when applying for a passport reissue due to loss or theft.
Can I use my bank's passbook/statement as proof of address?
Yes, a bank passbook/statement can be used as one of the acceptable documents for proof of address during the passport application process.
Do I have to provide my identity certificate if I am a private bank employee?
Identity certificate is not required for private bank employees. It is mainly applicable to government employees.
What documents are needed to remove a spouse's name after a divorce or separation?
To remove a spouse's name after a divorce or separation, you will need to submit the divorce decree certificate or a duly registered separation agreement as supporting documents.
Can I apply for a Tatkaal passport without address proof?
No, for Tatkaal passport, address proof is mandatory. However, if you don't have an address proof in your name, you can submit a declaration as per Annexure B as an alternative.
How many days does it take for the passport to get delivered?
The normal processing time for a passport application is 7 to 14 days. However, if you have applied for a Tatkaal passport, your passport will be delivered within 3 to 5 days.
Is police verification compulsory in the case of a Tatkal passport?
Police verification is compulsory for all passport applications, including Tatkaal passports. However, in the case of Tatkaal passports, police verification is done after the passport has been issued.
Can I submit my passport application form online?
You can submit your passport application form online on the Passport Seva website.
Are there fees associated with rescheduling or canceling my appointment?
No fees are associated with rescheduling or canceling your passport appointment.
What are the different types of passport categories?
There are two types of passport categories in India: regular and Tatkaal.
Regular passport: This is the most common type of passport issued within 7 to 14 days of applying.
Tatkaal passport: This expedited passport service allows you to get your passport within 3 to 5 days of applying.
Can I get a new passport if my current one is missing or stolen?
Yes, you can get a new passport if your current one is missing or stolen. However, you must file a police report and submit a copy of the report with your application.
