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How to Change Your Appearance on an Indian Passport: Everything You Need to Know

TeamAckoOct 22, 2024

Updating your passport is essential for smooth travel if your appearance has changed significantly due to life stages or personal choices. Whether you're transitioning from infant to child, child to adult, or making changes like growing a beard or undergoing surgery, this guide explains how to handle a change of appearance in an Indian passport.

Contents

Why You Should Read This?
Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Should Read This?

Find out the process of updating your passport with a change of appearance.
Learn how to change your appearance on your Indian passport without hassle.
Avoid potential issues when travelling if your passport photo doesn’t match your current look.

Why You Need to Change Your Appearance on Your Passport

A passport is one of the most important documents for identification, and your photo plays a critical role in verifying your identity. If there has been a drastic change in how you look, whether it’s facial surgery, adulting or even transitioning, it's important to update your passport. This ensures smooth travel and avoids issues at immigration checkpoints.

Key Reason to Update: If your appearance no longer matches the photo in your passport, it could lead to delays or even denial of entry in certain countries.

1. Common Scenarios for Change of Appearance

Here are some common scenarios where you might need to update your passport:

Infant to Child: When a child’s appearance drastically changes from the infant photo.
Child to Adult: Transitioning into adulthood often comes with changes in facial structure, which may require an update.
Turban to Non-Turban: If you originally had a turban in your passport photo but no longer wear one.
Non-Turban to Turban: If you’ve started wearing a turban regularly, your passport photo should reflect this.
Beard to Non-Beard: Going clean-shaven after having a beard may require an update, especially if it significantly alters your appearance.
Non-Beard to Beard: Growing a full beard can change the way you’re recognised, so updating your photo is a good idea.
Cosmetic Surgery: Any major facial surgeries like rhinoplasty or facelifts that alter how you look.
Gender Transition: If you’ve undergone gender reassignment surgery or hormone therapy that changes your appearance.
Permanent Facial Changes: Tattoos, scars, or permanent piercings can also lead to a need for a new passport photo.

Tip: Minor changes like a haircut or beard growth won’t typically require a new passport photo.

How to Change Your Appearance on Your Indian Passport

Updating your passport to reflect these changes is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Step 1: Procure and Fill Form No. 2
To start, visit the Passport Seva Kendra office or website and obtain Form No. 2 for miscellaneous services. You can fill out the form either physically or online.

If filling out online, select the ‘Reissue of Passport’ option under the 'Service Desired' section.
Then, choose ‘Change in Existing Personal’ and select the specific option that reflects your change (e.g., change in appearance, name change, etc.).

Step 2: Provide Necessary Documents

To request a change of appearance Indian passport, you’ll need:

Your current passport.
Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.).
Proof of address (if different from your passport).

Step 3: Upload New Photos

The most important part is uploading a new passport-size photo that clearly shows your updated appearance.Photos that do not meet the passport office’s specific requirements will lead to delays.

Common Photo Issues:

Blurry or grainy images.
Not adhering to the size requirement (usually 2x2 inches).
Wearing accessories like glasses or hats in the photo.
Inappropriate lighting or background.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend an Appointment

After completing the form, schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra. On the day of your appointment, submit your completed form, documents, and the applicable fee.

Step 5: Submit an Authority Letter (Annexure)

In some cases, individuals may be required to submit an authority letter signed by the applicant as per Annexure format guidelines. This is needed if the update involves personal information changes like a name or appearance update.

Step 6: Verification and Issuance of New Passport

Once your documents are submitted and verified, you will receive your new passport, reflecting the changes. There may be a police verification process depending on the details being changed.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your passport photo meets the official size and appearance specifications to avoid delays.

Benefits of Updating Your Passport with a New Photo

You might wonder, “Is it really necessary to update my passport?” Here’s why it’s worth doing:

Hassle-free travel: A passport that accurately reflects your appearance can prevent potential issues at immigration.
Fewer delays: Avoid the need for additional identification or explanations during travel.
Peace of mind: Knowing your passport matches your current look ensures smoother interactions when your identity is being verified.

Conclusion

We hope you found this guide helpful in understanding how to update your passport when there’s a change of appearance. Keeping your passport up to date ensures a smoother travel experience and avoids unnecessary complications. The process is simple and can be done through the Passport Seva Kendra or online. So, if your appearance no longer matches your current passport photo, now is the time to act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some often asked questions and answers on changing your appearance on an Indian passport.

What is the meaning of change in appearance in a passport?

A change in appearance in a passport refers to any significant change in how you look compared to your passport photo. This could happen due to factors like growing older, changes in facial hair (like growing or removing a beard), wearing or removing a turban, or even undergoing cosmetic surgery. If these changes are drastic enough that you no longer resemble the photo on your passport, it’s important to update it.

What is the meaning of an affidavit for change in appearance and signature?

An affidavit is a legal document that is sworn and signed in front of an authority, confirming a change in appearance or signature. If you’re updating your passport due to such changes, you might need to submit an affidavit as proof. It’s a simple way to confirm the accuracy of the details you're updating in your passport.

Can I travel while waiting for the new passport?

It’s not advisable to travel if your current passport photo no longer resembles your appearance. While you may be allowed to board flights, you could face difficulties at immigration checkpoints. If you must travel urgently, keep supporting documents (like medical records) explaining your appearance change on hand.

How often can I update my passport?

The Indian passport is generally valid for 10 years (5 years for minors). While you won’t need to update your passport for minor changes in appearance, drastic changes warrant a new photo to ensure it reflects your current look. You can apply for a change of appearance in your passport anytime within the validity period.

Is there a fee for changing the appearance of a passport?

Yes, there is a fee for reissuing your passport, even if it's just to update your appearance. The cost is similar to the fee for renewing or replacing a lost passport. Check the Passport Seva website for the most up-to-date fee structure.