A passport is a vital document for travelling, and it not only identifies you but also permits you to travel across international borders. In India, a passport is one of the most important identity documents that a person can own. Apply for passport in India is easy and convenient through the online process.
However, the passport application process in India necessitates meticulous attention to the requisite documentation. From establishing identity and citizenship to verifying personal details, the documents required for an Indian passport play a pivotal role in facilitating smooth and efficient processing. Understanding the specific documents required for Indian passport application and ensuring compliance is essential for applicants seeking to obtain or renew their passports.
The Indian government has formulated various guidelines for issuing new or re-issuing passports to people. The common documents required for passport application include:
List of documents required for passport in India
- Voter ID card
- Aadhaar card/e-Aadhaar
- PAN card
- Driving licence
- Birth certificate
- 10th standard marksheet
- Bank passbook photo
- School leaving certificate
- Ration card
Documents required to apply for a new passport
Obtaining a fresh passport is quite a simple process, but before applying for one, you must ensure you have all the necessary documents required for Indian passport. The list of acceptable documents by the passport authority of India includes the following:
Proof of identity
Given below is a list of documents required for a new passport in India. Any one of the following documents can serve as evidence of identity:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Driving license
- Government ID card
- Photo credit card
- Government service identity card
- Pension document
Proof of address
Any one of the following documents can serve as proof of address:
Utility bills (electricity, telephone, water supply, and gas) in the name of the applicant.
- Aadhaar card
- Voters ID card
- Driving license
- A bank statement with an attested photograph of the applicant
- Rent agreement
- Income tax assessment order
Birth certificate or proof of date of birth
Providing proof of your date of birth is mandatory when applying for a passport. The following documents can serve as proof of the same:
- Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or Registrar of Births and Deaths
- School leaving certificate
- Certificate of date of birth issued by a Gazetted Officer
- Declaration given by the head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home
- Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar of the applicant
Passport-size photographs
Three recent colour photographs: Size 2-inch x 2-inch with a plain white background. The applicant should not be wearing glasses and should have a neutral expression.
Another important thing one needs to carry while travelling abroad is the international travel insurance.
Documents required for new passport application of minors
The documents required for obtaining a new passport application for minors are slightly different from those for adults. You need to provide the following documents for passport for minors:
Proof of identity: Parent’s passport copy attested by them or by self, birth certificate of the minor
Proof of address: Parent's present address proof, including passbook of an active bank account, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof
Proof of age: Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, or a declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the applicant’s date of birth, school leaving certificate, Mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary, or a policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned
Photographs: Three recent colour photographs of size 2-inch x 2-inch.
Also read: Documents required for ECNR passport
How to apply for a passport online?
To apply for a passport online, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website:
Go to your country's official passport application website. - Create an account:
Register for an account or log in if you have one. - Select application type:
Choose the type of passport (for example - new, renewal, child, adult). - Fill out the application form:
Complete the online application form with accurate personal details. - Upload documents:
Scan and upload required documents like proof of identity, address, and photograph. - Pay fees:
Pay the application fee online through secure payment methods. - Book an appointment:
Schedule an appointment at a nearby Passport Office. - Print application receipt:
Download and print the application receipt with an appointment date. - Attend appointment:
Visit the designated centre on the appointment date for biometric data and document verification. - Receive passport:
Await the passport's processing and delivery, usually within a few weeks.
Read more: Download Covid vaccination certificate by mobile number
Passport renewal process
You may need to renew or reissue a passport due to certain circumstances.The passport renewal documents needed are:
Causes for reissuing a passport
- Expiration: When a passport reaches its expiry date, it must be renewed to continue international travel.
- Name change: If an individual legally changes their name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, a new passport reflecting the updated name is necessary.
- Damage or wear: Passports that are significantly damaged, torn, or have excessive wear and tear may require replacement to ensure they are machine-readable and tamper-proof.
- Lost or stolen passport: In the event of a lost or stolen passport, reissuing is crucial to prevent identity theft or fraudulent use.
- Visa pages exhausted: If there are no more blank visa pages for entry/exit stamps.
- Change in appearance: Substantial changes in appearance due to age or other factors may necessitate a new passport with an updated photo.
- Validity for certain countries: Some countries require a minimum validity on a passport for entry. If you do not meet this requirement, you need a new passport.
- Mutilation or defacement: Any deliberate alteration or mutilation of a passport may lead to the need for a replacement.
- Child-to-adult transition: Children's passports expire sooner than adult ones. When a child reaches adulthood, they must apply for an adult passport.
Documents required to reissue a passport
Below are the documents required for passport reissue:
Original old passport
With a photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page (previously known as ECNR) and the page of observation.
Proof of address
Any one of the following documents can serve as the proof of address:
- Utility bills (electricity, telephone, water supply, and gas) in the name of the applicant
- Aadhaar card
- Voters ID card
- Driving license
- Bank statement with an attested photograph of the applicant
- Rent agreement
- Income tax assessment order
Passport-size photographs
Two recent colour photographs of size 2-inch x 2-inch.
