Passport Application Documents Required in India
Obtaining a passport is a crucial step for Indian citizens looking to travel abroad for work, education, or leisure. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process, it is important to have all the necessary documents in place. In this article, we will discuss the passport application documents required in India and provide a detailed guide on how to apply for a passport.
The documents required for applying for a passport in India vary depending on the type of passport (fresh, re-issue, minor, etc.) and the applicant’s age. However, some documents are common to all types of passport applications. These include proof of identity, proof of address, date of birth proof, and passport-size photographs.
Proof of identity documents accepted for passport application in India include Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, driving license, government-issued photo identity card, etc. For minors below the age of 18, parents’ or legal guardians’ identity proof is required. In case of applicants born on or after 26th January 1989, a birth certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or any office authorized to issue birth and death certificates by the Registrar of Births and Deaths is mandatory.
Proof of address documents accepted for passport application in India include Aadhaar card, water bill, telephone bill, electricity bill, gas connection, etc. It is important to note that the address proof should be in the applicant’s name or his/her parent’s name in case of minors.
In addition to proof of identity and proof of address, date of birth proof is also required for passport application in India. Documents like birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, etc., are accepted as date of birth proof. It is essential to submit original documents along with self-attested photocopies at the time of passport application.
Passport-size photographs are another crucial requirement for passport application in India. The photographs should be of the specified size (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background and should be recent (within the last 6 months). The applicant’s face should be clear and visible in the photograph without any accessories like sunglasses, hats, or headgear.
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, additional documents may be required based on the type of passport application. For example, for a Tatkaal passport application, proof of urgency like a letter from the employer, a copy of air tickets, etc., may be required. Similarly, for a passport re-issue application, the old passport is mandatory along with other documents.
The passport application process in India has undergone significant digital transformation in recent years. Applicants can now apply for a passport online through the Passport Seva website or at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). The online application process has made passport application more convenient and efficient for applicants.
After submitting the online application form, applicants are required to schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK or POPSK for document verification and biometric data collection. On the day of the appointment, applicants need to carry all the original documents along with self-attested photocopies for verification.
Once the documents are verified, biometric data like fingerprints and photograph will be captured at the Passport Seva Kendra. Applicants may also be required to pay the passport application fee online or at the PSK/POPSK. The fee for a fresh passport application varies depending on the type of passport and the number of pages required.
After completing the document verification and biometric data collection process, the passport application will be processed by the Passport Seva system. The applicant can track the status of the application online through the Passport Seva website using the application reference number.
In conclusion, obtaining a passport is a crucial step for Indian citizens planning to travel abroad. By ensuring that all the required documents are in place and following the prescribed application process, applicants can successfully apply for a passport in India. The digital transformation of the passport application process has made it more convenient and efficient for applicants. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive guide on passport application documents required in India.
