What Documents are Required for an Indian Passport?

Having an Indian passport is essential for international travel, serving as a key document for identification and verification. To obtain a passport, one must apply at a Passport Seva Kendra and provide several documents for verification.

In this article, we will delve into the essential documents required for an Indian passport application, Documents required for the re-issue of a passport, and much more.

List of documents required to apply for a new passport

The following are the documents required to apply for a new passport-

Proof of Address

  • Voter ID card
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
  • Electricity bill
  • Telephone bill
  • Water bill
  • Gas connection bill
  • Bank account statement

Proof of Date of Birth

  • Birth certificate
  • PAN card
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
  • Driving licence
  • Photo ID proof
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar

Other Documents

  • You are required to have two passport-size photographs as a list of documents.
  • If you have an old passport then you are required to submit the previous passport.

Which documents are needed for a passport appointment?

The following are the documents required you to carry along with you when visiting the appointment-

Documents required for Minor Passport

The following are the documents required for a Minor Passport-

  • Birth certificate of the minor
  • Proof of parent’s citizenship- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, etc.  
  • Proof of address- Birth certificate, PAN card, Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar, Driving license, etc.
  • A recent passport-size photograph of the minor
  • Any other document specified by the passport office

Documents required for re-issue of passport

The following are the documents required for the re-issue of the passport-

  • Old Passport
  • self-attested passport copies of the first and last page. For minor applicants, parents can also attest the copies
  • Proof of Address- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bill (electricity, water, gas), Telephone Bill, Bank Account Statement, etc.
  • Other documents asked by the Passport Office

Documents required for Tatkaal Passport

The following are the documents required for Tatkaal passport-

Proof of Address

  • Voter ID card
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
  • Electricity bill
  • Telephone bill
  • Water bill
  • Gas connection bill
  • Bank account statement

Proof of Date of Birth

  • Birth certificate
  • PAN card
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
  • Driving licence
  • Photo ID proof
  • Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
  • PAN card

Other Documents

  • Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of your old passport (if any)
  • declaration of citizenship, family details, and no criminal record
  • Two passport-sized photographs (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background
  • Payment of the Tatkaal fee (which is higher than the normal fee)

What is Tatkaal Passport?

A Tatkaal passport is a fast-forwarded passport issuance service provided by the Indian government for individuals who want a passport fast.

It allows individuals to obtain a passport within a shorter timeframe than the standard application process by paying an additional fee.

Documents required for availing Diplomatic/Official passport

The following are the documents required for a Diplomatic/Official passport-

  • Applicants need to provide their official ID card
  • A Letter from the Head of Office, and an Official Request Letter from the Forwarding Officer
  • A Political/PMO Clearance Certificate
  • Original passport re-issuance or surrender
  • An official undertaking

What is an Official/Diplomatic Passport?

A diplomatic passport is a type of passport issued to diplomats and high-ranking government officials, facilitating their travel for official purposes and diplomatic missions.

It grants them certain privileges and immunities, such as visa-free entry to many countries and diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention.

FAQ

How long does it take to process a passport application?

The processing time can vary depending on factors like the type of application (normal or Tatkaal), completeness of documents, and the passport office’s workload.

Can I use a rental agreement as proof of address?

Yes, a rental agreement along with utility bills or a letter from the landlord can be used as proof of address.

How many passport-sized photographs are required for the application?

Usually, you are required to attach two passport-size photographs however, it is always helpful if you carry more in case, you lose it or the passport office demands more.

What if I don’t have proof of address in my name?

If you do not have proof of address in your name, then you can provide your parents or spouse proof of address along with the declaration stating your current residential address. You can also provide your rental agreement as proof of address as well.

Is a birth certificate mandatory for a passport application?

No, the Birth certificate is not mandatory for passport application, you can use other documents which can act as your proof of age like a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, etc.

Do I need to submit original documents or photocopies?

You’ll have to carry the original documents along with the self-attested photocopies. The original will be checked and returned to you and the photocopies will be taken from you.

Can I use my Aadhaar card as proof of identity for a passport application?

Yes, an Aadhaar card is accepted as proof of identity for passport applications.