List of Documents Required For a Passport In India

Where are you going to visit this year? Switzerland, Bali, or Paris! Bags packed, tickets booked, and what else? Of course, your passport.
To visit any of the places around the world, you should have your passport ready. It is not just your travel partner but an identification document. It is a government-issued booklet that certifies your identity and nationality, allowing you to cross international borders with ease.
The passport application process is simple and easy. You just need to know about the documents required for the passport and follow the correct steps. To do so, we are here with the right guide to help you.
Different Types of Passport Application
In India, the documents required for a Passport depend on your situation and how soon you need it. For every different situation, the application process and documents vary.
Before knowing what documents you need, it is important first to understand the different types of passport application cases, such as:
- Fresh Passport (New Application)
- Renewal / Reissue
- Tatkaal (Expedited) Application
- Minor Applicants
- Official / Diplomatic Passport
Documents Required for a Passport in India
Applying for a passport in India requires a few essential documents. You will need proof of identity, age, address, and a couple of passport?size photos. For specific types such as minor, Tatkaal, or diplomatic passports, there may be extra paperwork.
1 Documents Required For a New Passport
To apply for a new passport in India, make sure you have all the right documents ready. Here's what the authorities accept:
A Proof of Identity (any one)
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Government or pension ID
- Employee ID (for government staff)
- Photo credit card
B Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Recent utility bill (electricity, water, gas, or telephone)
- Bank statement with photo
- Rent agreement
- Income?tax assessment order
C Proof of Date of Birth (any one)
- Birth certificate from the municipal authority
- School leaving or matriculation certificate
- Aadhaar or e?Aadhaar
- DOB certificate from a gazetted officer
- Declaration from an orphanage or child?care home head
D Passport?size Photos
- Three recent colour photos (2? ×?2?) with a plain white background
- Neutral expression, no glasses
2 Documents Required for Passport Renewal
To renew your Indian passport, here are the documents you need:
A Expired or Expiring Passport
- Original passport
- Self-attested copies of: First two pages Last two pages ECR/Non-ECR page Observation pages, if any
B Proof of Date of Birth (any one)
- Birth certificate
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- School leaving certificate
C Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, phone)
- Bank statement
- Rent agreement
- Employer’s letter
D Passport?size Photographs
- Two recent coloured photos (2? × 2?) on a plain white background
- Neutral expression, no glasses
E Additional Documents (as applicable)
- Name change affidavit
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- FIR/police report (if the passport was lost or damaged)
3 Documents Required for a Passport in Tatkal
According to the Indian Passport Authority, you need the following documents to apply for a Tatkaal or Expedited passport:
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate (for date of birth proof)
- PAN Card
- Voter ID Card
- Mobile or Landline Bill (for address proof)
- School Leaving Certificate
- Previous Passport (if you already had one)
- Two Recent Passport-Sized Photos
- Police Verification Certificate (PVC)
- For minors: Annexure E: If only one parent gives consent. Annexure H: If both parents give consent.
4 Document Required For Minor Applicants
Here are the documents required for a passport in India for minor applicants:
a Proof of Identity
Either a copy of a parent’s passport, attested by them, or the child’s birth certificate.
b Proof of Age
The minor’s birth certificate, a school leaving certificate, or a Class 10 mark-sheet.
c Proof of Address
Any one of the following in the parent’s name:
- Bank passbook (with recent entries)
- Utility bill (electricity, telephone, gas, or mobile)
- Rent agreement
d Photographs
Three recent colour passport-sized photos (2? × 2?).
5 Documents Required for Diplomatic or Official Passport
To apply for a Diplomatic or Official passport, you will need the following documents:
- Official Identity Card Proof that the applicant is a government official.
- Request Letter From the forwarding officer, as per the format on the Passport Seva portal.
- Certificate from the Head of Office Also, as per the specified format on the Passport Seva portal.
- Political or PMO Clearance Required if applicable to your post or assignment.
- Retirement Undertaking If the applicant is retiring within six months, an official undertaking from the department is mandatory.
For cancellation or reissue of a Diplomatic/Official passport:
- Submit the original Diplomatic/Official passport
- Include the original Surrender Certificate, Safe Certificate, or Cancellation Certificate, as relevant.
Note: It is essential to be aware of the required documents before applying for any type of passport to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right documents required for the passport is crucial for a smooth and timely application process in India. Whether you are applying for a new one or reissuing, you will need standard proofs like identity (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID), date of birth (birth certificate, school record), address (utility bills, bank statement, rent agreement), and recent passport-size photos.
Remember that your passport is not just limited to international trip access, but also acts as your identity proof. Therefore, preparing all documents required for a passport well in advance and checking their accuracy helps avoid delays and ensures a hassle-free experience.
FAQs - Documents Required For a Passport In India
No, while Aadhaar is accepted as identity and address proof, you will also need additional documents like a birth certificate, PAN, Voter ID, or driver’s license to complete your application.
The Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in) provides detailed guidelines on the documents required for a passport appointment and application.
Yes, the old/expired passport is mandatory for reissue applications and must be submitted along with applicable photocopies.
You will need to submit a marriage certificate (for name addition) or a divorce decree (for removal), along with an affidavit or declaration, to change your surname.
In case of missing documents, you can provide alternate proofs or submit an affidavit. The official portal or Passport Seva Kendra can guide you on acceptable alternatives.
Yes, you can apply for re-issuance even if your passport expired over five years ago, but you may need to undergo additional checks or verification.
Yes, a recent bank passbook or bank statement, ideally with your photo, is accepted as valid address proof.
- Original Passport
- Self-Attested Copies
- Date of Birth Proof
- Address Proof
- Passport-Size Photographs
- Additional Documents (if applicable)