Documents Required to Apply for an Indian Passport

Passport application in India can seem frustrating due to certain challenges related to the process and documentation requirements. Hence, applying for and securing a passport can be difficult. Dealing with multiple instructions and extensive paperwork can be overwhelming. It takes time to gather all the necessary documents and schedule appointments. However, you can avoid the hassle by following a few simple steps that help streamline the application process.

Read this article to know about the required documents for an Indian passport.

Documents Required to Apply for a Passport for an Adult

Here are the important documents needed for passport application in India.

1. Proof of Identity

Documents like an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, PAN card, driving licence, government-issued photo ID card, or a Certificate of Identity signed by a Gazetted Officer can be used to verify your identity.

 

2. Proof of Residence

Documents like an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, gas connection bill, or a bank statement can be used to validate your residential address.

 

3. Proof of date of birth

Documents like a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driver's licence, voter ID card can be used to validate your date of birth.

 

4. Additional documents

You require additional documents like a marriage certificate, copy of spouse's passport, divorce decree, death certificate, change of name document, bank passbook, etc., may be required, depending on your application type.

All the documents you carry to the centre must be self-attested. Also, the applicant must carry their original documents for verification when they submit their application.

 

Documents Required to Apply for a Passport for a Minor

To apply for and secure a passport for minors (children under the age of 18), the following documents are usually needed:

1. Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)

You can submit an official document from the government that proves your date of birth, a certificate for transferring schools, Aadhaar, PAN card, or voter ID card to prove the minor's date of birth.

 

2. Proof of Parents/Guardians' Identity and Address

You can submit an ID card, voter's ID card, travel documents (if you have one), driver's licence, or PAN as proof of the minor's parents/guardians' identity and address.

 

3. Passport-size photographs

Carry a recent picture of the minor and submit it if needed.

 

4. Proof of Citizenship (if needed)

 If the child was born outside India or became an Indian citizen through registration or naturalization, documents showing Indian citizenship are needed.

5. Additional Documents

Depending on an applicant's profile, other documents like custody papers in case of divorced parents, Annexures D, B and C, adoption documents, or single-parent proof may be required.

All the documents must be self-attested. Carry original documents for verification when they submit their application.

 

Documents Required for Passport Renewal in India

To renew an Indian Passport, you must provide these documents:

1. Current Passport

Please attach your current passport when submitting your application for renewal.

 

2.Address Proof

You can submit your Aadhar card, voter ID card, electric/water bill, or bank statement as proof of residence during passport renewal.

 

3.Document for the Date of Birth (DOB)

You can submit your school leaving certificate, Aadhaar, PAN card, driver's licence, and voter ID card as proof of your date of birth.

 

4. Change of Name Document (if needed)

If your name has legally changed, please provide the official document that proves the name change.

 

5. ECR/Non-ECR Category

Some applicants may need to provide extra documents if they are in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. These documents could include a self-declaration, emigration clearance, or an additional copy of a page in their passport that shows their ECR status.  

 

How Not to Let Passport Renewals Hamper Your Travel Plans?

Passport renewal can become problematic, especially if you have already booked a trip abroad. Don't let passport renewals ruin your travel plans. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your plans are not affected due to passport renewal issues.

• Ensure to check your passport's expiration date and start the renewal process within the prescribed lead time.
• It is important to have all the required documents ready for passport renewal.
• Secure an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and follow the passport renewal process.

 

How Can You Benefit from the Latest Improvements Seen in India's Passport Services?

You read that right. Passport Seva has made passport-related services easy and transparent. If needed, you can get expedited services.

 

To start your passport application, make sure you register on the Passport Seva Online Portal. To get started, simply click the "New User Registration" button on the homepage. Once you've created your login ID, click the "Initiate Background Verification for GEP" hyperlink. Make sure you fill out all the necessary fields before submitting the form. To book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO), simply click the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" link.

 

With multiple options like credit or debit cards, internet banking, and UPI being made available to citizens, online payments are effortless. Once the payment is made, click the "Print Application Receipt" hyperlink to get your receipt. No need for paper receipts anymore! Don't forget to bring the appointment SMS to the Passport Office. Bring your original documents to the PSK/RPO on the day of your appointment.

 

Please make sure all your documents are valid, current, and accurate for quick approval. For more help with your passport application, check out the official website, Passport Seva, or visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra/RPO.

 

How to Avoid Passport Application Rejection?

Can your passport application be rejected? Yes. To have a hassle-free passport application, it is important to know why passports get rejected. You can avoid rejection once you understand the reasons. Your passport application may be rejected for below reasons.

• Incorrect or inadequate documents.
• Lack of proof of identity or address, and discrepancies in personal details.

Avoid these mistakes by thoroughly reviewing and verifying all information before submitting your application. Double-check documents for accuracy and validity.

 

Conclusion

Increase your chances of securing a passport by submitting your application in the right format per the rules and by submitting the required documents. Familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and requirements outlined by the authorities can help greatly to prevent unpleasant surprises. To buy travel insurance, visit our website. So, what are you waiting for? Apply for your passport and get affordable travel insurance from us today!