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:
Essentials documents for Indian passport
Following are the list of documents required for Indian passport.
Voter ID card
A government-issued identification card that proves your eligibility to vote in elections.
Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
A unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Indian government, used for various purposes including passport applications.
PAN card
A permanent account number issued by the Indian Income Tax Department, primarily used for financial transactions.
Driving license
A government-issued document authorizing you to drive a motor vehicle.
Birth certificate
A document issued by the government certifying the date, place, and parents of your birth.
10th standard marksheet
A document issued by your school certifying your performance in the 10th grade exams.
Bank passbook photo
A photograph of your bank passbook, showing your account details and transaction history.
School leaving certificate
A document issued by your school certifying your completion of education and the date of leaving.
Ration card
A government-issued card that entitles you to purchase subsidized food grains.
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.
Which documents are needed for a passport appointment?
Here is a list of documents needed for a passport appointment:
1. Identity proof
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- PAN card
- Driving license
- Passport (if renewing)
2. Address proof
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Rent agreement
- Bank statements
- Aadhaar card (with address)
3. Photographs
Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
4. Birth certificate
Original birth certificate or a certified copy
5. Declaration form
Complete the passport application form and declaration
6. Fees
Pay the prescribed passport application fees
7. Additional documents (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Divorce decree (if divorced)
- Court order (if adopted)
- Police report (if lost or stolen passport)
Note: Specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the type of passport application. It's advisable to check the official passport application guidelines or consult with the passport authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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
Documents required to reissue a passport
To reissue a passport there are is a list of documents which are essential such as passport photographs, and identity proof, along with any specific conditions or exemptions that may apply. 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.
