Indian Passport Rules Have Changed: Here's What You Need To Know

An official notification outlining the amendments to the Passport Rules of 1980 was issued by the Central Government this week. These new regulations will come into effect once they are published in the official Gazette, according to reports from PTI. Here's what you should know about the new passport rules.New Passport Rules IssuedBirth Certificate NeededStarting October 1, 2023, individuals born on or after this date must present their birth certificates as the only accepted proof of date of birth when applying for a passport. The birth certificates must be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, the Municipal Corporation, or any other authority designated under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1969.Residential InformationNew passport regulations will no longer include the applicant's residential address on the last page. Instead, immigration officials will utilise a barcode to access residential information. This modification aims to enhance the privacy of passport applicants.Names Of ParentsThe updated passport regulations eliminate parents' names from the last page. This adjustment aims to support children of single parents and those from estranged families.For Those Born Before October 2023Those born before October 1, 2023 can use alternative documentation to establish their identity and date of birth when applying for a passport. The acceptable documents include:A transfer certificate, school leaving certificate, or matriculation certificate issued by a recognised educational institution;A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card issued by the Income Tax Department, provided it includes the applicant's date of birth, thus confirming identity and age;A valid driving license;An extract of the service record or Pay Pension Order for government employees;A policy bond from a public life insurance company (if it includes the date of birth);Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar (only if it includes the full date of birth);Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC);Declaration from the head of an orphanage or childcare home confirming the date of birth.Proof Of AddressWhen applying for a passport, applicants must provide proof of address. The following documents are accepted:Water billTelephone bill (landline or post-paid mobile)Electricity billIncome Tax Assessment OrderElection Commission Photo ID cardProof of gas connectionEmployer certificate on official letterhead (for employees of reputable companies)Spouse’s passport copy (if the applicant's address matches that of the spouse)Parent’s passport copy (for minors)Aadhaar cardRent agreementBank passbook from a scheduled public sector, private sector, or regional rural bankEasing ApplicationThe Passport Seva Online Portal states that providing an Aadhaar card can speed up passport processing. The Aadhaar serves as both proof of address and identity for passport services.A colour-coding system is also being introduced to simplify the identification of passports for different citizens. Government officials will receive white passports, while diplomats will be issued red passports. Ordinary citizens will continue to be issued blue passports.Increase In Passport Seva KendrasPassport Seva Kendras—dedicated centres that facilitate the application and verification process for passport holders—are set to undergo significant expansion. Over the next five years, the number of these will increase from 442 to 600, as new locations are established to better serve the public. This expansion aims to enhance accessibility and streamline the passport process for everyone.Trouble Abroad: Here's What To Do If You Lose Your Passport