Availing of an Indian passport opens up opportunities for global travel and exploration. Whether you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing an existing one, understanding the necessary documentation is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the documents required for a passport in India, giving you insights into the application process, and keeping you well-equipped to handle the procedure quickly and confidently.

Documents Required for a New Passport

The following is a list of documents required for an Indian passport: 

Address Proof

• Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
• Bank account statement
• Voter ID card
• Water bill
• Telephone bill
• Electricity bill
• Gas connection bill
• Rental agreement
• Income tax assessment order

Date of Birth Proof

• Aadhaar card/e-Aadhaar
• PAN card
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate

Photo ID Proof

• Voter ID
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card/e-Aadhaar
• Driving licence

Passport Size Photo

Two recent passport-sized photos of yours with a white background must be provided as part of the application.

Old Passport

If you already hold a passport, you must submit it along with your application form.

Additional Passport Documentation

Depending on the situation, you may be required to provide additional documents with your application. To confirm that you have all the necessary documents, refer to the instructions for the passport application on the official Indian Passport Seva website.

Documents Required for Minors Passport

Children below 18 years are classified as minors. Their Indian passports are valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first. The following documents are required for minors: 

• Birth certificate of the minor
• Proof of address
• Proof of the parents' citizenship
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Annexure 'D' signed by both parents or guardians
• Annexure 'C' for minors aged between 15 and 18
• Any additional documents as required by the passport office

Both parents or legal guardians must be present to sign during the application process and give their permission for the passport. If one parent cannot show up, the application is submitted with the notarised affidavit (a legal document signed in the presence of a notary public to verify its authenticity) of the absent parent.

The proof of address submitted for the child has to be the parents' names. Parents holding passports must carry self-attested photocopies and original documents to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Documents Required for Reissue of Passport for Minors

Here is the list of necessary documents for the reissue of a minor’s passport:

Previous Passport

The original expired or expiring passport, photocopies of the first two and last two pages, including the ECR or non-ECR page (previously ECNR), and any pages with observations.

Parental Consent

A letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians granting permission for the passport reissue.

School Certificate

A photocopy of the school leaving certificate is needed to verify the minor’s details.

Address Proof

Any of the following documents from the parents can be submitted as proof of address:

• Utility bills in the name of the applicant
• Voter ID card
• Aadhaar card
• A bank statement with a recent photo of the applicant
• Driving license
• Rent agreement
• Income tax assessment order

Documents Required for Reissue of Passport

There are several reasons for which you may need to reissue your passport, including:

• Change of address
• Renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP)
• Expiring passport
• Changes in personal information
• Lost, damaged, or stolen passport
• Expired passport
• Exhaustion of passport pages

The following documents are required when applying for a reissue of your passport:

Old Passport

The original expired passport  should be handed over if it is expired, damaged, or is valid for less than a year.. You should also provide a self-attested photocopy of the passport's first and last two pages, along with your ECR or non-ECR page and any observation page (if present). If there is an extension page, submit it too.

Date of Birth Proof

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

• Birth certificate
• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• School Leaving Certificate or Transfer Certificate

Address Proof

Submit one of the following documents as proof of your current address:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar card
• Utility bills
• Rental agreement
• Bank account statement
• Employer's letter

Photographs

Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background are required. They should have been taken within the last six months.

Additional Documents

Depending on the reason for the passport reissue, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a divorce decree, name change affidavit, or marriage certificate. Moreover, if your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must provide a police report and an affidavit explaining the details of the incident.

Documents Required for Tatkaal Passport

The Tatkaal Passport Service is a fast-tracked option for individuals who need their passports urgently. This service makes your applications faster than but requires additional documentation and a higher fee.

Documents needed for a Tatkaal passport include:

• Aadhaar card
• Birth certificate
• PAN card
• Voter ID card
• Mobile or landline bill
• School leaving certificate
• Previous passport (if applicable)
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Police Verification Certificate (PVC)
• Annexure E for minors (one parent’s consent)
• Annexure H for minors (both parents’ consent)

Ensure all documents meet the Indian Passport Office guidelines to avoid processing delays.

Documents Required for Official or Diplomatic Passport

To apply for a Diplomatic or Official passport in India, the following documents are required:

• The applicant's official identity card
• A request letter from the forwarding officer, following the format provided on the Passport Seva portal
• A certificate issued by the Head of Office, with the format available on the Passport Seva portal
• Political or PMO Clearance Certificate, if applicable
• If the applicant is about to retire (within six months from the date of application), an official undertaking from the office must be submitted

To cancel an existing passport or reissue a Diplomatic or Official passport, the applicant must provide the original Diplomatic or Official passport, along with the original Surrender or Safe Certificate or the original Cancellation Certificate.

Documents Required for Official or Diplomatic Passport Application

To apply for a Diplomatic/Official passport in India, the following documents must be provided:

1. Official Identity Card: The applicant’s official identity card must be submitted as part of the application.
2. Certificate from Head of Office: A certificate from the head of the applicant’s office is required. The format for this certificate can be downloaded from the official Passport Seva website.
3. Political or PMO Clearance: If applicable, a political or PMO clearance certificate must be provided.
4. Official Request Letter: An official request letter from the forwarding officer must be submitted. The format for the letter is available on the Passport Seva portal.
5. Existing or Re-issue Passport: If the applicant already holds a diplomatic or official passport or is seeking a re-issue, the original passport must be submitted for cancellation. The original surrender, safe, or cancellation certificate must also be provided.

It is essential to know the documents needed for passport applications to obtain hassle-free and timely service, whether for obtaining a new passport, renewing an existing passport, or applying for a Tatkaal or Diplomatic passport.

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3. Passport Seva Online Portal
4. How to Check Passport Tracking Status?
5. List of Official Address Proof Documents in India