In order to ease the process of applying for new passport, the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA), India, introduced several new rules that are bound to benefit citizens of India. These rules were introduced this December 2016 and in case you’re looking forward to apply for Indian Passport, following are the changes made to whole process:
#1. Proof Of Date Of Birth (DOB)
Earlier, Birth certificate was accepted as proof of date-of-birth (DOB) and people could only apply on the basis of this certificate. However, now passport registration can be done by providing following documents as proof of DOB:
- Birth Certificate
- Transfer/School Leaving/Matriculation Certificate issued by School/Recognized Educational Board
- PAN Card
- Aadhar Card
- Copy of the extract of the service record of the applicant (only in respect of Government servants) or the Pay Pension Order (in respect of retired Government Servants) duly attested/certified by the officer/in-charge of the Administration of the concerned Ministry/Department
- Driving License
- Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations
#2. Name Of Only One Parent Required
While applying for Indian passport, applicant need to mention the name of one parent only or legal guardian. Single parents can now apply for passports of their children as well.
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#3. Self-Attested Annexes (or Subordinate Documents)
Annexes, as per old rule, have been brought down from 15 to 9. All these subordinate documents are to be given by applicant in self-attested format.
Attestation/swearing by/before any Notary/Executive Magistrate/First Class Judicial Magistrate is not required while passport registration.
#4. Married/Divorcee
Married applicants need not provide marriage certificate and divorced applicants need not provide Divorce Decree.
#5. Orphaned/Adopted Children
Orphaned children, who do not have DOB certificate, can now provide a declaration given by the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home while applying for Indian Passport. In case of domestically adopted children, submission of the registered adoption deed would no longer be required and the passport applicant may give a declaration on a plain paper confirming the adoption.