Documents Needed for Indian Passport — Clear, Practical & Up-to-Date
Issuing a passport is largely a documentation exercise. A neat, consistent set of proofs means faster processing
and fewer callbacks. Below is a comprehensive, real-world checklist for first-time applications, renewals, minors,
NRIs, government employees, name changes, and more—plus pro tips to avoid common mistakes.
Proof of Identity (Who You Are)
Identity proof binds your name and photograph to a government-recognized document. The strongest, commonly used
options are Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID (EPIC), Driving Licence, and an existing Indian passport. Aadhaar is often the
smoothest because it aligns biometrics and is easy to verify at counters. Make sure the spelling, sequence, and
punctuation in your name (including hyphens, apostrophes, initials) mirror your online application exactly.
- Aadhaar Card: Preferred for identity; if details don’t match your current name, update Aadhaar first.
- PAN Card: Great for identity; don’t rely on PAN for address since it’s rarely updated.
- Voter ID (EPIC): Useful as a backup ID and sometimes address; confirm it shows your current residence.
- Driving Licence: Accepted if valid and legible; confirm the printed address is current.
- Existing Passport: For re-issue, carry original + self-attested copies of first/last pages, ECR/Non-ECR page, and any observation pages.
Maintain the same case (uppercase/lowercase) across form and proofs; it reduces data entry variation.
Proof of Address (Where You Live)
Your passport is tied to your current address and police station jurisdiction. Provide recent, legible proofs that
clearly display your name and address. If you moved recently, bring two strong proofs, and update Aadhaar/bank KYC
beforehand to keep your identity trail clean.
- Aadhaar (updated): If it matches your current address, it’s usually the easiest.
- Utility Bills: Electricity/water/gas; typically not older than 3 months; keep full page with logos visible.
- Bank Statement/Passbook: Recent, stamped statement or updated passbook showing your address.
- Registered Rent Agreement: For tenants; unregistered/handwritten agreements are risky.
- Employer/PSU Certificate: If residing in govt/PSU accommodation, use a letter on official letterhead.
Mobile bills, courier receipts, and informal rent slips are usually not accepted—avoid weak proofs.
Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)
DOB affects category (minor/adult), validity, and visa eligibility. The gold standard is the Birth Certificate
from a municipal/notified authority. Educational records may be accepted depending on guidelines, but ensure the
name and parents’ details align.
- Birth Certificate: Names of child and parents must be correct, seals legible; late registration may need affidavits.
- Secondary/Senior Secondary School Certificate: Where permitted; ensure exact name format.
- Existing Passport: For re-issue, if particulars remain unchanged.
Photographs (Biometric Standards)
Photo re-capture wastes time. Follow specs strictly so your biometrics pass on the first attempt.
- Size: 35mm × 45mm
- Background: Plain white or very light; avoid patterns and shadows.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open; head straight.
- Accessories: No sunglasses/caps; thin clear spectacles allowed if eyes fully visible (no glare).
- Digital: JPEG as per portal size/KB limits; request the studio for exact-spec soft copy.
Ask the studio for both prints and digital files; name the file like Photo_35x45.jpg.
Marital Status & Name Change
If your name changed due to marriage/divorce or by choice, align the documentary trail. Banks, income tax (PAN),
airline profiles, and visas should gradually match the same name to avoid friction during travel.
- Marriage Certificate: If adopting spouse’s surname or adding a middle/last name.
- Divorce Decree: If reverting to maiden name or changing particulars post-divorce.
- Gazette Notification: For legal name change; keep copies of the Gazette page showing your entry.
- Affidavits/Joint Declarations: For minor spelling adjustments where advised.
Documents for Minors (Under 18)
- Birth Certificate of the child (clear, legible, correct names).
- Consent of both parents (as per current rules); carry parents’ IDs/passports if available.
- Address proof linking the child to residence (often through parents’ proofs).
- Single parent/guardian cases: Attach guardianship/court orders/affidavits as applicable.
Minors usually receive shorter validity (often 5 years or until 18). Plan renewals around school breaks/travel.
Senior Citizens
Seniors can use standard IDs plus pension/government IDs. Essentials remain the same—identity, address, and DOB.
Carry originals and crisp self-attested copies for quick on-counter verification.
Government/PSU/Defence Employees
- No Objection/Identity Certificate: As per departmental format and current posting.
- Official ID Card and, when needed, residence certificate on letterhead.
- Deputation/Transfer: Attach current posting order or transfer details if address differs.
NRIs & Applicants Abroad
- Valid visa/residence permit of the host country.
- Proof of Indian citizenship (previous passport/OCI where applicable).
- Local address proof abroad (utility bill/tenancy/bank letter).
- Loss/Damage abroad: Follow Mission/Consulate guidance; keep police/incident report if required.
Digital Hygiene & Scanning
Treat documentation like a project. Build a folder named PASSPORT_SURNAME_FIRSTNAME with subfolders:
Identity, Address, DOB, Photos, Special. Scan at 300–400 DPI, crop
cleanly, remove shadows, and ensure upright orientation. Merge multi-page items (e.g., bank statements) into one
PDF in the correct order. Open each file at 125% zoom to catch blur, skew, or cut edges.
- File naming: ID_Aadhaar.pdf, Address_RentAgreement.pdf, DOB_BirthCert.pdf.
- Backups: Keep one cloud + one offline encrypted copy.
- USB/Phone copy: Carry a read-only copy in case you need to re-upload at the center.
Self-Attestation & Originals
- Carry originals of every document for verification.
- Self-attest photocopies with signature + date at the bottom of each page.
- Use paper clips (not staples) and add sticky tabs “ID / Address / DOB / Photos / Special”.
Do’s & Don’ts
- Do: Mirror exact spellings/initials across all proofs and the online form.
- Do: Prefer Aadhaar for identity and address consistency.
- Do: Keep two photocopies of each critical document.
- Do: Use studio-quality photos that reflect your current appearance.
- Don’t: Submit blurry, cropped, or glare-heavy scans.
- Don’t: Rely on outdated bills or informal rent slips.
- Don’t: Ignore punctuation/initials; even small differences can trigger queries.
- Don’t: Book non-refundable tickets before passport delivery.
Special Situations (Quick Notes)
| Situation | Extra Documents | Tip |
|---|
| Lost/Damaged Passport |
FIR/DDR or loss report, affidavit, old passport details if available |
If abroad, contact nearest Mission for Emergency Certificate first. |
| Name Change (non-marriage) |
Gazette notification + supporting ID trail |
Align PAN, bank, and travel profiles to the new name. |
| Address Recently Changed |
Two strong proofs (Aadhaar update + bank/utility) |
Update KYC before applying to avoid police delays. |
| Adopted Child |
Adoption deed/court order + birth/guardianship documents |
Ensure names/relationships match across all papers. |
useful Sources
Passport Seva Portal ·
Document Advisor ·
Fee Calculator
Final Pre-Appointment Checklist
- Online application submitted; note the ARN and appointment time.
- Identity proof ready (Aadhaar/PAN/DL/Voter/Old Passport).
- Address proof current and consistent (Aadhaar/utility/bank/rent agreement).
- DOB proof verified (Birth Certificate or accepted school certificate).
- Passport photos (prints + exact-spec JPEG).
- Special papers: Marriage/Divorce/Gazette/NOC etc., if applicable.
- Self-attested photocopies (2 sets) + all originals.
- Soft copies backed up on phone/cloud/USB.
Solid documentation solves 90% of passport delays. If something looks inconsistent, fix the source document first—don’t
gamble on explanations at the counter.