Documents Required for an Indian Passport: The Ultimate Guide
Shishira & Navneeth
Full-time travellers (25 countries and counting) & Chartered Accountants
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The following are the documents required for an Indian passport:
1. Proof of Address (any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone, etc.)
- Rent Agreement
2. Proof of Date of Birth (any one of the following):
- Birth Certificate
- Transfer Certificate
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
3. Identity Proof (any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Driving License
4. Passport-size photographs (usually 2-4)
International travel is an exciting prospect for many, offering the opportunity to explore new cultures, connect with people from different backgrounds, and create lasting memories. However, this global mobility requires individuals to have a valid passport, which serves as a fundamental proof of identity and nationality. Obtaining a passport in India is a straightforward process, provided the applicant has all the documents required for an Indian
In this guide, we have covered everything you need about the documents required for an Indian passport, including the processing time, fees for passport application in India, how to fill out a passport application, the cost of a passport in India, and the -passport renewal procedure.
New Indian Passport Application
The first step in obtaining a new passport is filling out the application form. The form can be filled up directly on the official website of the –Passport Seva Kendra or the Passport Office. You can also fill it in writing – legibly, in block letters, and in black or blue ink and do not forget to check the fees for passport application in India.
List of passport documents required for New Indian Passport
| Category | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | – Aadhaar Card – Voter ID card – PAN card – Driving licence – Government-issued employee ID card |
| Proof of Address | – Aadhaar Card – Voter ID card – Utility bills (electricity, telephone, water, gas) in the applicant’s name – Bank statement – Rent agreement |
| Date of Birth Proof | – Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation – Transfer certificate – PAN card – Aadhaar card |
| Proof of Citizenship | – Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation– Transfer certificate– Indian Citizenship Certificate– Certificate of Naturalisation |
| Passport-size Photos | – Dimensions: 2 inches x 2 inches– Background: Light-colored or white |
| Additional Documents | Depending on specific circumstances, additional documents may be required for passport renewal. |
Note: For marital status updates, a marriage certificate and/or spouse’s passport are required. Check official guidelines for specific details.
Passport Renewal Procedure For Minors
The process for obtaining a new passport for minors, or infant passport application, is almost the same as that for adults, with only a few extra formalities required to be fulfilled for minors.
The following documents are required for an Indian Passport for a minor’s passport application:
List of passport documents for minors
After the infant passport application, here are the documents.
| Category | Documents Required |
| Proof of Identity for Minors | – Birth Certificate– Aadhaar Card |
| Address Proof for Minor’s Passport | – Aadhaar Card– Utility bills (electricity, telephone, water, gas) in applicant’s name– Bank statement– Rent agreement (in parent’s name) |
| Date of Birth Proof for Minors | – Birth certificate issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths or Municipal Corporation– Transfer certificate– PAN card– Aadhaar card |
| Passport-size Photographs for Minors | Two identical photographs with child’s passport application |
| Proof of Parental Consent/Guardianship | Required if applicant is a minor (below 18) |
| Additional Documents | Depending on specific circumstances, additional documents may be required. Check with relevant authorities or embassy for details. |
Passport Renewal Application
Reissue involves obtaining a new passport with the same validity before the current one expires, often due to reasons like damage or visa page exhaustion. Renewal is the process of obtaining a completely new passport with an extended validity period, usually done a few months before the current passport expires.
Understanding the process and costs involved in renewing an Indian passport is essential. The passport renewal application becomes necessary when your current passport is close to expiry or has already expired. You can apply for a passport reissue up to one year before its expiration, but not earlier. However, if there are changes in personal details, loss or damage, or if passport pages are exhausted, you can apply for a reissue at any time. It typically takes about 2-3 weeks.
One common concern is whether physical presence is required for passport police verification. The answer is yes; applicants must be present during the verification process.
Document Checklist for Passport Renewal: Before Expiry and After
| Documents Required for Passport Renewal | Details |
| Current/Expired Passport | Required for passport renewal application. |
| Passport Application Form | Completed passport renewal application form, available online or from Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Passport Office website. |
| Passport-size Photographs | Two recent colored photographs (size: 2 inches x 2 inches) with a white background. |
| Proof of Address | – Aadhaar Card– Voter ID card– Utility bills (electricity, telephone, water, gas) in the applicant’s name– Bank statement– Rent agreement |
| Proof of Identity | – Aadhaar Card– Voter ID card– PAN card– Driving licence– Government-issued employee ID card |
| Self-attested Photocopies | Copies of the passport’s first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page (if applicable), self-attested. |
| ECR/Non-ECR Proof | Document indicating ECR (Emigration Check Required) or Non-ECR status, if applicable. |
| Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | Required for name change due to marriage, if applicable. |
| Expiry Date | Passport renewal before expiry is essential. |
Make sure that you are doing the passport renewal before expiry.
You can also read: Who can Travel Without Passport in the World
Cost of a Passport in India
| S. No. | Service Required | Application Fee | Additional Tatkaal Fee |
| 1 | Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport (36 pages, 10 years validity) | INR 1,500 | INR 2,000 |
| 2 | Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport (60 pages, 10 years validity) | INR 2,000 | INR 2,000 |
| 3 | Fresh Passport/Re-issue for Minors (below 18 years, 36 pages, 5 years) | INR 1,000 | INR 2,000 |
| 4 | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) due to loss/damage/theft | INR 3,000 | INR 2,000 |
| 5 | Replacement of Passport (60 pages) due to loss/damage/theft | INR 3,500 | INR 2,000 |
| 6 | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | INR 500 | NA |
| 7 | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for ECR deletion/Change in details | INR 1,500 | INR 2,000 |
| 8 | Replacement of Passport (60 pages) for ECR deletion/Change in details | INR 2,000 | INR 2,000 |
| 9 | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for Minors ECR deletion/Change | INR 1,000 | INR 2,000 |
Get your Indian passport hassle-free. Learn about the required documents and apply today!
Key Takeaways
- For a new Indian passport application, applicants must submit proof of identity, address, date of birth, and citizenship along with passport-size photos, and additional documents may be required based on specific circumstances, including marriage certificates for marital status updates.
- For minor passport applications in India, required documents include proof of identity, address, and date of birth, along with parental consent, and additional documents might be needed based on specific circumstances.
- To renew an Indian passport before expiry, applicants need to submit the current/expired passport, completed application form, passport-size photos, proof of address and identity, self-attested copies, ECR/Non-ECR proof, marriage certificate if applicable, and ensure physical presence for police verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I submit photocopies of documents, or are original documents required for an Indian passport?
Self-attested photocopies of the required documents are usually acceptable for passport applications. However, at the time of verification by the passport officer, the original documents are checked.
2. Do I need to provide proof of marital status for a passport application?
It depends on the circumstances. If there is a change in name due to marriage, a marriage certificate or the original passport of the spouse is required.
3. What documents are required for a passport application for individuals born abroad?
For individuals born abroad, the birth certificate issued by the competent authority of that country must be submitted along with the passport application.
4. Can I use my school or college certificate as proof of date of birth for a minor's passport application?
Yes, school or college certificates can be used as proof of date of birth for a minor’s passport application.
5. Are there any specific document requirements for government employees or public servants?
There are no specific document requirements for government employees or public servants. They must submit the same documents required for an Indian passport as any other passport applicant.
