Getting an Indian passport is simple when you know the correct documents to prepare. A passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the Government of India. It is used not only for international travel but also as a strong proof of identity and address inside the country. Many applications are delayed because people bring incomplete documents, incorrect address proofs or certificates that do not match their personal details. This guide explains all the documents required for passport in India whether you need for a fresh passport, renewal, tatkaal passport, minor passport and special cases.
The goal of this article is to make the entire process clear, easy and practical. It includes step by step instructions, detailed checklists, common mistakes and a complete FAQ section. You can also refer to the official government portal for updates: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
Types of Passports in India
India mainly issues the following types of passports:
- Fresh Passport for first time applicants
- Reissue or Renewal of Passport
- Tatkaal Passport for urgent travel
- Minor Passport for applicants below 18 years
Documents required for a fresh passport
For a fresh passport you generally need three categories of proof. These are Proof of Date of Birth, Proof of Address and Identity Proof. You must submit originals at the Passport Seva Kendra for verification and attach self attested photocopies with your application.
1 – Proof of Date of Birth (submit any one)
- Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority or District Office of Municipal Corporation
- School Leaving Certificate or Matriculation Certificate showing DOB
- Pan Card or Aadhaar Card can be used if they show date of birth
- Passport of parents in case of minors when birth certificate is not available
Source: Passport Seva document advisor. Document list for fresh passport
2 – Proof of Address (submit any one unless additional proof is asked)
| Accepted Documents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Most preferred. Ensure address is current. |
| Voter ID | Good if it shows current address and clear photo. |
| Electricity, Water or Telephone bill | Use recent bills within past 12 months. |
| Registered Rent Agreement | Only registered agreement is accepted as address proof. |
| Bank Passbook or Statement | Must show current address. If statement is older, it may be rejected. |
| Income Tax Assessment Order | Useful for those who file ITR. |
Complete list of acceptable documents is maintained on Passport Seva: List of acceptable documents
3 – Identity Proof (submit any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
4 – Case based additional documents
- Government employee: Annexure A or identity certificate as per rules. See Non ECR and special case pages. Non ECR documents
- Married women who changed name: Marriage certificate or spouse passport copy and name change affidavit if required
- Divorced applicants: Certified divorce decree
- Widows: Death certificate of spouse
- Adopted child: Adoption deed or court order
Documents required for passport renewal or reissue
Renewal is needed when passport is expired, damaged, lost or visa pages are exhausted. The main document is the existing passport.
- Original existing passport
- Self attested copy of first two pages, last two pages and any page with observation
- If passport was lost or damaged then additional declaratory forms may be required such as Annexure F. See annexures page. Passport annexures and forms
- Address proof and identity proof as required if your details changed since last passport
Passport reissue document guidance: Documents for reissue
Documents required for Tatkaal passport
Tatkaal is for urgent travel. Along with normal proofs, there are extra requirements and affidavit forms.
- Annexure F verification certificate in many cases. Annexure F specimen is on the Passport Seva site. Annexure F
- Annexure I affidavit for tatkaal where applicable
- Proof of urgency such as confirmed travel ticket or medical certificate if travel is for medical reasons
- Standard identity and address proofs like Aadhaar, Voter ID
- Police and verifying authority certificates where required
Tatkaal documents summary: Tatkaal passport page
Documents required for minor passport (below 18 years)
1 – Standard documents for minors
- Birth Certificate in the name of minor
- Parents Aadhaar or other identity proof
- Parents passport copies if available
- Annexure D declaration by parents or guardian
- School certificate if birth certificate is not available
2 – If one parent is not available or single parent cases
- Annexure C or Annexure G may be required depending on the situation
- Court order granting custody if parents are separated
Guidelines for minor photographs and other details are given here: Photo guidelines for minors
Passport photograph Rules and Checklist
Follow the official photo rules or your application may be delayed.
- Size: 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm
- Colour photograph with light or plain background
- Full face visible, eyes open and mouth closed
- Head should not be covered except for religious reasons and whole face must be visible
- No heavy shadows on face or background
Official photo rules and specifications: Passport photo and application instructions
How to apply for a Passport online step by step
Step 1. Create an account on Passport Seva Portal
Go to the Passport Seva website and register using your mobile number and email. After registration you will get a login to complete the form.
Step 2. Fill the online application form carefully
Choose the correct application type: Fresh, Reissue, Tatkaal and provide accurate personal details. Use the exact spelling as on your documents. Save and print the application summary if needed.
Step 3. Upload documents where required
The portal allows uploading certain documents. For most cases you still need to carry originals and photocopies to the Passport Seva Kendra for verification. Attach self attested copies with the printed application when asked.
Step 4. Pay the fee online
Pay via debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. You will receive an acknowledgement and a Payment Receipt Number. Fees vary by passport type and number of pages. Use the fee calculator on the portal to confirm the exact charge. Passport fee calculator
Step 5. Book an appointment at PSK or POPSK
Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra and book a convenient date and time for document submission and biometric capture.
Step 6. Visit the PSK on the appointment day
Take original documents, one set of self attested photocopies, appointment receipt and photos. At the PSK your documents will be verified, fingerprints and photograph will be captured, and you will receive a token number.
Step 7. Police verification
Police verification normally happens after PSK visit. There are three police verification modes: Pre, Post and No verification required mode depending on your case. In many straightforward applications police verification is carried out after you visit the PSK. The Passport Seva portal will show the verification mode for your application.
Typical police verification timelines and notes
- Average issuance time excluding police verification is about 7 to 10 days for a normal passport. For tatkaal the processing excluding police verification is 1 to 3 days. Source: Ministry of External Affairs reply. MEA average processing time
- Police verification time varies by location. Digitised police jurisdictions often complete verification in 5 to 7 working days. In other places it may take 10 to 21 days.
- Recent court directions emphasise that police verification should be completed faster. Check local police and Passport Office updates if there is a long delay. See news coverage for recent rulings. Economic Times news on police verification timelines
Step 8. Passport printing and delivery
After successful police verification the passport is printed and dispatched by speed post. You will get SMS and email updates with the tracking link once it is sent.
Passport Services and Fees
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh or Reissue Passport 36 pages | Rs. 1,500 | 10 year validity for adults |
| Fresh or Reissue Passport 60 pages | Rs. 2,000 | Higher fee, useful for frequent travellers |
| Tatkaal Passport (36 pages) | Approx Rs. 3,500 | Extra fee over normal charge for urgent processing |
| Minor passport | Rs. 1,000 | Five year validity or until 18 years of age, whichever is earlier |
Always confirm the exact fee using the official fee calculator: Passport fee calculator
Common reasons for delay or rejection of Passport and how to avoid them
- Mismatch of name or date of birth across documents. Solution: Get a corrected document before applying.
- Address mismatch. Solution: Use a single current address proof like Aadhaar and update address everywhere if needed.
- Unregistered rent agreement. Solution: Get the rent agreement registered or provide alternate address proof.
- Incomplete or poor quality photos. Solution: Follow the photo rules strictly.
- Non response to police verification calls. Solution: Respond quickly and provide required details to local police.
- Handwritten corrections on documents or application. Solution: Use clean, printed documents and avoid overwriting.
Special cases and Document checklist for Passport
Name change after marriage
- Marriage certificate or spouse passport copy
- Affidavit for name change if required
Name change after divorce
- Certified divorce decree
- Affidavit for name change if you are reverting to maiden name
Lost passport reissue
- Copy of FIR lodged for the lost passport
- Annexure F or other declaration forms as requested
- Proof of identity and address
NRIs applying from India or abroad
- Overseas applicants should check the Indian mission or embassy website for country specific requirements
- Some documents may need notarisation or apostille when applying from abroad
For non standard or government service cases check the Passport Seva annexures page: Annexures and forms
Passport Document Basic Checklists
Checklist A: Fresh adult applicant with Aadhaar as proof
- Original Aadhaar and one self attested copy
- Birth certificate or school leaving certificate and one self attested copy
- Latest passport size photos as per guidelines
- Printed application form and payment receipt
- Any additional documents if case based
Checklist B: Renewal when nothing has changed
- Old passport original and self attested copy of relevant pages
- Printed application form and payment receipt
- Photos as per rules
Checklist C: Tatkaal application for emergency travel
- Regular address and identity proofs
- Annexure F and Annexure I if asked
- Proof of emergency such as confirmed travel ticket or hospital certificate
Useful links and references
- Passport Seva portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
- List of acceptable documents: https://services1.passportindia.gov.in/psp/ListDocuments
- Annexures and forms: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp/Annexures
- Photo and application instructions: Application form guidelines
- Tatkaal rules and documents: Tatkaal passport
- Fee calculator: Fee calculator
- Police verification modes and info: Police verification mode details
- Annexure F specimen: Annexure F
Final tips to ensure a smooth Passport application
- Double check all document copies are self attested and clear
- Make sure your contact number and email are active for SMS and email updates
- Respond quickly to any police queries or emails from Passport Seva
- If you have unusual documents or complicated cases contact your regional Passport Office for guidance before you apply
- Keep scanned copies of all documents for future reference
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Passport Application Documents
1. Is Aadhaar enough for applying for a passport?
Yes. Aadhaar is accepted as both identity proof and address proof in most cases. However, if your Aadhaar does not show your current address, you must provide another address proof. The Passport Seva Kendra may also ask for additional supporting documents depending on your profile.
2. Can I apply for a passport without a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use other accepted documents such as a School Leaving Certificate, Matriculation Certificate or PAN card that shows your date of birth. Accepted date of birth documents are listed here: Passport Seva Document Advisor
3. How many address proofs are required?
Only one address proof is usually required unless the document is unclear or outdated. Commonly used proofs include Aadhaar, Voter ID, electricity bills or registered rent agreements. The address on your proof must match the address you enter in your application form.
4. What is the best document to use as address proof?
Aadhaar Card is the simplest and most widely accepted address proof because it contains updated information and is easy to verify. If your Aadhaar is not updated, use a recent electricity bill, water bill or registered rent agreement.
5. Is police verification compulsory for all passport applications?
Most fresh passport applications require police verification. Some renewal cases may be eligible for pre-approved verification depending on your previous passport details. Police verification modes are explained here: PVR Mode Details
6. What documents should I keep ready for police verification?
You should keep your address proof, identity proof, hard copy of your application receipt, and any supporting documents used during the PSK visit. Police may request additional documents if your address history is long or unclear.
7. How long does police verification take?
Most cities complete verification within 5 to 7 working days. Smaller towns may take 10 to 21 days. Tatkaal applications may have a different verification route. Processing time details are available in Ministry of External Affairs responses: MEA Response
8. What if my passport documents have spelling mistakes or mismatched details?
You should correct the document before applying. Even small differences in spelling or initials can delay your application. Passport offices do not accept handwritten corrections. Submit clean, updated and consistent documents.
9. Can I use an unregistered rent agreement as proof of address for Passport?
No. Only a registered rent agreement is accepted. Unregistered rent agreements or simple notarised agreements are not valid. If you do not have a registered agreement, use another proof such as Aadhaar, electricity bill or bank statement.
10. What documents are needed for minor passport applicants?
Minors need a birth certificate, passport copies of parents if available, and Annexure D signed by parents. If only one parent is present or if parents are divorced, additional affidavits like Annexure C or G may be required. Guidelines for minor applicants are detailed here: Minor Photo Guidelines
11. Do I need to carry photos if PSK captures photos on the spot?
PSKs capture your photograph during the appointment, but you should still carry printed passport size photos. These may be needed for Annexures, police verification or additional documentation requested by authorities.
12. What documents are needed for a Tatkaal passport?
Tatkaal applications need standard documents plus Annexure F or Annexure I depending on the case. You may also need to show proof of urgency. Tatkaal rules and lists are given here: Tatkaal Passport
13. What happens if police verification fails?
Your application may be put on hold or rejected. You will be informed through SMS or email. You can reapply after correcting the issues. If verification failed due to an address mismatch, prepare a valid address proof before reapplying.
14. Can I change my name or surname when applying for a passport?
Yes. If you want to change your name after marriage, divorce or personal reasons, you must provide documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or an affidavit for name change. The complete list of annexures for name change is available here: Passport Annexures
15. How do I know which documents apply to my case?
You can use the official Document Advisor tool. It gives a customised list based on your application type and profile: Document Advisor
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