What Documents are required for Passport?

To apply for a passport in India, you’ll need to submit several documents for verification. The required documents may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, such as your age, marital status, and whether you’re applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. Below is a general list of the documents typically required:

Proof of Address (Any one of the following) for Passport

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID (Electoral Photo Identity Card – EPIC)
• Electricity Bill, Water Bill, or Telephone Bill (landline or postpaid mobile) – must not be older than 3 months
• Bank Account Statement/Passbook (scheduled public sector/private sector banks only)
• Gas Connection Bill (must not be older than 3 months)
• Rental Agreement (registered lease agreement with the landlord)
• Passport of Spouse (if spouse’s address is the same)

Proof of Date of Birth (Any one of the following) for Passport

• Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or any office authorized to issue Birth and Death Certificates
• Matriculation/School Leaving Certificate showing the date of birth
• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar showing the date of birth
• Driving License showing the date of birth

Proof of Identity (Any one of the following) for Passport

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Ration Card

Supporting Documents for Specific Cases for Passport

• Marriage Certificate: Required if there’s a change in name after marriage.
• Annexure D: For minors, Annexure D needs to be filled and signed by parents.
• Annexure I: For government employees requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• Annexure F: For those applying under the Tatkaal scheme (for faster processing), this is an affidavit.

Photographs

• Generally, photographs are taken at the Passport Seva Kendra during your appointment. However, you may carry passport-size photographs (with a white background) in case they are required.

Additional Documents for Tatkaal Scheme Passport

• Verification Certificate as per Annexure F.
• Self-Declaration in Annexure I or proof of urgency.

For Minors (Below 18 Years)

• Birth Certificate.
• Passport of either parent for address proof.
• Annexure D: A declaration from parents/guardians.
• School ID/Bonafide Certificate: As proof of identity.

For Married Applicants

• Marriage Certificate.
• Spouse’s Passport Copy: If the address is the same.

For Government Employees

• Identity Certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure B).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applying under the Tatkaal scheme.

For Name Change

• Gazette Notification: If you’ve changed your name.
• Marriage Certificate: If the name change is due to marriage.
• Divorce Decree: If reverting to maiden name after divorce.

For Reissue/Renewal Passport

• Old Passport.
• Annexure J: Self-declaration in case of lost or damaged passport.

Tips:

• Ensure that all documents are self-attested.
• Carry original documents along with their photocopies for verification at the Passport Seva Kendra.
• Check for any additional documents that may be required based on your specific situation on the Passport Seva website.

By ensuring you have the correct documents ready, you can avoid delays and streamline the passport application process.

Validity of Passport for Minor in India

In India, the validity of a passport for a minor depends on the age of the child at the time of issuance:

For minors under 15 years of age:

The passport is usually valid for 5 years or until the minor turns 18, whichever is earlier.

For minors aged 15 to 18 years:

The passport can be issued with a validity of 10 years.

Parents or guardians can choose the validity period when applying for the passport, but the standard practice is to issue a 5-year passport for younger children and a 10-year passport for older minors.

Is Police Verification required for Tatkaal Passport in India?

Yes, police verification is required for a Tatkaal passport in India, but the process is generally conducted after the passport is issued. Here’s how it works:

Tatkaal Passport Process:

Post-Issue Verification:

In the Tatkaal scheme, the passport is issued quickly, often within 1 to 3 days, based on the urgency of the situation. The police verification is conducted after the passport is issued, which is known as post-police verification.

Document Requirements:

To apply under the Tatkaal scheme, you must provide additional documents to support your application. This might include a verification certificate from a government official or other specified documents. These documents are crucial in ensuring the applicant’s credibility and minimizing risks since the passport is issued before police verification.

Police Verification Process:

After the passport is issued, the police will conduct a verification at the applicant’s address. The verification involves confirming the applicant’s identity and residential address. If any discrepancies are found during the verification, it may lead to complications, such as the cancellation of the passport.

Conclusion:

While a Tatkaal passport allows for expedited issuance, police verification is still mandatory and is conducted post-issuance.