Indian passport rules revised: Birth certificate mandatory! Read full details

New Delhi: The central government has introduced changes to passport application rules, making a birth certificate the only valid proof of date of birth for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023.

The certificate must be issued by the municipal corporation or an authority designated under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

 

Key changes in passport rules:

Birth certificate requirement: Those born before October 1, 2023, can continue using alternative documents such as a driving license, school leaving certificate, or election ID as proof of date of birth.

Address details: Residential addresses will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. Immigration officials can access the details by scanning a barcode.

Parent names: The names of parents will no longer be printed on the last page, easing the process for children of single or separated parents.

 

 

Documents required for passport application:

Birth certificate issued by the registrar of births and deaths, municipal corporation, or other designated authority

School matriculation certificate

Election Commission-issued identity card

PAN card, Aadhaar card, EPIC, driving license, or pension order (if they mention the correct date of birth)

Address proof such as electricity bills, gas connection documents, voter ID, or a spouse’s passport copy

 

How to apply for a passport:

1. Register online on the Passport Seva portal.

2. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue Passport” and submit required details.

3. Pay the application fee and book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.

4. Attend the appointment with necessary documents.

5. Complete police verification.

6. Receive the passport upon successful verification.

The changes aim to streamline the passport application process while ensuring accurate identity verification.