Documents play an important role in almost every aspect of our lives, serving as proof of identity, address, and various other credentials.
Whether it’s applying for a job, opening a bank account, or traveling abroad, the importance of having the right documents cannot be overstated.
Institutions and government bodies often mandate the submission of specific documents to ensure transparency, security, and compliance with regulations.
When it comes to obtaining a passport, the significance of proper documentation becomes even more evident.
In this article, we will discuss What Documents are Required for an Indian Passport, the List of documents required to apply for a new passport, and much more.
List of documents required to apply for a new passport
The following is the list of documents required to apply for a new passport-
Proof of Address
- Voter ID card
- Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
- Electricity bill
- Telephone bill
- Water bill
- Gas connection bill
- Bank account statement
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Rent Agreement
Proof of Date of Birth
- Birth certificate
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
- Driving licence
Photo ID proof
- Aadhaar card/E-Aadhaar
- PAN card
- Driving licence
- Voter ID card
Passport-size photographs
You are required to have two passport-size photographs as a list of documents.
Previous passport
If you have an old passport then you are required to submit the previous passport.
Which documents are needed for a passport appointment?
The following are the documents required for passport appointment and for specific applicants-
Documents required for an Indian passport for a minor
- Birth certificate of the minor
- Proof of parents’ citizenship
- Proof of address
- A recent passport-size photograph of the minor
- Annexure ‘D’ (for both parents/guardians) and Annexure ‘C’ (for minors between 15 to 18 years of age)
- Any other document specified by the passport office
Documents required for for re-issue of passport
- Old Passport
- self-attested passport copies of the first and last page. For minor applicants, parents can also attest the copies
- Proof of Address- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bill (electricity, water, gas), Telephone Bill, Bank Account Statement, Rent Agreement, or Letter from Employer
- Other documents asked by the Passport Office
Documents required for Tatkaal Passport
- Proof of age (Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, etc.).
- Proof of address (Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Electricity bill, etc.).
- Proof of nationality (Birth Certificate, Voter ID card, etc.).
- Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of your old passport (if any).
- Annexure E (declaration of citizenship, family details, and no criminal record).
- Two passport-sized photographs (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background.
- Payment of the Tatkaal fee (which is higher than the normal fee).
What is Tatkaal Passport?
A Tatkaal passport is an expedited passport service provided by the Indian government for individuals who need their passports urgently.
This service is designed for situations where regular passport processing times may not meet the applicant’s requirements due to various reasons such as emergency travel plans, medical emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances.
The Tatkaal scheme ensures faster processing and delivery of passports, typically within a shorter timeframe compared to the standard passport application process. However, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide additional documents to avail themselves of this expedited service.
Documents required for availing Diplomatic/Official passport
- Applicants must provide their official identity card when submitting their passport application
- A certificate from the Head of Office is also required, and the format can be obtained from the official passport website
- An Official Request Letter from the Forwarding Officer is necessary, and the format for this letter can be found on the passport Seva portal
- If applicable, applicants must submit a Political/PMO Clearance Certificate
- For those applying for the re-issue of a diplomatic passport or an existing passport, the original Diplomatic/Official Passport must be submitted for cancellation, or the original Surrender/Safe, or Original Cancellation Certificate
- If the applicant is nearing retirement (less than 6 months from the passport application date), an official undertaking from the office is required
FAQ
The main difference is the processing time. Tatkaal passports are issued on an expedited basis, usually within a few days, whereas regular passports may take several weeks.
Yes, Tatkaal passport applications can be submitted online through the Passport Seva website.
Yes, there is an additional fee for applying under the Tatkaal scheme.
Tatkaal passports are issued within 1 to 3 days from the date of application, subject to the completion of all necessary formalities and document verification.
Yes, police verification is important for passport application.
No, under the Tatkal scheme, there is no police verification required and your application will be processed quickly. However, if you have had a police case in the past then it could lead to hard inquiry or non-issue of the Tatkaal Passport.
