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Documents Required for an Indian Passport

Team AckoOct 1, 2025

For Indians, a passport is a valuable identity document that can be used not only for international flights but also for opening an account, getting a job, and authenticating personal information. That's why it's essential that you have the appropriate set of documents before you apply.

Knowing the proper documents will save you time and prevent useless delays if you are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or obtaining a Tatkal passport.

This article covers everything you need to know about the documents required for an Indian passport.

Contents

List of Documents Required to Apply for a New Passport
Documents to Carry for Passport Office Appointment
Extra Documents Required in Special Cases
Documents Required to Reissue a Passport
Documents Required for Passport Renewal
- Passport Renewal Process
Documents Required for Tatkal Passport
Documents Required for Diplomatic/Official Passport
How to Apply for a Passport Online
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions
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List of Documents Required to Apply for a New Passport

To apply for a new passport, make sure you have all the passport application documents ready. The following includes the passport documents list that the authorities accept:

The following are the different categories of documents you need to have when applying for an Indian passport:

1. Identity Proof

You have to provide a valid ID issued by the government. Any one of the following will work:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID

• PAN Card

• Driving Licence

• Government-issued service ID

2. Proof of Address

Your current address should match what you mentioned in the application. Below is the list of accepted documents.

• Aadhaar Card (with updated address)

• Electricity, water, or gas bill

• Bank statement with a stamped photo of the applicant

• Rent agreement

• Income Tax Assessment Order

3. Proof of Date of Birth

Here's the list of commonly accepted documents:

• Birth Certificate from municipal authorities

• School Leaving Certificate

• 10th standard mark sheet

• Aadhaar Card (in some cases)

4. Passport-Sized Photographs

Make sure you have a recent colour photo (2x2 inches) with a white background. Also, keep a few extra copies handy.

Read More: What is an e-passport in India? Meaning, Benefits, and Features

Documents to Carry for Passport Office Appointment

When you visit the passport office or centre for your appointment, keep both originals and photocopies of the required documents. These generally include:

Identity proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card.
Address proof: Utility bill, ration card, or rental agreement.
Date of birth proof: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or 10th mark sheet.
Marriage certificate: If applying after marriage or for a name change.

Ensuring all documents are valid and consistent with your application details will help you avoid delays at the passport office.

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Extra Documents Required in Special Cases

While the above are general requirements, some situations demand additional paperwork:

• For Minors: Parents’ passports, birth certificate of the child, and proof of address of parents.

• For Married Applicants: A Marriage certificate may be needed if you want your spouse’s name endorsed.

• For Divorced Applicants: Divorce decree copy.

• For Government Employees: A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the department.

• For Tatkal Passports: Annexure forms, police verification certificate, and additional ID proofs.

• For Passport Renewal/Reissue: Your old passport, photocopies of key pages, and proof of address if changed.

Read More: Passport Fees in India: Complete Guide to Passport Application Fees & How to Pay (2025)

Documents Required to Reissue a Passport

If your passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or about to expire, you’ll need to apply for a reissue. The documents required can vary depending on the reason, but here are the common ones you should keep ready:

1. Old Passport

Submit your original passport (if available) along with a photocopy of the first two and last two pages, ECR/Non-ECR page, and any observation pages. If the passport is lost, you’ll need a copy of it (if you have one) plus additional documents (see below).

2. Proof of Identity

Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card can be used.

3. Proof of Address

Utility bills, ration card, rental agreement, or bank statement with your current address.

4. Proof of Date of Birth

Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or 10th standard mark sheet.

5. Police Report (in case of loss/damage)

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must file an FIR or police complaint and carry the acknowledgement/receipt.

6. Annexures (if applicable)

Sometimes, the passport office may ask for additional declarations or affidavits, especially in cases of loss, damage, or changes in personal details.

7. Recent Passport Size Photos

Generally, photos are taken at the passport office/PSK, but carry a couple of passport-sized photos as a backup.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

If your passport is nearing expiry or has already expired, you need to apply for renewal. Having the right documents ready makes the process quicker and stress-free. Here’s what you will need:

Old Passport: Carry your original passport along with photocopies of the first two and last two pages, ECR/Non-ECR page, and any page with observations or validity extensions.
Proof of Present Address: You can submit an Aadhaar card, a voter ID, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a rental agreement as proof of where you currently live.
Proof of Date of Birth: Your current passport usually works as proof. If not, you can use a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or your 10th class mark sheet.
Annexures (if needed): In cases of name changes, additions to spouses' names, or personal details updates, the passport office may ask for documents like marriage certificates, affidavits, or gazette notifications.
Photographs: At most Passport Seva Kendras, your photo is taken on the spot. Still, it’s good to carry a couple of recent passport-sized photos just in case.

Passport Renewal Process

Renewing a passport in India is quite easy if you follow the right steps. Here’s how the process works:

Online Application
Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in. Fill out the renewal application form with your details, upload documents if required, and pay the fees online.

Book an Appointment
Once you have made the payment, you can book a slot at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office. You’ll receive an appointment confirmation, which you need to carry with you.

Visit the Passport Office/PSK
On the appointment day, carry your old passport and the required documents. At the centre, your photo, biometrics, and signatures will be taken. The staff will also verify your documents.

Police Verification (if required)
In many cases, police verification is not needed for renewals. But if you have changed your address or personal details, the local police may visit to verify your information.

Passport Printing and Delivery
Once everything is cleared, your renewed passport will be printed and dispatched. You can track its status online, and it usually arrives at your home via speed post.

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport

If you’re applying for a Tatkal passport (urgent passport), you need to submit a few specific documents along with your application. The most important thing is to prove your identity, address, and citizenship.

You will need:

Aadhaar Card
Previous Passport (if applicable)
Voter ID
PAN Card
Birth Certificate
Annexure H (if both parents give consent for minors)
Annexure E (if one parent gives consent for minors)
School Leaving Certificate
Police Verification Certificate (PVC)
Two passport-size photographs
Landline or Mobile Bill

The passport office may ask for more documents depending on your case, especially if there’s a change in details like name or address. It is vital to note that under Tatkal, police verification is often done after the passport is issued, so you can get your passport much faster compared to the normal process.

Documents Required for Diplomatic/Official Passport

Diplomatic and official passports are issued for individuals on official diplomatic missions. The following passport documents are needed:

Proof of date of birth
Proof of current address
A copy of the official order or appointment letter
An identity card issued by the sponsoring body
A letter from the sponsoring authority

How to Apply for a Passport Online

To apply for a passport online, follow these steps:

Visit the official website: Go to the official passport application site.
Create an account: Register or log in if you already have an account.
Fill the application form: Complete the online application form with accurate personal details.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload the necessary documents required for a passport, such as identity proof, address proof, and photographs.
Pay Fees: Make the required payment online.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an online passport appointment at the nearest Passport Office.
Print Receipt: Download and print the application receipt with your appointment details.
Attend Appointment: Visit the assigned office on the given date for biometric data collection and document verification.
Receive Passport: Await your passport’s processing and delivery.

Final Words

It's easier to apply for a passport in India nowadays, but only if your documents are in place. If you're a first-time applicant, renewing, or applying for a child, keep your ID, proof of address, and birth information in place. That way, you don't waste time going back and forth and receive your passport sooner.

And just as having the appropriate travel insurance from companies such as ACKO makes overseas travel hassle-free, having the proper documents in hand makes your passport application smooth and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many documents are required for a passport?

Generally, one primary ID proof, such as a Voter ID, Aadhaar card, or Driving License, is sufficient for a passport application. You may need to provide additional documents, like a PAN card or a school certificate, as supporting proof.

Is 10th marksheet required for a passport?

Yes, a 10th-grade mark sheet can be provided as proof of birth.

What is the alternative of 10th certificate for passport?

You can use a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or a transfer/matriculation certificate as an alternative to the 10th certificate for a passport.

Is a birth certificate mandatory for a passport in India?

A birth certificate is not mandatory for a passport in India, but it is one of the preferred documents for proof of date of birth. In its absence, documents such as school leaving certificates, Aadhaar card, or PAN card can be used.

Is a marriage certificate required for a passport?

In some cases, the passport officers may ask for proof of marriage.

How to change surname in the passport if got married or divorced recently?

If you recently got married or divorced and need to change your surname on your passport, you must apply for a re-issue of passport. To update your name in the passport, submit your marriage certificate or divorce decree with the necessary documents.

My passport expired 5 years ago. What is the procedure for getting it reissued?

If your passport has already expired, you can get it reissued by filling out the passport application form under the "Re-issue of Passport" category on the Passport Seva Portal. Since your passport expired more than three years ago, a new police verification process will be initiated.

My baby is 2 months old. Does the baby require a separate passport?

According to the new passport guidelines, parents are no longer able to endorse their child's name on their own passports. This means that each minor must now have their own separate passport.

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