Applying for a new passport? Here's what you should know about the new document rules effective August 5

Starting August 5, individuals applying for new passports for international travel will need to upload the necessary supporting documents in DigiLocker at the passport seva kendras and post office passport seva kendras PSKs/POPSKs, before submission of online applications at www. passportindia.gov.in.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has advised the applicants to complete the “DigiLocker” process of uploading required supporting documents to minimize the overall processing time. The new ruling says that before online submission of passport applications, the applicants must first upload the mandated documents on DigiLocker.

As per the new document application process, "Applicants will no longer need to carry their original documents if they have already been uploaded through DigiLocker."


The DigiLocker process aims to streamline application processing times and reduce the volume of physical document verifications at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras located across different regions.

The ministry has also expanded the acceptance of Aadhaar documents through DigiLocker for online application submissions.

The Regional Passport Offices receive a substantial number of passport applications each year for processing.
In the past, instances of discrepancies emerged during physical document verification at the PSK, including alterations to birthdates and personal details.

The government has provided a list of acceptable documents that can serve as proof of residence. These include the Aadhaar card, current ration card, driving licence, electricity bill, income tax assessment, and others.

You can use DigiLocker to save crucial and official documents, such as educational certificates, birth certificates, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, passports, and voter IDs. You can also access DigiLocker through app an ddigilocker.gov.in from a web browser.