Documents Required for Passport Application in India

Applying for a passport in India is straightforward when you have the right papers ready. Missing or mismatched documents can lead to delays, extra visits, or even application rejection. This guide covers every passport type, fresh (ordinary) applications, minors, renewals, reissues, Tatkal, diplomatic, and official, and outlines exactly which documents you need to breeze through the process. 

This guide details every requirement for each passport type, latest rule changes, and pro tips to avoid delays.

What Are the Types of Indian Passports?

• Ordinary Passport (Fresh for Adults & Minors)
• Minor’s Passport (Special consent needed)
• Renewal/Reissue (Expired, lost, damaged, or amended)
• Tatkal (Urgent Travel Requirements)
• Diplomatic & Official (Government & authorized personnel)

Core Document Categories: What You Need

Every passport application in India hinges on four core categories: identity proof, address proof, date of birth proof, and photographs. You must submit one document from each of the first three lists, plus the required number of photos, to verify who you are, where you live, and when you were born.

1. Identity Proof: 

• Aadhaar Card / e‑Aadhaar
• Voter ID Card
• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Government Service Identity Card
• Photo Credit Card
• Pension Document 

2. Address Proof: 

• Utility Bills (electricity, water, gas; not older than 3 months)
• Bank Statement (with applicant’s photo & attestation)
• Rent Agreement
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• Aadhaar Card (if showing current address)
• Voter ID Card
• Driving License

3. Date of Birth Proof:

• Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority/Registrar
• School Leaving Certificate or 10th‑Grade Marksheet
• Certificate of Date of Birth from a Gazetted Officer
• Declaration by Head of Orphanage/Child Care Home
• Aadhaar Card (if DOB is printed)

4. Photographs:

• Three recent color photos (2" × 2"), white background
• Face front‑on, neutral expression, no sunglasses/glasses glare
• Headgear only for religious reasons; ears and hairline visible
• 
  

Documents for Fresh (Ordinary) New Passport: Adults

1. Fresh Adult Applications

For your first ordinary passport, submit:

• One Identity Proof (see list above)
• One Address Proof (see list above)
• One Date of Birth Proof (see list above)
• Three Passport‑Size Photographs (2" × 2", white background)

Pro Tip: Utility bills must be recent (within 3 months), and bank statements need an authorized photo attestation. Carry both originals and self‑attested photocopies to your Passport Seva Kendra. 

2. Special Cases: Government Employees & Pensioners

If you’re a government employee or a pensioner, you can streamline Identity Proof:

• Government Service Identity Card, issued by your department, with photo and official seal
• Pension Document, government‑issued certificate showing pension details and applicant’s photo

These count as both identity and employment‑status proof. You still need a separate address and DOB documents as listed above. 

Documents Required for New Passport Application of Minors

Passport for Minors: Papers & Special Requirements. For applicants under 18, parent or guardian documentation is key. You must submit:

1. Proof of Identity of Child: Birth Certificate or Attested Copy of Parent’s Passport
2. Proof of Age: Birth Certificate / School Leaving Certificate / 10th Marksheet
3. Proof of Address: Parent’s Address Proof (Aadhaar, Bank Passbook, Utility Bill, Rent Agreement)
4. Photographs: Three recent colour photos of the child (2" x 2")
5. Parental Consent: Annexure E (one parent) or H (both parents) for minors.

Make sure the parent’s address matches the child’s proof to avoid confusion. Originals and self‑attested copies of each document are mandatory.

Documents Required to Reissue a Passport: What to Submit

If you’re updating your existing passport, due to damage, name change, or loss-the following are required:

1. Original Old Passport (with photocopies of the first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non‑ECR and Observation pages)
2. Proof of Address (same list as new passport)
3. Two Recent Passport‑Size Photographs
4. Additional Documents (if name change): Marriage Certificate or Gazette Notification
5. Police FIR (if lost/stolen)

For minors reissuing a passport, you also need:

• Parental Consent Letter
• School Certificate as additional age proof 

Documents Required for Passport Renewal: What to Submit

Renewal mirrors reissue but without a name change:

• Original Old Passport (plus self‑attested photocopies as above)
• Additional Proofs only if flagged by the system (e.g., new address proof)
• Two Passport‑Size Photographs

Check the Passport Seva portal’s Document Advisor to see if any extra proofs are needed for your specific renewal scenario. 

Tatkal Passport Service Requirements: Extra Steps & Documents

Tatkal passports are processed within 1-3 working days by paying extra fees and submitting a few additional documents. You’ll need standard proofs plus an urgent application form, a self‑attested affidavit, and a Police Verification Certificate (PVC) to fast‑track your passport under the Tatkal scheme.

What You’ll Submit:

• Standard Identity, Address & DOB Proofs: Same as a fresh application.
• Click-2-PDF Application: Use the Tatkal form on Passport Seva.
• Additional Affidavit: Self‑attested letter on plain paper stating the urgency (e.g., medical treatment or tour).
• Landline/Mobile Bill: Latest bill as extra address proof.
• Police Verification Certificate (PVC): Obtained from your local police station within 15 days of application; it fast‑tracks home verification.

Tip: Missing the PVC or affidavit means your Tatkal request may revert to normal processing, so double‑check before submission.

Diplomatic & Official Passports: Special Rules

Diplomatic and official passports are reserved for government representatives and require proof of your assignment. You’ll need your regular identity and address documents plus official sponsorship letters and government service IDs.

Key Documents Required:

• Official Order/Appointment Letter: From your Ministry or sponsoring authority, confirming your deputation abroad.
• Sponsoring Authority Letter: On department letterhead, endorsing your passport application.
• Government Service Identity Card: Issued by your ministry or department, with photo and official seal.
• Standard DOB & Address Proofs: Same options as ordinary passports.

Note: Originals and attested copies of all documents must be presented, no exceptions.

Police Verification Stage: Documents & Home Visit Tips

Police verification is a crucial security check for all passport types. An officer visits your home to confirm your identity and residence, so having the right documents ready makes the inspection quick and smooth.

What Officers Ask For:

• Original ID & Address Proofs: They’ll compare your originals (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.) with what you submitted online.
• Passport Application Receipt: Shows your application details and appointment date.
• Photographs & Forms: Two extra passport photos and a physical copy of your filled form.

Keep These Handy:

• An NOC from your landlord (if you rent).
• Copies of recent utility bills in your name.
• Any additional affidavits (for name changes or minors).

Step-by-Step: Online Passport Application Process

Applying online takes about 10-15 minutes if your documents are scanned and ready. From registration to appointment booking, here’s the simple flow:

1. Registration & Form Filling

• Create/Login: Go to the Passport Seva portal and register with your email and mobile.
• Select Type: Choose “Fresh,” “Reissue,” “Minor,” “Tatkal,” or “Diplomatic/Official.”
• Complete Form: Enter your personal details, contact info, and document numbers.

2. Uploading Scans & Fee Payment

• Upload Scans: Attach clear PDF or JPEGs of your ID, address proof, birth proof, and photo.
• Pay Fees: Use net banking, UPI, or card to pay the standard or Tatkal fees.

3. Appointment Booking

• Choose Center: Select your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office ASAP, slots fill fast.
• Confirm & Print: Download the appointment receipt; it includes your ARN (Application Reference Number), date, and time.

Appointment Day Checklist: Don’t Forget These!

On the appointed day, arrive early with your complete set of documents to breeze through verification, biometrics, and photo capture.

Essentials to Carry:

• Originals + Self‑Attested Copies: Identity, address, DOB proofs, and old passport (for reissue/renewal).
• Appointment Receipt & Fee Slip: Printed hard copy.
• Two Passport‑Size Photos: In addition to the three you uploaded, just in case.
• Additional Letters: Affidavits, marriage certificate, or FIR if you’ve lost your previous passport.

Post‑Submission: Tracking & Delivery

After your appointment, tracking your passport is effortless, just use your ARN and date of birth on the Passport Seva portal or SMS service.

How to Check Status Online:

1. Visit “Track Application Status” on the Passport Seva portal.
2. Enter your ARN and DOB.
3. View updates: Document verification, police clearance, dispatch status, and courier tracking details.

Typical Timelines:

• Regular Processing: 2-3 weeks from appointment.
• Tatkal Processing: 1-3 working days after PVC clearance.

Common Mistakes & Tips to Avoid Delays

A few simple oversights can send your passport application back to square one. Spot them early to keep your timeline on track.

1. Mismatched Addresses: Ensure your ID, address proof, and form all list the same current address, any variation triggers extra checks.
2. Low‑Quality Photos: Blurry or improperly sized images get rejected; follow the 2″×2″ on white‑background rule strictly.
3. Late Document Uploads: Upload your scanned proofs before booking, last‑minute uploads can block appointment slot confirmation.
4. Expired Documents: Check expiry dates on licenses or ID cards; expired proofs mean starting over.

Conclusion

With the right paperwork and a clear process, getting an Indian passport, whether fresh, Tatkal, or diplomatic, is straightforward. Remember to gather your ID, address, DOB proofs, photos, and any special affidavits in advance. Follow this guide, double‑check your files, and you’ll be stamped and ready for your next adventure in no time!

FAQs of Indian Passport Applications:

Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory for passport application?

A: Aadhaar is not mandatory but widely used as identity and address proof. You can substitute Voter ID, driving license, or PAN card for Aadhaar.

Q: How long does it take to get a passport?

A: Regular applications usually take 2-3 weeks after your appointment. Tatkal applications are processed in 1-3 working days, pending police verification.

Q: Can I track my passport after submission?

A: Yes, use your ARN (Application Reference Number) and DOB on the Passport Seva portal’s “Track Application Status” page or via SMS updates.

Q: What if my documents change after booking?

A: If your address or name changes post‑booking, check the portal’s Document Advisor. You may need to upload updated proofs before your appointment.

Q: How many photos do I need at my appointment?

A: Bring at least two extra 2″×2″ photos on a white background, in addition to the three uploaded online, just in case.

Q: Do children need a separate appointment?

A: No. Minors can attend the same slot as a parent or guardian; just bring the child plus all minor‑specific documents and consent forms.

Q: What happens if police verification is pending?

A: Your passport will remain on hold. Contact your local police station with your ARN and verification reference to expedite clearance.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes.