Applying for an Indian passport involves a simple online start, but visiting the Passport Seva Kendra for document submission is necessary. The required documents differ based on the passport type. It's vital to submit accurate documents to avoid application denial. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Documents Needed for Fresh Passport

• Address Proof: Provide one:

• Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar
• Water bill
• Electricity bill
• Telephone bill
• Voter ID
• Rental agreement
• Bank statement
• Gas connection bill
• Income tax assessment order

• Date of Birth Proof: Submit one:

• Driving licence
• PAN card
• Birth certificate
• Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar

• Photo ID Proof: Choose one:

• Voter ID
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card / E-Aadhaar
• Driving licence

• Passport-size Photographs: Two recent photos with a white background
• Old Passport: If applicable
• Additional Documentation: Refer to the Indian Passport Seva site for additional specific documents

Documents for Minors' Passport Application

For applicants under 18, a minor's passport is valid for five years or until 18 years of age. Necessary documents include:

• Minor’s birth certificate
• Address proof
• Parents' citizenship proof
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Annexure 'D' from parents/guardians
• Annexure 'C' for ages 15-18 years
• Additional documents as needed

Parents or guardians must be present during the process. A notarized affidavit is required if a parent is unavailable, along with current address proof in parents' names.

Re-issue Documents for Minors' Passport

For re-issuance, necessary documents for minors include:

• Old Passport: Original with self-attested copies
• Self-Attested Copies: Passport's principal pages, ECR/Non-ECR, observation page (if any), and validity extension page
• Address Proof: Choose one:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar card
• Utility bills
• Rental agreement
• Bank statement
• Letter from employer

Additional documents depend on the re-issuance reason.

Passport Re-issue Requirements

Re-issuance occurs for reasons like change of address, expiration, renewal of Short Validity, damaged/lost/stolen passport, personal info updates, page exhaustion, or expiration. Needed documents:

• Old Passport: Original plus self-attested copy of relevant pages
• Date of Birth Proof: Provide one:

• Birth certificate
• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• School Leaving/Transfer Certificate

• Address Proof: Provide one:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar card
• Utility bills
• Rental agreement
• Bank statement
• Letter from employer

• Photographs: Two recent passport-size with white background

Additional paperwork is needed for lost, stolen, or damaged passports, including a police report and an affidavit.

Tatkaal Passport Documentation

For urgent travel, Tatkaal service expedites passport processing in 1-3 days. This service is costlier with additional requirements. Submit the following:

• Age proof
• Address proof
• Two passport-sized photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with white background
• Self-attested copies of your old passport if needed
• Annexure E for citizenship, family, and no criminal record
• Tatkaal fee payment
• Choose any three for those over 18:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Birth certificate
• Student ID from recognized institution
• Ration card
• Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
• Updated bank/Kisan/post office passbook
• ID card from a public entity
• Pension documents

Official/Diplomatic Passport Needs

Documents for Diplomatic or Official passports include:

• Applicant's official ID card
• Request letter from the forwarding officer (format online)
• Certification by the Head of Office (format online)
• Political/PMO Clearance (if needed)
• If retiring within six months, an official office undertaking
• For re-issue, original Diplomatic/Official Passport and original Surrender/Safe or Cancellation Certificate

Ensuring complete and correct documentation is essential for a smooth passport application process.