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Documents Required for Applying Passport in India in 2025

Getting an Indian passport is a hassle-free process if you have the right document checklist. Applicants can apply through the online Passport Seva portal, upload documents, and follow the subsequent process to avail of the passport.

Hence, we have listed the documents required for an Indian passport under different application criteria like fresh, re-issue, adult, minor, etc.

Documents Required for Fresh Passport Application of Adults and Minors

Here is a detail enlisting of what are the documents required for passport for adults and minors -

Documents Required Adults Minors
Identity Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license Aadhaar card, parent’s passport copy attested by them or by self
Address Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof, passbook of running a bank account, a certificate from the employer on company letterhead (should be a reputed company) Parent's present address proof including passbook of running a bank account, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof
Age Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned
Other documents Income tax assessment order, educational certificate, spouse passport copy (first and last page of passport where applicant's name as the spouse is mentioned) Annexure C/D as applicable, photo if minor is below 4 years of age as per the details here, parents' passport copy showing spouse name endorsed or marriage certificate of parents, any other document as applicable according to parents’ marital status.

Generally, no educational documents are required for passport application or reissue.

You can also check out the documents list on official Passport website

Documents Required for Re-Issuance or Renewal of Passport

The terms "passport reissue" and "passport renewal" are often used interchangeably. In Indian content, the term “reissue” is the correct term since the Indian government issues a new passport with a new passport number every time you apply. 

Along with a reissuance passport form, you must submit the required passport reissue documents to initiate the process. Here is a table showing the acceptable documents for each category: 

SNo. Document Name Accepted Proofs
1 Identity Proof Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license
2 Birth proof Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, Affidavit sworn in front of notary/magistrate stating date/place of birth as per Annexure A for semi-illiterate applicants (less than class 5 schooling)
3 Address Proof Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof, photo passbook of running bank account (a passbook with attested photo on the first page), a certificate from the employer on company letterhead (should be a reputed company)
4 Marriage Certificate Affidavit Affidavit sworn before Executive Magistrate or First-Class Judicial Magistrate on a non-judicial stamp paper for passport reissue (passport that was issued before marriage) by married applicants who cannot provide prescribed marriage certificate or joint affidavit with spouse because of separation, marital discord or without formal divorce decree, or due to desertion by spouse
5 Change of DOB/POB Sub-divisional magistrate/first class magistrate civil court order. Also attach document 7 if Place of Birth (POB) is changed to a different country

Following documents are mandatory for passport reissue: 

1. Self-attested photocopy of first and last two pages of old passport

These pages contain your personal details like name, photo, passport number, and address.

2. ECR & Non-ECR pages

ECR (Emigration Check Required) and Non-ECR status are marked on your passport. ECR is for certain Indian passport holders who need to clear emigration checks. Non-ECR, formerly known as ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required), means no clearance is needed. These pages indicate your status.

3. Page of validity extension

If your passport's validity has been extended, this page shows the new expiry date. It's crucial for confirming that your passport is still valid, especially if the original expiry date has passed. This helps in verifying the status of your passport's validity.

4. Page of observation

Observations by the passport issuing authority, if any, are noted on this page. It may include corrections, amendments, or additional details not included in the main personal information section.

5. NOC or prior intimation letter

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) or a prior intimation letter is required for government employees, public sector employees, or those who need clearance from their employer for passport re-issuance. It's a formal permission or intimation ensuring there are no objections to the passport being reissued.

6. Original old passport

Submitting your original old passport is crucial for verification of your identity and to cross-check the details provided in the photocopies. It also allows the authorities to cancel the old passport to prevent its misuse.

Documents required for passport re-issue in case of minors are the same as adults; however, documents can be attested by parents.

Along with the above mandatory documents that must be submitted for passport reissue, some other documents are required depending on the reason for reissuance. Let's take a look:

SNo. Reason for Re-issue Documents Required
1 Minor Passport Expiry Annexure C/D as applicable, photo if minor is below 4 years of age, parents' passport copy showing spouse name endorsed or marriage certificate of parents, any other document as applicable according to parents’ marital status, along with DOB proof and address proof.
2 Loss or stolen passport DOB proof, address proof, the original police report regarding loss of passport, affidavit stating where and how passport got lost or damaged, NOC or Prior Intimation letter
3 Damaged passport with readable name, passport number, and photographs DOB proof, an affidavit stating where and how passport got lost or damaged
4 Change in appearance A recent photograph of the applicant showing the present appearance
5 Change of name New identity proof and certificate of the name change, gadget notification regarding change in name in passport
6 Change of DOB New DOB proof
7 Change in address Proof of present address
8 Deletion of ECR Proof of any non-ECR categories
9 Birthplace change (involving state or country) Proof of birthplace, affidavit stating the reason for birthplace change, order from a first-class magistrate or sub-divisional magistrate if DOB varies more than 2 years, or involves state or country, MHA certified citizenship certificate.
10 Birthplace change (not involving state or country Proof of birthplace, affidavit stating the reason of birthplace change
11 Change in sex Affidavit for change of sex, sex change success certificate from the hospital where the applicant has undergone an operation for sex change
12 Change in parent's name Passport of parent's whose name is to be included, service record or property documents proving that parents changed the name, if the parent is dead then the proof is necessary for showing that they changed the name was done when was alive

Documents required to apply for a passport or get a re-issuance under specific criteria are mentioned on the website of Passport Seva. Apart from the above-mentioned details, applicants should check the portal before uploading to avoid any rejection.

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport Application

The Tatkal scheme is a fast-track passport issuance system offered by the government, to facilitate quicker processing for applicants who need their passports urgently. 

Under the Tatkal scheme, passports are processed faster than the normal timeline, making it an ideal option for those who need to travel abroad urgently in case of situations like medical emergencies, studies, or employment. 

However, the fees for Tatkal service are higher than the standard passport application fee. 

You can check the complete details about tatkal scheme

The documents required for a Tatkal passport are largely similar to those needed for a regular passport application, the only difference being the elevated fees for tatkal scheme. 

 

The following documents are required for Tatkal Passport:

Documents Required Adults Minors
Identity Proof Any of the accepted documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license Aadhaar card, birth certificate, parent’s passport copy attested by them or by self
Address Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof, passbook of running a bank account, a certificate from the employer on company letterhead (should be a reputed company) Parent's present address proof including passbook of running a bank account, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof
Age Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned
Existing Passport If you are applying for reissue or renewal under the Tatkal scheme, your current passport (if applicable) and a self-attested photocopy of the first and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page and the page containing observation (if any), need to be submitted. If you are applying for reissue or renewal under the Tatkal scheme, your current passport (if applicable) and a self-attested photocopy of the first and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page and the page containing observation (if any), need to be submitted.
Other documents Income tax assessment order, educational certificate, spouse passport copy (first and last page of passport where applicant's name as the spouse is mentioned) Annexure C/D/H as applicable, photo if minor is below 4 years of age as per the details here, parents' passport copy showing spouse name endorsed or marriage certificate of parents, any other document as applicable according to parents’ marital status.

Documents Required for an E-Passport in India

An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip holds the biometric data of the passport holder to authenticate the identity of travellers. This advanced feature enhances security, streamlines the immigration process, and prevents passport fraud. 

The documents required for E Passport are same as the ones for regular passport and for reissue of passport too.  

 

For first time applicants, the following documents are required: 

Documents Required Adults Minors
Identity Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license Aadhaar card, parent’s passport copy attested by them or by self
Address Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Aadhaar card, voter card, PAN card, driving license, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof, passbook of running a bank account, a certificate from the employer on company letterhead (should be a reputed company) Parent's present address proof including passbook of running a bank account, electricity bill, utility bill, rent agreement, utility bill, landline bill, mobile bill, gas connection proof
Age Proof Any of the mentioned documents – Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on official letterhead confirming the date of birth of the applicant, school leaving certificate, mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary, policy bond issued by the Public Life Insurance company where the date of birth of the policyholder is mentioned
Other documents Income tax assessment order, educational certificate, spouse passport copy (first and last page of passport where applicant's name as the spouse is mentioned) Annexure C/D as applicable, photo if minor is below 4 years of age as per the details here, parents' passport copy showing spouse name endorsed or marriage certificate of parents, any other document as applicable according to parents’ marital status.

Documents Required for Diplomatic Passport in India

A diplomatic passport in India is issued to diplomats and top-ranking government officials to facilitate overseas travel with special privileges and immunity under diplomatic cover.

For availing a diplomatic/official passport, the following documents are required: 

  • The official identity card of the applicant.
  • Official letter from the forwarding officer. The format of the letter is available on passport seva portal. 
  • A certificate by the head of office. This format is also available on the passport seva website. 
  • Political/PMO clearance certificate, if applicable. 
  • For reissue of normal passport or existing diplomatic passport, the applicant needs to submit the existing passport or the original surrender/safe or cancellation certificate. 

Which Documents Are Required for Passport Appointment?

While visiting the Passport Seva Kendra office, applicants must carry a self-attested hard copy of all documents required for passport appointment. Along with that following documents are necessary:

  • Application ARN number.
  • Payment receipt for application and appointment for passport.
  • Print out of the appointment confirmation page.

What to do if Documents Required for Passport are Not Available?

Documents required for a fresh passport, or reissues are mandatory to submit. There are multiple options under each category of necessary documents. The applicant must provide at least one document under every category. 

In case they don't have a document, they can take help at the passport seva kendra. The help desk officer would guide on alternate documents that can be submitted. 

Submitting the necessary documents for passport is required to affirm your identity, address and other details. The acceptable documents and the process is designed to ensure the integrity and security of the citizens as well as the nation. 

Applicants must read the instructions given on the website of Passport Seva before applying, thus having better clarity on the documentation and process, making it a hassle-free experience.  

FAQs related to the Documents Required for Passport in India

Is an education certificate mandatory for passport application?

No, the educational certificate is not necessary as fresh passport documents. It is just required as age proof; however, one can submit other details as age proof like birth certificate, policy bond issued by the public life insurance company where the policyholder's date of birth is mentioned, etc.

Is it necessary to submit all original documents for passport application?

It is necessary to carry all original documents at the PSK. However, original documents are returned to the applicant. According to the list of documents required for a passport, soft copies are necessary to upload with the application.

Can anyone else submit documents at PSK for passport application on the applicant’s behalf?

No, the applicant has to be present physically for an appointment and submitting documents for passport application. No one else can submit it on behalf of the applicant.

Do I need to submit my old passport while applying for reissue of new passport?

Yes, it is compulsory to submit the old passport when applying for reissue. However, these days the old passport is stamped as cancelled, punched and returned to the applicant. 

Can I apply for passport reissue if my passport expired 5 years ago?

Yes, you could apply for a passport re issue if your passport expired 5 years ago. However, if the passport has expired more than 3 years ago, a fresh police verification will be done, as in this case. 

Can a passbook or bank statement be used as address proof for passport application?

A photo passbook of a running bank account can be accepted as address proof for passport application. However, bank statement can not be used for the same. 

Is birth certificate mandatory for passport?

No, birth certificate is not a mandatory document for passport.  

Is 10th class marksheet required for passport application?

No, 10th marksheet is not a compulsory document for passport. However, it can be used as a valid proof of date of birth if no other document is available for the same. Other acceptable documents as a proof of date of birth are birth certificate, school leaving certificate and SSLC certificate.  

How to change surname in passport post marriage or divorce?

To change your surname in your passport due to marriage or divorce, you must apply for reissue along with the required documents like marriage certificate or divorce decree. 

How to add/remove spouse’s name endorsement on the passport in case of marriage or divorce?

Same as in case of surname change, you must apply for reissue of passport along with the marriage certificate or divorce decree, to add or remove the spouse’s name endorsement. 

Is a PAN card compulsory for passport?

A PAN card is used as a identity proof for passport application. However, its not a compulsory document, given you provide any other valid ID proof like Aadhar, driving licence or voter ID. 

My passport will expire in 2 years. Can I apply for reissue now?

As a rule, you can apply for passport reissue only 1 year before the expiry and not earlier, provided there is no other reason for reissue like change in personal details, loss/damage etc.  

How can I reschedule my PSK appointment?

To reschedule your PSK appointment, follow the following steps:

  1. Login to your PSK portal and go to the saved/submitted applications. 
  2. Go to the “Schedule Appointment” section.
  3. Select “Reschedule Appointment”. 
  4. View the available slots and book the one as per your convenience. 

What is the accepted proof of citizenship for passport?

The accepted proof of citizenship for passport is birth certificate, voter ID or Aadhar card. Annexure E is also a declaration of citizenship, family details and no criminal record. 

What to do if the required documents for passport are not available?

In such a case, you must check with the passport office. They will guide you on the alternative documents that might work. 

What is ECR and non ECR in passport?

ECR (Emigration Check Required) and Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) are categories in Indian passports indicating if a traveler needs emigration clearance. 

ECR is for those who are not 10th pass and non-ECR is for educated individuals, and others exempt from this requirement. 

This system ensures the safety of Indian workers abroad. 

Can you apply for passport online?

Yes, we can apply for passport online on the Passport Seva Website.  

Do we need to carry Xerox of documents for passport?

Yes, you need to submit self-attested copies of the required documents at the PSK, along with your passport application. 

Is Aadhaar required for passport?

Aadhar is a valid identity and address proof. However, there are other documents too that can serve the same purpose instead of Aadhar. Thus, Aadhar is not a compulsory document if you have any other acceptable document as identity and address proof. 

Is 12th Marksheet required for passport?

12th marksheet is a valid document as an age proof, along with other documents like birth certificate or school leaving certificate. Thus it is not a compulsory document. 

Which passport is best tatkal or normal?

A tatkal passport is issued within a shorter duration of time, making it a better option if you need a passport urgently. However, it is more expensive than a normal passport, and not all passport offices offer tatkal services.

A normal passport is less expensive and has a standard processing time of 10-15 days, making it a better option if you do not require a passport urgently. 

Thus, you can select the type of passport based on your requirements. 

Is there a government portal where I can find more information related to the documents required for an Indian passport?

Yes, you can find the complete information about documents required on the Passport Seva Kendra- Document Advisor tab. 

While applying for a passport re-issue, do I need to submit my old passport?

Yes, you need to submit the old passport while applying for reissue. However, these days, the old passport is stamped, punched and returned to the applicant. 

My baby is 2 months old, does the baby require a separate passport?

Yes, every individual of any age requires a separate passport.