What Are the Documents Required for Passport Application?

A passport is a vital document that helps you cross international borders and also serves as identification proof. You can easily apply for a passport online or through a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). The Indian government has laid down certain guidelines for issuing/re-issuing passports. This includes a list of pre-requisite documents that you must submit in the given format to ensure hassle-free issuance/re-issuance of your passport.Read on to learn more about the documents required for passport.

• A passport is an essential travel as well as an identity proof document.
• You may apply for a fresh/renewal of your passport by submitting valid documents in the prescribed format.
• The documents required for passport might vary depending upon the type of application.
• You need to submit the documents required for passport online and then visit the PSK on the given date.

The first question that comes to mind before applying for a passport iswhat documents are required for passport appointment.The PSK is very particular about thedocuments required for passport and requires you to submit a basic list of documents along with the application form. However, depending on the type of application, you might be asked to submit a few more documents in addition to the basicpassport documents list.Let's look at thedocuments needed for a passportin detail.

The basic documents needed for passport for all types of applications are given below -

• Voter ID card
• Aadhaar card/e-Aadhaar
• PAN card
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• 10th standard mark sheet
• Copy of bank passbook
• School leaving certificate
• Ration card

If you are applying for a new passport, given below is a list of documents required at passport office -

Identification Proof

Aadhaar card, voter ID card, PAN card, driving licence, government ID card, photo credit card, government service ID card, or a pension document.

Residential Proof

Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone, or gas) in the applicant’s name, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving licence, bank statement copy with attested photo of the applicant, rent agreement, or income tax assessment order.

Date of Birth Proof

Birth certificate issued by the municipal authorities or the registrar of births and deaths, date of birth certificate issued by a gazetted officer, declaration issued by the head of the orphanage/child care home, or a copy of Aadhaar or e-Aadhaar of the applicant.

Passport Size Photographs

Three passport-size photographs of size 2X2 inches on a plain white background. You need to avoid wearing glasses and should have neutral expressions in the photograph being submitted.

In case you are a parent and wish to apply for your child’s passport, then you will have to submit the following documents required for passport:

Identity Proof

A self-attested copy of either parent’s passport along with the minor’s birth certificate.

Residential Proof

The parent’s current residential proof includes a passbook of an active bank account, copies of utility bills (electricity, water, telephone, or gas), or rent agreements.

Age Proof

Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation, declaration given by any orphanage on their letterhead, school leaving certificates, 10th and 12th passing mark sheets, or a policy bond issued by a life insurance company with the policyholder’s date of birth mentioned on it.

Photographs

Three coloured photographs of the child of size 2 X 2 inches. Also read - Find out if travel insurance covers the loss of passport

In case you need to apply for renewal, the following passport documents list will be needed. The documents required for passport are:

Original Old Passport

Submit the old passport with copies of the first two and the last two pages, the ECR/Non-ECR page and the observation page.

Address Proof

Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone, or gas) in the applicant’s name, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving licence, and bank statement copy with an attested photo of the applicant, rent agreement, or income tax assessment order.

Passport Size Photographs

Two recent colour photographs measuring 2X2 inches.

For re-issuance of a minor’s passport, the following passport documents have to be submitted by the parent:

Original Old Passport

Submit the minor's old passport with copies of the first two and the last two pages, the ECR/Non-ECR page and the observation page.

Parental Consent

A consent letter from the minor’s parents/legal guardian.

School Leaving Certificate

You must submit a copy of the school leaving certificate.

Address Proof

Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone, or gas) in the applicant’s name, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving license, and bank statement copy with the attested photo of the applicant, rent agreement, or income tax assessment order.

If you are applying for a Tatkaal passport, the documents required for passport are -

• Age proof
• Residential proof
• Two passport-size photographs measuring 4.5 cm x 3 cm on a white background.
• Self-attested copies of the first and last two pages of your old passport.
• Annexure e-confirming your declaration and family information as well as stating that you hold no criminal record.
• Tatkaal fee payment- The Tatkaal passport application fee is slightly more than the normal one.

Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you must also submit any three of the given list of acceptable documents, which include:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Birth certificate
• Ration card
• Voter ID card
• Bank passbook
• Government-issued ID card
• Pension documents

Also read - Know what to do if you lose your passport overseas

The Indian government is very specific about the passport application process and can deny your passport issuance/renewal if you fail to submit valid documents. Hence, it's always advisable to thoroughly check the documents required for passport before uploading and submitting them to avoid hassles later.