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Documents Required for an Indian Passport

Team AckoApr 10, 2025

A passport is not just a document to carry while travelling; it holds a lot of importance. First, it acts as identity proof, which enables you to travel overseas. Second, in India, passports serve as highly credible documents and can be used for various purposes.

This article lists all the document required for passport, which the government of India has made mandatory. However, before you gather your documents, ensure they align with passport policies.

Check out these essential tips to avoid any setbacks during your passport application process:

Contents

The Indian government has set clear guidelines for issuing new passports or renewing existing ones. Below is a list of the common passport documents list required:

Essential Documents for Indian Passport

Here’s a list of documents required for passport applications:

Driving License
A government-issued license allowing you to drive a motor vehicle.
Ration Card
A government-issued card entitling you to purchase subsidised food grains.
School Leaving Certificate
A document certifying your completion of education and the date of leaving the institution.
Bank Passbook Photo
A scanned image of your bank passbook showing account details and transaction history.
Aadhaar Card / E-Aadhaar
A unique 12-digit identification number issued by the Indian government, which is also used for passport applications.
10th Standard Marksheet
A document provided by your school confirming your performance in the 10th-grade exams.
Voter ID Card
A government-issued ID card verifying your eligibility to vote in elections.
PAN Card
A permanent account number assigned by the Income Tax Department, mainly used for financial transactions.
Birth Certificate
An official document confirming the date, location, and parental information at the time of your birth.

Documents Required to Apply for a New Passport

To apply for a new passport, make sure you have all the passport application documents ready. The following includes the passport documents list that the authorities accept:

Proof of Identity

Any of the following documents can serve as valid identity proof:

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Voter ID Card
Driving License
Government ID Card
Pension Document
Government Service ID Card
Photo Credit Card

Proof of Address

The following documents can act as proof of your address:

Aadhaar Card
Voter ID Card
Driving License
Bank Statement with an attested photograph of the applicant
Income Tax Assessment Order
Utility Bills (electricity, telephone, water supply, and gas)
Rent Agreement

Proof of Date of Birth

Providing evidence of your date of birth is a must when applying for a passport. Acceptable passport verification documents include:

Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or Registrar of Births and Deaths
Aadhaar Card or e-Aadhaar of the applicant
Certificate of Date of Birth from a Gazetted Officer
School Leaving Certificate
Declaration from the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home

Passport-Sized Photographs

Submit three recent colour photographs (2-inch x 2-inch) with a plain white background. Glasses should not be worn, and applicants should have a neutral expression.

Documents Needed for Passport Appointment

For your passport appointment, the following documents required for passport appointment should be carried:

Identity Proof
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
- Passport (if applying for renewal)
- Voter ID Card
Address Proof
- Bank Statements
- Rent Agreement
- Aadhaar Card (with address)
- Utility Bills (electricity, water, gas)
Birth Certificate
- An original birth certificate or a certified copy of it.
Photographs
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
Declaration Form
- Fill out the passport application and the accompanying declaration.
Fees
- Payment of the required passport application fees.
Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Court Order (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Police Report (if passport is lost or stolen)
- Divorce Decree (if applicable)

Note: The requirements may vary depending on your specific situation. It is recommended to check the official guidelines or consult passport authorities for the most up-to-date details.

Documents Required for New Passport Application of Minors

When applying for a minor’s passport, specific passport documents are required to verify the child’s identity, citizenship, and obtain parental consent. Ensure that all passport documents comply with the guidelines. Below is the list of necessary documents for passport:

Proof of Identity

A copy of the parent’s passport attested by them, or a birth certificate of the minor.

Proof of Age

The minor's birth certificate or a school leaving certificate, among other documents.

Proof of Address

The parent’s current address proof, such as an active bank passbook, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, or mobile bill.

Photographs

Three recent colour photographs (2-inch x 2-inch).

Documents Required to Reissue a Passport

To reissue a passport, the following passport required documents are necessary:

Original Old Passport
Photocopy of the first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page and observation page.
Proof of Address
Acceptable documents include utility bills, Aadhaar Card, voter ID card, driving license, bank statements, ITR, or rent agreement.
Passport-Sized Photographs
Two recent passport-sized photos (2-inch x 2-inch).

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

You'll need to submit the following documents required for passport renewal:

Original Old Passport
Your current passport contains valid pages.
Photocopies
Please provide self-attested duplicates of the first two pages, the last two pages, and any observation or ECR/non-ECR pages.
Additional Documents
If you possess a Short Validity Passport (SVP), you may need to provide proof of resolution and the pages for validity extension.

Ensure you verify with the Passport seva portal for exact requirements, as they may vary.

Passport Renewal Process

You might need to renew or reissue a passport under various conditions. Below are the common situations where specific passport renewal documents will be required:

Causes for Reissuing a Passport

Lost or Stolen Passport - In case of a lost or stolen passport, reapplying is essential to avoid misuse or identity theft.
Mutilation or Defacement - If your passport has been deliberately tampered with or marked in any way, it must be replaced immediately.
Damage or Wear - A passport that has become damaged, torn, or heavily worn out may not be machine-readable and would need a replacement.
Expiration - If your passport has reached its validity end date, it must be renewed to continue travelling internationally.
Name Change - Individuals who have legally changed their name—due to marriage, divorce, or any legal reason—must get a passport reissued with the updated name.
Change in Appearance -Significant changes in physical appearance due to age, surgery, or other factors may call for a reissued passport with an updated photo.
Visa Pages Exhausted - If there are no remaining blank visa pages, you’ll need a new passport to continue international travel.
Validity for Certain Countries - Some countries require your passport to be valid for a certain duration before entry. If your passport doesn’t meet this condition, renewal is necessary.
Child-to-Adult Transition - Children's passports are valid for a shorter period. Once a minor becomes an adult, they must apply for an adult passport.

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport

A Tatkal passport is an expedited service that requires higher fees and additional passport application documents. The following documents are necessary for applying for a Tatkal passport:

Aadhaar Card
Previous Passport (if applicable)
Voter ID
PAN Card
Birth Certificate
Annexure H (if both parents give consent for minors)
Annexure E (if one parent gives consent for minors)
School Leaving Certificate
Police Verification Certificate (PVC)
Two passport-size photographs
Landline or Mobile Bill

Make sure all passport documents are accurate to avoid delays in your passport issuance.

Documents Required for Diplomatic/Official Passport

Diplomatic and official passports are issued for individuals on official diplomatic missions. The following passport documents are needed:

Proof of date of birth
Proof of current address
A copy of the official order or appointment letter
An identity card issued by the sponsoring body
A letter from the sponsoring authority

How to Apply for a Passport Online

To apply for a passport online, follow these steps:

Visit the official website: Go to the official passport application site.
Create an account: Register or log in if you already have an account.
Fill the application form: Complete the online application form with accurate personal details.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload the necessary documents required for passport such as identity proof, address proof, and photographs.
Pay Fees: Make the required payment online.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Office.
Print Receipt: Download and print the application receipt with your appointment details.
Attend Appointment: Visit the assigned office on the given date for biometric data collection and document verification.
Receive Passport: Await your passport’s processing and delivery.

Conclusion

Applying for a passport in India has become much easier with the online process. Before applying, ensure you have all the necessary passport documents in place for a smooth application experience. Whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing, or reissuing, refer to the official guidelines for the most up-to-date requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to the documents required for an Indian passport.

Is only an Aadhaar card enough for a passport?

An Aadhaar card is an important document; however, it cannot be the sole piece of paper. You need other documents, like a voter ID, an electricity bill, a gas bill, a water bill and others, to submit while applying for a passport.

How many documents required for passport?

Generally, one primary ID proof such as an Voter ID, Aadhaar card, or Driving License is sufficient for a passport application. You may need to provide additional documents like a PAN card or school certificate as supporting proof.

What is proof of identity for a passport in India?

The acceptable proof of identity for a passport application in India includes government-issued documents such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving License, or any other government-authorized identity card.

Is the Aadhaar card mandatory for a passport?

An Aadhaar card is an important document and is required while applying for a new passport or re-issue of a passport. However, it is not mandatory.

Is a PAN card mandatory for a passport?

A PAN card is not compulsory for a passport application. However, it can be used as an additional proof of identity if needed, along with other documents such as Aadhaar card or Voter ID.

What documents can be considered as proof of identity in India?

Proof of identity can be shown with a PAN card, an Aadhaar card, a driver's licence, a voter ID, an income certificate, a ration card, or any other document issued by the government.

What documents can be used as proof of birth?

You can provide a 10th-grade mark sheet, a birth certificate issued by the municipal authority, an SSLC certificate and a school leaving certificate.

Is 10th marksheet required for passport?

Yes, a 10th-grade mark sheet can be provided as proof of birth.

What is the alternative of 10th certificate for passport?

You can use a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or a transfer/matriculation certificate as an alternative to the 10th certificate for passport.

Is a birth certificate mandatory for a passport in India?

A birth certificate is not mandatory for a passport in India, but it is one of the preferred documents for proof of date of birth. In its absence, documents such as school leaving certificates, Aadhaar card, or PAN card can be used.

Is the 12th marksheet required for a passport application?

No, the 12th marksheet is not necessary for passport applications. You can submit other valid documents like a birth certificate or Aadhaar card as proof of date of birth.

Is a marriage certificate required for a passport?

In some cases, the passport officers may ask for proof of marriage.

How to change surname in the passport if got married or divorced recently?

If you recently got married or divorced and need to change your surname on your passport, you must apply for a re-issue of passport. To update your name in the passport, submit your marriage certificate or divorce decree with the necessary documents.

While applying for a passport re-issue, do I need to submit my old passport?

Yes, submission of the old passport is needed in most cases while applying for a passport re-issue.

My passport expired 5 years ago. What is the procedure for getting it reissued?

If your passport has already expired, you can get it reissued by filling out the passport application form under the "Re-issue of Passport" category on the Passport Seva Portal. Since your passport expired more than three years ago, a new police verification process will be initiated.

My baby is 2 months old. Does the baby require a separate passport?

According to the new passport guidelines, parents are no longer able to endorse their child's name on their own passports. This means that each minor must now have their own separate passport.

What to do if the documents required for a passport application are not available?

In some cases, certain alternative documents might work if the required document is unavailable. Please discuss this with the passport office.

Is there a government portal where I can find more information related to the documents required for an Indian passport?

You can visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs for more information.

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