Documents Required for Passport Application in India

 

Applying for a passport in India requires several key documents, depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. Ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation can help streamline the process and avoid delays. Below is a detailed guide on the documents you will need when applying for an Indian passport, categorized based on different scenarios.

1. Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

Regardless of the type of passport application, certain documents are required across the board. These form the basic set of papers necessary to verify the identity, nationality, and address of the applicant.

1.1 Proof of Identity

You need to submit at least one document from the list below as proof of identity:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Photo Passbook of Bank Account
• Central/State Government-issued Photo ID Cards

1.2 Proof of Address

For proof of your current residential address, you must submit any of the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• Utility Bills (Electricity, water, or telephone bills) from the past 12 months
• Rental Agreement (if applicable) along with an electricity or gas bill in the name of the landlord
• Voter ID Card
• Passport of a Spouse (if applying based on marriage)

1.3 Proof of Date of Birth

Any one of the following documents can serve as proof of your date of birth:

• Birth Certificate issued by the municipal authority or Registrar of Births & Deaths
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• School Leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate with DOB mentioned
• Passport of Parent/Spouse (if applicable)

2. Additional Documents Based on Applicant Type

Depending on the specific type of passport application, you may need to provide additional documentation. Below are the documents required for specific cases:

2.1 For Minors (Below 18 Years)

If you are applying for a passport for a minor, the following documents are required:

• Birth Certificate of the minor
• Proof of Parent’s Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID)
• Declaration by Parents/Legal Guardians (Annexure D) for passport issuance
• If only one parent is applying, Annexure G (a no-objection certificate from the other parent) may be required.

2.2 For Married Applicants

If you are applying for a passport based on a change in marital status:

• Marriage Certificate
• Spouse’s Passport Copy (if applicable)
• Joint Affidavit (Annexure D) from both husband and wife, declaring their marital status and residential address

2.3 For Government Employees

If you are a government employee, you will need to submit additional documents to verify your employment:

• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the relevant government department (Annexure G)
• Identity Proof issued by the department
• Pay Slip or employment certificate from the department

2.4 For Students

For students applying for a passport, the following documents are required:

• Bonafide Certificate from the school/college
• Birth Certificate
• Aadhaar Card

2.5 For Senior Citizens

For applicants above the age of 60, the following documents are necessary:

• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN)
• Proof of Address (Aadhaar, utility bill, or rental agreement)
• Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card)

3. Special Cases for Document Submission

There are certain special cases where specific documentation is required:

3.1 For Lost or Damaged Passport

If your previous passport is lost or damaged, you will need:

• First Information Report (FIR) from the local police station for lost passports
• Damage Affidavit (Annexure L) in case of a damaged passport
• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID)

3.2 For Name Change

If you wish to apply for a passport after a name change (post-marriage or otherwise), the following documents are needed:

• Name Change Affidavit (Annexure E)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Gazette Notification for name change (if legally changed)

4. Documents for Tatkal Passport Application

The Tatkal service allows for faster processing of passport applications. However, it also requires a few additional documents:

• Identity Proof (such as Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID)
• Proof of Address
• Verification Certificate (Annexure F) from a Class 1 officer or a central government authority, attesting to your identity
• Self-declaration Form (Annexure I) for the Tatkal scheme

5. Passport Photographs

In addition to the documentary proofs, you are required to submit two recent passport-sized photographs. The photographs should meet the following criteria:

• White background
• Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
• Clear and recognizable facial features
• No glasses or head coverings unless for religious reasons

6. Conclusion

Submitting the correct documents is critical to ensuring that your passport application is processed smoothly and without delays. Always double-check the requirements based on your personal situation (such as minor applicants, married individuals, or government employees) to ensure you have everything necessary before starting the application process.