A ‘Passport’, an official document certifying a person’s identity and citizenship is extremely important. For people unaware it may only be a single piece of document used for international travelling. It also serves as a credible document for opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, acquiring other official documents and much more. So, everyone needs to have a passport. Here, we will see the documents required for an Indian passport to ensure that you have a hassle-free application process. You will also come across documents required for passport renewal and passport verification documents to make sure that you no longer have to face those issues in between the process.

Introduction to the Application Process of Indian passport

The Indian passport is an official travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. It allows the citizens to travel internationally. With the digital facilities blooming, the application process has become less tedious. However, having the correct documents required for an Indian passport is necessary.

What Documents Are Required For an Indian Passport?

There are many documents one must keep with them while applying for a new passport. This is to verify your identity, address, and citizenship and prevent faulty claims and fraud. Some of the primary documents as required for an Indian passport are mentioned below.

1.Proof of Identity

This is one of the most crucial documents out of all that is required when applying for an Indian passport. This ensures that the identity you claim to be is correct. Some of the acceptable documents are as follows:

• Adhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Pan Card
• Driving License

2. Proof of Address

The documents you carry must include one that includes your current address. This is also one of the vital documents for passport verification. Documents that can be admitted for the same are as follows:

• Adhaar Card
• Electricity/Water/Telephone Bill
• Rent Agreement
• Bank Statement/Passbook

3. Proof of Date of Birth

It is also an important part of passport application documents. The documents required for a passport to prove your date of birth are as follows:

• Birth Certificate
• Matriculation Certificate
• PAN Card

4. Proof of Citizenship

In some cases, a document to prove your citizenship is also required by the other party. Hence, keeping those documents handy is always better. Those documents are as follows:

• Birth Certificate
• Passport of Parents(For applicants whose parents are Indian Citizens)

Additional Documents Required for Case-Specific Situations

1. For Minors (Below 18 Years)

Minors cannot apply for a passport on a sole basis. It is important for them to have some of the basic documents related to their parents along with some of theirs. These documents include:

• Birth Certificate (This is a mandatory document for all minors)
• Parent’s Passport Copy
• Annexure D (A declaration from parents stating their consent)
• At least two school documents in the minor’s name

2. For Name Change or Correction

• Gazette Nomination/ Marriage Certificate (For name change after marriage)
• Deed Poll/ Sworn Affidavit (For other types of name change)

3. For Government Employees

• No Objection Certificate (NOC)- Acquired by the employer
• Identity Certificate (Annexure B)- Should be signed by a senior govt. Official

Moving on, we have now discussed in totality the documents required in the application process for an Indian passport. Now, let us see some of the documents required for passport renewal.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

The process of document renewal is not very hefty. It is a very straight and simple process as long as you submit the required documents with the application. The documents in question are as follows:

• Old Passport: An original and a photocopy are required.
• Address Proof: If there is a change in address since the last passport.
• Identity Proof: Similar to that of the new application
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Two copies of a recent one

Documents Required for Indian Passport Verification

It is a critical step following the application process. Usually, the documents submitted during the application process are required during the verification as well. So it is advisable to have all the original documents ready during the verification process. The key documents are:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Adhaar
• Old Passport: In case applied for renewal

In case, any of the documents are missing during the whole process from application or renewal to verification, your passport will be delayed or even rejected. So it is very important for you to double-check your documents before making the final submission.

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Conclusion

All in all, it is very important to understand the documents required for an Indian passport to avoid making a simple task a tedious one. When you are applying for or renewing your passport, make sure the above-mentioned documents are ready. This will ensure smooth functioning and reduce the chances of any delay or cancellation.

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