Passport applications in India have seen a surge in recent years with more and more citizens opting to travel abroad for various purposes. To apply for a passport, there are certain mandatory documents that need to be submitted by the applicant. These documents are crucial as they serve as proof of identity, address, and citizenship. In this article, we will take a closer look at the mandatory documents required for a passport in India.
The first and foremost document required for a passport application in India is proof of identity. This can be in the form of a valid driving license, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, or PAN card. The document should contain the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and photograph. It is important to ensure that the document is not expired and is valid at the time of application submission.
The second mandatory document for a passport application is proof of address. This can be in the form of a utility bill (electricity, water, gas), rental agreement, or bank statement. The document should clearly mention the applicant’s address and should be recent (not older than 3 months). It is important to ensure that the document is in the applicant’s name or has the applicant’s name mentioned as a resident.
The next mandatory document required for a passport application is proof of citizenship. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or voter ID card. The document should mention the applicant’s citizenship status and should be valid. In case the applicant holds dual citizenship, it is important to provide documents related to both citizenships.
In addition to the above-mentioned mandatory documents, there are few other documents that are required for a passport application in India. These include passport size photographs, self-attested copies of all documents, and proof of date of birth. It is important to ensure that all documents are submitted in the prescribed format and as per the guidelines mentioned by the passport office.
It is important to note that the passport application process in India has been made more convenient with the introduction of online application forms. Applicants can now fill the application form online and upload scanned copies of all mandatory documents. This has reduced the time and effort required for a passport application and has made the process more streamlined.
In conclusion, the mandatory documents required for a passport application in India are proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of citizenship. It is important to ensure that all documents are valid, recent, and submitted in the prescribed format. With the online application process, getting a passport in India has become easier and more convenient. It is recommended to check the official passport website for updated guidelines and requirements before applying for a passport.