The Indian passport serves as a vital travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, through various passport offices across the country and its diplomatic missions abroad. The process of applying for a passport in India is standardised but varies slightly depending on the type of passport service required. In this article we will discuss the list of documents required for Indian passport and passport fees in India.
Documents Required for a Fresh Indian Passport
The following are the documents required for Indian Passport for those adults applying for a fresh passport:
Address Proof:
- For the Indian passport application, applicants must provide valid proof of residence. This proof is crucial and can be fulfilled by submitting any one of the following documents:
- Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar
- Water bill
- Electricity bill
- Telephone bill (landline or mobile)
- Voter ID
- Rental agreement
- Bank account statement
- Gas connection bill
- Income tax assessment order
Date of Birth Proof:
- Verification of the applicant’s age is required and can be established by providing any one of the documents listed below:
- Driving licence
- PAN card
- Birth certificate
- Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar
Photo ID Proof:
- A valid photographic identity document must be included in the passport application. Applicants should submit a copy of any one of the following:
- Voter ID
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar
- Driving licence
Passport-size Photographs:
- Applicants are required to provide two recent passport-sized photographs. These should have a white background to ensure clarity and conformity to standards.
Old Passport:
- If previously issued a passport, applicants must submit it along with their application form as part of the documentation process.
Additional Passport Documentation:
- Depending on specific conditions or circumstances, additional documentation may be necessary for the Indian passport application. It is recommended that applicants review the complete list of required documents on the official Indian Passport Seva website to ensure all paperwork is accurately prepared and submitted.
Documents Required for Minors for Indian Passport
The following are the documents required for Indian Passport for minors:
- Minor’s Birth Certificate: This is the primary document to verify the age and nationality of the minor.
- Address Proof: The proof should be in the name of one or both parents or the guardian, as applicable.
- Proof of Parents’ Citizenship: Documents to establish the citizenship status of the parents.
- Recent Passport-sized Photographs: Up-to-date photographs of the minor.
- Annexure ‘D’: A mandatory declaration by both parents/guardians, consenting to the issuance of the passport.
- Annexure ‘C’: For minors aged 15 to 18, this document is required to process the application.
- Additional Documents: Any other paperwork specified by the passport office that might be necessary depending on the minor’s circumstances.
Documents Required for Re-issue of Passport
The following are the documents required for Indian Passport in case of re-issue of old passport:
- Old Passport: You must submit your original old passport with the application. If it is expired, damaged, or valid for less than a year, it needs to be surrendered. Include a self-attested copy of the first and last two pages, as well as the ECR/Non-ECR page and the observation page, if applicable. Additionally, if your passport has a limited validity, include the validity extension page.
- Date of Birth Proof: You can submit any one of the following documents to verify your date of birth:
- Birth certificate
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate
- Address Proof: To confirm your current residence, any one of the following can be provided:
- Voter ID
- Aadhaar card
- Utility bills
- Rental agreement
- Bank account statement
- Letter from employer
- Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs are needed. These should be taken within the last six months against a white background.
Additional Documents
Depending on the specific circumstances of your passport re-issue, additional documents may be required:
- For a name change, documents such as a divorce decree or marriage certificate might be necessary.
- If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must provide the original police report and an affidavit detailing the circumstances of the theft, loss, or damage.
It is essential to ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurately submitted to avoid delays in the passport re-issue process. This comprehensive preparation helps streamline the application, ensuring that your new passport is issued without unnecessary complications.
Documents Needed for Tatkaal Passport
The following are the documents required for Indian Passport when applying for a Tatkaal passport:
- Proof of Age: Any government-recognized document that verifies the applicant’s age.
- Address Proof: Documentation confirming the applicant’s current residence.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background.
- Old Passport Copies: Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of your old passport, if applicable.
- Annexure E: A declaration confirming the applicant’s citizenship, family details, and absence of any criminal record.
- Tatkaal Fee: An expedited processing fee, higher than that for standard passport applications.
Additional Documents for Adults
Applicants over 18 must also submit any three of the following documents, in addition to those listed above:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- Student Photo ID Card from an authorised educational institution
- Ration card
- Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Updated bank passbook/Kisan passbook/post office passbook
- Photo identity card issued by any public sector organisation or by state/central government
- Pension documents
Note: It is advised to review the latest guidelines on the Passport Seva website and prepare all necessary documents prior to your appointment to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
Fee Structure for Indian Passport
The table below outlines the passport fees in India:
| Sl. No. | Services | Application Fees | Additional Tatkaal Fees |
| 1 | Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport including additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages (36 pages) of 10 years validity. | Rs.1,500/-* | Rs.2,000/-* |
| 2 | Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport including additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages (60 pages) of 10 years validity. | Rs.2,000/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 3. | Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport for Minors (below 18 years of Age), of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 whichever is earlier (36 pages) | Rs.1,000/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 4. | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport | Rs.3,000/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 5. | Replacement of Passport (60 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport | Rs.3,500/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 6. | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | Rs.500/- | NA |
| 7. | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR / Change in personal particulars (10 year validity) | Rs.1,500/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 8. | Replacement of Passport (60 pages) for deletion of ECR / Change in personal particulars (10 year validity) | Rs.2,000/- | Rs.2,000/- |
| 9. | Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ Change in personal particulars for Minors (below 18 years of Age), of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 whichever is earlier. | Rs.1,000/- | Rs.2,000/- |
Conclusion
Understanding the documents required for an Indian passport and the associated passport fees in India can significantly simplify the application process. By preparing thoroughly and ensuring all criteria are met, applicants can expect a smoother journey towards acquiring their passport. Whether applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport, staying informed and organised is key to a successful application.
