Last Updated: 8 July 2026
In order to obtain an Indian passport, a person has to present two documents: a document featuring their current address and another featuring their date of birth. The person should bring the original documents and also submit self-attested copies of the documents at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) at the time of their appointment. Aadhaar serves as documentary proof of both one's identity and one's address, thus proving to be more beneficial than other documents.
Overview: passport document checklist at a glance
Here is the quick-facts view before we go category by category.
| Document category | Accepted examples | Fresh / Renewal / Minor | Original at PSK? | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of present address (POA) | Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill, bank passbook, rent agreement | All | Yes | Passport Seva, MEA |
| Proof of date of birth (POB) | Birth certificate, PAN card, school certificate, driving licence | Fresh & minor | Yes | Passport Seva, MEA |
| Proof of identity (POI) | Aadhaar, PAN card, voter ID | All | Yes | Passport Seva, MEA |
| Old passport | Original passport + self-attested first and last pages | Renewal / re-issue | Yes | Passport Seva, MEA |
| Parental consent | Annexure D (or Annexure C) + parents' passports | Minor | Yes | Passport Seva, MEA |
Who issues your passport?
MEA is the Ministry of External Affairs, which runs Passport Seva.
What documents are required for a passport in India?
If you want to acquire a new adult passport, you only need two pieces of information: your present address and date of birth. All other things, like documents required when applying for a passport by persons younger than 18 years, renewing one's passport, etc., are optional.
Which documents count as proof of identity?
The identity may be established according to the documents provided by the individual. If everything is verified fine with UIDAI database, Aadhaar can serve the purpose of verification of address proof and photo identity both. Besides, a valid PAN card or a voter ID card can also serve as the proof of identity and there will be no need to furnish any other separate proof of identity.
What address proof is accepted for a passport?
It's mandatory that you submit at least one document that verifies one of your current addresses. Whereas only one document is required for your current address, an indication of a previous address has to be provided by you. Computerised printouts on plain paper are not accepted in place of these proofs.
| Address proof (submit any one) | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar | Also counts as identity proof; validates fastest |
| Voter ID (EPIC) | Must show your current address |
| Registered rent agreement | Signed and registered |
| Electricity, water, landline or post-paid mobile bill | Recent, in your name |
| Gas connection proof | Piped or cylinder connection papers |
| Bank passbook of a scheduled bank | With your photo and latest entries updated |
| Income Tax Assessment Order | In your name |
| Employer certificate | Public limited company only, on letterhead with seal |
| Spouse's or parent's passport copy | Parent's copy is allowed for minors; must show your address |
What documents prove your date of birth?
Your date-of-birth proof depends on when you were born, and the rule changed recently.
If you were born on or after 1 October 2023
The candidate must submit a Birth Certificate issued by the respective Registrar of Births and Deaths or any authorized body under the relevant Births and Deaths Registration Act.
If you were born before 1 October 2023
You can attach any one of these, as long as it shows your date of birth:
- Birth certificate under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
- School leaving, transfer or matriculation certificate
- PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department
- Driving licence issued by your State transport department
- Voter ID (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India
- Government service record or Pay Pension Order (for serving or retired government staff)
- Life Insurance Corporation or public-company policy bond
Where can you check the official date-of-birth list?
The full, current wording sits on the official list of accepted date-of-birth documents.
What documents do minors need for a passport?
In order for a child to apply for a passport, the child must have the birth certificate, Declaration of Consent from parents, as well as evidence of address in his/her parent's name.
- Birth certificate as the date-of-birth proof (mandatory for minors).
- Present address proof in the name of either parent is accepted.
- Annexure D - the standard declaration of parent or guardian, where both parents consent.
- Annexure C - used instead when one parent has not given consent.
- Both parents' passports (originals with self-attested copies) if they hold passports.
Who signs and attests a minor's documents?
A guardian can sign documents for a child under eighteen. The relevant form is available on the passport annexures and affidavits page. Non-ECR status would apply to a minor until he/she reaches adulthood at age eighteen.
Do you carry originals or photocopies to the PSK?
Carrying the documents in original and in photocopies is mandatory while registering for your application in Passport Seva Kendra. One needs to bear both the original documentation and one self-attested copy of every document that is required there. In the Passport Seva Kendra, the document will be verified for being original and at the same time all its photocopies will be collected. Lack of any one document can lead to considerable delay in time of appointment.
Where do you apply for a passport?
The application, appointment booking and document verification are done only through the government's Passport Seva Document Advisor, operated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Please note that the passport fees have been updated since 1 July 2026, so make sure to check the current fee on the website before making a payment.
How does Jaagruk Bharat help you apply?
In case you find it hard to handle the paperwork, you may get support from Jaagruk Bharat that will help you get through the entire process of applying for a passport. And assembling your documents properly before you book an appointment. The facility provides application support service that includes all the documents and licensing services.
Read more
- How to renew or re-issue your passport
- Police clearance certificate for a passport
- How to get a Tatkaal passport in 1 to 3 days
- Check your passport application status online
- Documents required for international travel
What are the most common document mistakes to avoid?
Most delays come from small paperwork slips, so check these before you book your slot.
- Carrying photocopies without the original documents for on-the-spot verification.
- Submitting address proof that does not match the address on your application form.
- Using a computerised printout on plain paper instead of a valid proof.
- Forgetting a minor's birth certificate or the parental consent Annexure.
- Skipping self-attestation on the photocopies you hand over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aadhaar mandatory for a passport?
Aadhaar is not strictly mandatory, but it speeds up processing and works as both address and identity proof. If you do not have it, you can use another listed address proof plus a valid date-of-birth document. Furnishing Aadhaar helps your file clear faster at the Passport Seva Kendra.
Can I use my parents' address proof?
Yes, for a minor applicant a present-address proof in a parent's name is accepted. Adults must submit address proof in their own name, though a spouse's passport showing your address can also work. Always carry the original document to your appointment, not just a copy.
What if my documents show different addresses?
Submit proof of your present address only, and make sure it matches the address on your application form. You must still list every place you stayed in the past year on the form itself. A mismatch between the form and your proof can delay verification.
Do I need a birth certificate if I was born before October 2023?
No. If you were born before 1 October 2023 you can use a school certificate, PAN card, driving licence, voter ID or policy bond that shows your date of birth. Only those born on or after that date must submit a birth certificate.
Are photocopies enough, or do I need originals?
You must bring original documents plus one set of self-attested photocopies to the Passport Seva Kendra. Officials verify the originals on the spot and keep the copies, so nothing is couriered in advance. Computerised printouts on plain paper are not accepted, and missing an original is the most common reason an appointment gets held up.
Is a separate police document needed for a passport?
Usually not. Police verification happens after you apply, at your registered address, rather than through a document you upload. For some cases a police clearance certificate is issued separately. Keeping your address proof consistent helps the check at your home go smoothly.
