Quick Answer: Passport Annexure D is the standard consent declaration for a child's passport, and both parents sign it. Annexure C replaces it only when the applying parent genuinely cannot get the other parent's consent, such as desertion or separation. Pending divorce cases are treated differently again.
The titles used for both documents on the Passport Seva portal are almost identical which leads to confusion among the users who use the wrong one. The only difference lies in the fact whether it is possible at all to get the signature of the other parent or not.
Overview
| Applies to | Passport applications for children under 18 |
| Signed by | Both parents (Annexure D) or the parent with custody (Annexure C) |
| Format | Plain paper, downloaded from the Passport Seva portal |
| Fee | Nil |
| Where submitted | With the rest of the document set at the Kendra |
| Common failure | Filing Annexure C when Annexure D was required |
What Is the Difference Between Passport Annexure D and Annexure C?
| Annexure D | Annexure C | |
|---|---|---|
| Used when | Both parents consent | The other parent's consent cannot be obtained |
| Who signs | Both parents or guardian | Only the parent with custody |
| Typical case | An ordinary family application | Desertion, separation, wilful refusal |
| Extra document | Passports of both parents | Reason stated; court order where one exists |
| Attendance | Either parent may attend, carrying both parents' passports | The applying parent attends |
Passport Annexure D is viewed as the norm, whereas Passport Annexure C acts as an exception. Between them they cover the consent requirement for a minor's passport. Annexure C should be used only where there is a genuine reason the other parent cannot sign.
Which One Do You Need in Four Common Situations?
Both parents available and consenting. Use Annexure D for minor applicants. Either parent can attend the appointment as long as the passports of both parents are carried. Both parents do not need to be physically present.
What If One Parent Will Not Sign?
Use Annexure C. The portal recognises wilful denial of consent, desertion, and absence of communication between divorced or separated parents. You state the applicable reason on the declaration.
What If a Divorce Is Pending in Court?
This is the exception that catches people out. Where both parents are in ongoing divorce proceedings, Annexure C alone is not the route. The applying parent should obtain the court's permission to apply without the other parent's consent, or produce consent from both parents on Annexure D.
What If One Parent Has Exclusive Custody?
Submit a certified copy of the court order. The portal describes this situation in connection with both declarations, so carry the court order as the decisive document and confirm with your Kendra which annexure they want alongside it. This is one genuine grey area in the published guidance, and the court order is what settles it either way.
Which Two Situations Are Less Common?
Two other situations warrant consideration. In the case of children born to parents who are not married, both Annexures C and D need to be submitted, leaving the father's details blank. In case of children born to unmarried parents, but both parents accept their parentage, then Annexure D must be submitted, mentioning both names.
What Are the Format and Signature Rules?
Since both documents are in plain paper form, no stamp paper is generally required. It is better to download the new PDF from Annexures and Affidavits section instead of using the old one as there are changes in the list of annexures.
How Do You Fill In Annexure D?
Obtain the Annexure D form and complete it as required. Ensure that the signature appears on the form according to the spelling in the parents' passports. Using a different signature might seem trivial, but it is a great cause of delays.
What Happens If You File the Wrong Annexure?
Typically, the appointment does happen, but the documents are kept pending for processing until such time as the Kendra gets the correct declaration. Hence the individual has to visit again, and for a child's passport that second slot has to be worked around school hours.
What Does Filing the Wrong One Cost?
The higher-priced version involves submitting Annexure C when it is needed to seek clearance from the court, because the application then waits idle until the court order is obtained.
Getting a Child's Application Checked First
In the event that you are unsure of the declaration on which you should lean upon, it is recommended to have your document verified before you submit it rather than after. One option could be the use of have a child's passport application and its consent declaration checked before it goes in. The passport itself is issued by Passport Seva, under the Ministry of External Affairs, which decides every application.
Where Can You Read the Full Process?
For the wider process around the application itself, see the full guide to a child's passport.
