Birth certificate now mandatory for these passport applicants

From October 1, 2023, individuals must provide birth certificates as proof of birth when applying for passports, according to the updated Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Those born before this date can still use alternative documents. The change...

By ET Online | Mar 04, 2025, 11.03 AM IST

Citizens born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit their birth certificate as proof of date of birth when applying for a passport, as per the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The amended rule follows the implementation of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023.

For those born before the cutoff date, alternative documents will still be accepted. These include a transfer or school leaving or matriculation certificate from a recognised institution, PAN card, service record or pay pension order (for government employees), driving licence, voter ID, or a policy bond from LIC or other public sector insurance companies.

Previously, a similar rule mandated birth certificates for those born after January 26, 1989. However, this requirement was removed in 2016 when passport rules were amended to allow multiple documents as proof of birth.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, aims to streamline documentation by making birth certificates the single proof of date and place of birth for various services, including passport issuance, educational admissions, voter registration, marriage registration, government jobs, driving licence issuance, and Aadhaar registration.

Step-by-step guide to applying for an Indian passport

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Applying for an Indian passport is a straightforward process that involves online registration, document submission, and a visit to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.