List of Documents Required for Passport in India

Planning an international trip? Don’t let a rejected passport application derail your plans. Submitting accurate documents, proof of identity, address, and date of birth is key to a smooth process. This post outlines exactly what you need to get your Indian passport approved without delays.

Documents Required for Fresh/New Passport Application

Here is a list of documents that are mandatory to submit by an adult to apply for a fresh/new Indian passport with the ECR category (Emigration Check Required) and no other specific conditions:

Refer to the official Passport Seva portal to know more about the documents required for a passport application by a minor, senior citizen, or government employee under the ECR or non-ECR category. This portal also provides the list of documents required for Tatkal passport application by a minor, adult, senior citizen, government employee or a private sector employee under ECR or non-ECR category.

Note:- The information provided above is indicative. The decision of the Assistant Passport Officer (APO) / Regional Passport Officer (RPO) shall be considered final.

Documents Needed for Re-issue of Passport (Lost/Damaged/Expiry)

If your Indian passport is no longer valid, is about to expire, has been lost or damaged, you will need to apply for a re-issue. Although the official government portal for passport re-issue relies on a dynamic checklist as per individual case, here are generally accepted document types based on official instructions:

• The original previous passport (expired, damaged, or requiring re-issue for other reasons)
• Proof of address
• Supporting documents depending on the re-issue reason (e.g., name change, marriage, lost passport)
• Self-attested photocopies of all submitted originals

Refer to the official Passport Seva portal to know more about the documents required for the re-issue of a passport application by a minor, government employee, or retired government employee, under the ECR or non-ECR category.

Note: The information provided above is indicative. The decision of the Assistant Passport Officer (APO) / Regional Passport Officer (RPO) shall be considered final

Conclusion

Obtaining an Indian passport is straightforward if you have the correct and relevant documents. From proof of identity, address and date of birth to age verification and other supporting documents, every part plays a vital role in the process.

If you miss a single document or provide an incorrect one, it may lead to delays or rejection of passport applications. Therefore, be aware of the required documents, a passport and organise them in advance, helping you save time with a smooth experience. For the most recent list of documents required for passport applications under different circumstances, always double-check the official Passport Seva portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required when a minor applies for a passport?

Proof of address, proof of date of birth (such as a birth certificate), and copies of the parents' passports are necessary for minors. In most cases, both parents' consent is required.

Is it necessary to provide self-attested copies of all documents even if I give the originals?

Yes, it is necessary to provide self-attested photocopies of all required documents during the time of application, along with the originals for verification.

What may happen if the documents proving my residence and identity have different addresses?

In these situations, you may be asked to submit further documents, including rental agreements, utility bills, or an Aadhaar update, to prove your current residence.

What are the other documents needed for applicants under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category for a passport application?

Additional documentation, such as evidence of age, proof of address, and relevant employment or educational credentials, is required of applicants in the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category. These are necessary to guarantee eligibility and prevent application delays or rejections for passports.

What can happen to the passport application if the document formats aren’t according to specifications?

If the submitted documents are not in the standard format, or if some unclear photocopies or photographs do not meet passport specifications, it can lead to delays or rejection in the passport application, even if all required documents are present.