Are you applying for a passport in India? Then, you might wonder what documents you should have so that you won’t face rejection. Well, whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your passport, having the correct documents is crucial to avoid delays and rejections. That’s why we’ve created a detailed article that walks you through the documents required for a passport in India to make your application process smooth.
Why Is a Passport Important?
A passport is more than just a travel document. It serves as:
✅ A primary identity proof for various official purposes
✅ A mandatory document for international travel
✅ An address proof for bank accounts, loans, and more
Missing or incorrect documents can lead to rejection, causing unnecessary stress. Let’s break down exactly what you need based on your application type.
Fresh Passport Issuance Cases
- Citizens of India by Registration/Naturalization (granted citizenship by MHA)
- Children adopted by Indian or foreign parents
- Child born out of wedlock and has a single parent
- Children born out of surrogacy
- Minors with a single parent (one parent deceased)
Re-issuance Cases
- Lost/stolen passport cases
- Re-issue of a short-validity passport
- Passport damaged beyond recognition
- Change in sex, appearance, or signature
- Change or correction of date of birth or place of birth
- Change of father/mother/spouse name
- Major change in name
- Applicants with present address outside the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- Minors’ applications with Annexure C (e.g., minors whose parents are divorced or separated)
- Applicants repatriated from abroad at government cost
- Applicants deported to India or traveled on an Emergency Certificate
- Persons of Naga origin, including minors (below 18 years)
- Persons of Naga origin residing outside Nagaland
- Persons of Jammu & Kashmir origin, including minors (below 18 years)
- Applicants involved in criminal cases (Section 6(2)(e) or 6(2)(f))
- Applicants with an adverse police report, on a watch list, habitual passport losers, or those who previously traveled on forged or fake passports
(The above list is indicative and may change from time to time.)
Documents Required for a Passport in India
New Passport (First-Time Applicants)
Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) – Acceptable Documents
For persons born before October 1, 2023
(Attach any one of the following):
- Birth Certificate issued by Registrar of Births & Deaths or Municipal Corporation
- Transfer/School Leaving/Matriculation Certificate from a recognized school board.
- PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
- Extract of service record (for Government servants) or Pay Pension Order (for retired Government servants)
- Driving License issued by the Transport Department
- Election Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India
- Policy bond issued by Life Insurance Corporations or Public Companies
For persons born on or after October 1, 2023
- Only a Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births & Deaths or Municipal Corporation is accepted.
Proof of Address – Acceptable Documents
Applicants must submit any one of the following as proof of address:
- Water Bill
- Telephone Bill (landline or postpaid mobile)
- Electricity Bill
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Election Commission Photo ID Card
- Proof of Gas Connection
- Employer Certificate (for reputed companies on letterhead)
- Spouse’s Passport Copy (First and last page, including family details with applicant’s name as spouse)
- Parent’s Passport Copy (for minors – first and last page)
- Aadhaar Card
- Rent Agreement
- Photo Passbook of a running Bank Account (Scheduled Public/Private Sector Indian Banks and Regional Rural Banks)
Pro Tip: The Aadhaar Card is the easiest and most widely accepted proof.
Documents Required for Out-of-Turn Passport Issuance
What does it mean? List of acceptable documents: To obtain a passport on an out-of-turn basis, submit any three documents listed below.
This means that if you want to get a passport on an “out-of-turn” basis (i.e., faster processing than normal but not necessarily under the Tatkaal scheme), you need to submit three documents from the given list. These documents serve as proof of identity, address, and other required details to expedite the passport issuance process.
- Aadhaar Card/e-Aadhaar with a 12-digit UIDAI number
- Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Service Photo Identity Card issued by State/Central Government, PSUs, local bodies, or Public Limited Companies
- Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Backward Class Certificate
- Arms License issued under the Arms Act, 1959
- Pension Document (ex-servicemen’s pension book/payment order, widow/dependent certificates, or old-age pension order)
- Last passport issued (in case of re-issue only)
- Permanent Account Number (PAN)
- Bank Passbook/Kisan Passbook/Post Office Passbook
- Student Photo ID Card issued by recognized educational institutions
- Driving License (valid and within jurisdiction)
- Birth Certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
- Ration Card
Passport Renewal (Reissue of Passport)
If your passport is expiring or has expired, you’ll need these documents:
- Old Passport (original and photocopy)
- Proof of Address (same as new passport)
- Proof of Date of Birth (if necessary)
- Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the passport
- If applying for a name change, a Gazette Notification or marriage certificate (for married women)
Real-Life Example: Anita’s passport expired, and she assumed she could just get a new one easily. However, she forgot to bring the old passport, which led to delays. Always carry your old passport for renewal!
Tatkal Passport (Urgent Passport Application)
The Tatkal scheme allows faster processing for those urgently needing a passport. We have already mentioned the standard documents for the address and ID for a fresh password, which are the same for a Tatkal passport as well. However, you must have a valid reason for issuing a Tatkal passport, which means why you need the password urgently; is it a medical emergency or another reason such as education, employment, etc?
Also, Tatkal passports are processed faster than regular passports and dispatched within 1-3 days as compared to the normal 30 to 45 days (if police verification is required). Due to the expedited processing, Tatkal passport renewal fees are higher.
Furthermore, the Police verification for the Tatkal Passport is done after issuing the passport.
Note: Now, Indian residents can obtain passports under the Tatkaal Scheme without providing the Verification Certificate from a Gazetted Officer, which was required earlier. Source
Quick Fact: Tatkal passports are usually issued within 1-3 days compared to the normal that could take up to 30 days.
Documents Required for Minors (Children Below 18 Years)
If you’re applying for a child’s passport, you’ll need:
- Birth Certificate
- Parents’ passport copies
- Address proof of either parent
- Annexure “D” (Declaration from Parents)
If the child’s parents are divorced or separated, an Annexure “C” (No Objection Certificate) is also required. All the needed annexures can be downloaded from the official Passport website. Here is the link to the Annexure page.
Tip: For infants and toddlers, a passport-size photo with a white background is mandatory.
Documents for Passport for Married/Widowed/Divorced Individuals
- Marriage Certificate (for married women applying for a name change)
- Divorce Decree (for divorced applicants who want to remove the spouse’s name)
- Spouse’s Death Certificate (for widowed individuals)
How to Check for Documents List on the Official Passport Website
Well, if you want to check the up-to-date list or any other information related to Passport documents required in India from the official website, here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official Passport India Website.
- Go to the Before Apply section and click on the Document Advisor Tab
- Now, select the type of passport that Document requirement you want to know. For example
How to Prepare Your Documents for a Smooth Application
✅ Ensure Accuracy
Make sure all details on your documents match. A mismatch in name, DOB, or address can lead to rejection.
📄 Carry Originals & Photocopies
The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) requires both original and self-attested copies.
📏 Follow the Photo Guidelines
Your passport photo must be:
✔️ 2×2 inches
✔️ White background
✔️ No shadows or reflections
✔️ Neutral facial expression
⏳ Check Document Validity
Ensure that documents like Aadhaar, Voter ID, and bank statements are recent and up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use a rental agreement as address proof?
Yes, if it’s registered with the government.
❓ What if I don’t have a birth certificate?
You can submit a 10th/12th school certificate or PAN card as proof.
❓ Is Aadhaar Card mandatory?
No, but it’s the most convenient document for verification.
❓ How long does passport verification take?
It usually takes 7-10 days, but Tatkal applications can be processed in 1-3 days.
❓ Can I apply for a passport if I have changed my name?
Yes, you need a Gazette Notification, marriage certificate, or affidavit.
Conclusion
Getting a passport in India is not complicated process if you have the right documents. Hence, whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing your passport, or applying for a Tatkal passport, having the correct proofs in place can save time and avoid hassles.
To avoid fraud, double-check your documents, get them verified, and apply through the official Passport Seva website. Always visit the official website to double-check information and requirements and never fall under some agent or fraud web.