A passport is one of the most important identity documents issued by the Government of India. Whether you plan to travel internationally, apply for visas, study abroad, or use it as an identity document, having a valid passport is essential. The process of applying for a passport is simple, but it requires submitting a proper set of documents that verify your personal details, address, age, and citizenship.
The type of passport application—new, renewal, reissue, Tatkaal, minor, or diplomatic—determines exactly which documents you must provide. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents can delay your appointment or cause your application to be put on hold.
This detailed guide explains every category of passport documentation in India, why each document is required, common mistakes applicants make, and how to ensure a smooth, hassle-free passport approval.
⭐ What Are the Required Documents for an Indian Passport?
The documents required for a passport act as proof of:
- Your identity
- Your address (current residence)
- Your date of birth
- Your Indian citizenship
- Your eligibility for the type of passport
Depending on whether you’re applying for a new passport, renewal, reissue, Tatkaal, or a minor’s passport, the list of documents may vary slightly.
Before your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment, ensure that:
- All photocopies are self-attested
- Originals are carried for verification
- Documents match the details in your passport application form
⭐ Documents Required for a New Passport
Applying for a new passport is the most common category for first-time applicants. The PSK verifies your identity, your current address, and your date of birth.
✔ 1. Address Proof (Any one document)
Accepted proof includes:
- Aadhaar Card / e-Aadhaar
- Bank passbook or bank statement
- Voter ID
- Water, telephone, electricity, or gas bill
- Rental agreement
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Registered sale deed
- Employer’s certificate (in government/PSUs only)
Why it’s required:
Your passport must contain your current residential address, and police verification is based on this address.
✔ 2. Date of Birth Proof (Any one document)
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card (accepted in many PSKs)
- Driving licence
- School leaving certificate
Why it’s required:
The passport office must verify your exact date of birth to issue a correct passport booklet.
✔ 3. Photo Identity Proof (Any one)
Most accepted options include:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
Note: Aadhaar is the most preferred document as it confirms both identity and address.
✔ 4. Passport Size Photographs
- Two recent color photos
- White background
- No shadows, no filters
PSKs now capture your photo digitally, but physical photographs may still be requested.
✔ 5. Old Passport (if any)
If you previously held a passport (even expired), it must be submitted.
✔ 6. Additional Case-Based Documents
Applicants with special circumstances (single parents, adoption, name change, etc.) may need additional documents. Always check Passport Seva Portal for updated requirements.
⭐ Documents Required for Minor’s Passport
A child below 18 years is considered a minor for passport application. Minor passports have special rules, verification procedures, and required documents.
✔ Required Documents
- Minor’s Birth Certificate (mandatory)
- Address proof of parents
- Proof of parents’ Indian citizenship
- Passport photos of the minor
- Annexure D — declaration by both parents
- Annexure C — for minors aged 15 to 18 (self-declaration + parental consent)
- Additional documents if only one parent is available
Important Notes for Minor Applications:
- Both parents must appear at the PSK with original ID proofs.
- If one parent cannot come, a notarized Annexure C must be submitted.
- In custody cases, legal guardianship documents must be submitted.
Why these documents matter:
Minors are not verified through address or police verification in the same way as adults. Parental identity and address proofs confirm the minor’s residence and citizenship.
⭐ Documents Required for Reissue of Minor’s Passport
A minor’s passport may require reissue in cases of:
- Expiry
- Changes in details
- Loss or damage
- Exhaustion of pages
✔ Required Documents:
- Old Passport
- Original passport
- First two & last two pages
- ECR/Non-ECR page
- Observation pages
- Parental Consent Letter
- School Certificate
Used to verify academic details and minor’s identity. - Parent’s Address Proof
One of the following must be submitted by a parent:- Aadhaar
- Utility bills
- Bank statement with applicant’s photo
- Driving licence
- Rent agreement
⭐ Documents Required for Passport Appointment
These are the standard documents you must always carry for your PSK appointment:
Address Proof:
Aadhaar, Voter ID, bank statement, bills, rent agreement, or IT assessment.
Date of Birth Proof:
Birth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN, or driving licence.
Identity Proof:
Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, DL.
Photographs:
Two recent passport-sized photos.
Old Passport:
If applicable.
⭐ Documents Required for Passport Renewal
Renewal applies to passports that are about to expire or have already expired.
✔ Required Documents:
- Old Passport (mandatory)
- Original book
- Copies of first & last pages
- ECR/Non-ECR page
- Observation pages
- Date of Birth Proof
- Birth certificate
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- School leaving certificate
- Address Proof
- Aadhaar
- Voter ID
- Utility bills
- Rental agreement
- Employer’s certificate
- Photographs
Recent passport-sized photos. - Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Name change affidavit
- Police FIR (lost or stolen passport)
⭐ Documents Required for Passport Reissue
Reissue is different from renewal. Reissue happens when:
- You change your name
- Your passport pages are exhausted
- Passport is lost, stolen, or damaged
- You change your address
- Passport expired more than 3 years ago
✔ Required Documents:
1. Old Passport
- Original (even if damaged)
- Copies of all important pages
2. DOB Proof
Same as earlier categories.
3. Address Proof
Same list as renewal.
4. Photographs
Two recent photos.
5. Additional Case-Based Documents
- FIR for lost/stolen passport
- Damage explanation affidavit
- Court orders (in custody cases)
- Gazette notification (in case of name change)
⭐ Documents Required for Tatkaal Passport
Tatkaal passports require stricter checks due to faster processing.
✔ Mandatory Documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- School leaving certificate
- Voter ID
- PAN card
- Telephone or mobile bill
- Previous passport (if available)
- Two recent passport photos
- Police Verification Certificate (PVC)
- Annexure E — minor with one parent’s consent
- Annexure H — minor with both parents’ consent
Tatkaal applicants may be asked for additional documents depending on the urgency and verification level.
⭐ Documents Required for Diplomatic or Official Passport
These passports are issued to:
- Government officers travelling officially
- Indian diplomats
- Individuals representing India abroad
✔ Required Documents:
- Official identity card
- Request letter from forwarding officer
- Certificate from Head of Office
- Political/PMO clearance (if required)
- Undertaking if retiring within 6 months
- Original diplomatic/official passport (for reissue/cancellation)
- Surrender or Safe Certificate
These applications follow a specialized verification process.
⭐ Conclusion
Whether you’re applying for a new passport, renewing an old one, seeking a Tatkaal passport, or applying for your child, having the correct documents is the key to a smooth experience. Submitting clear, self-attested copies and carrying all originals ensures faster verification at the Passport Seva Kendra.
Passport documentation may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances, so always check the official Passport Seva Portal before your appointment.
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