Applying for a passport for a child is different from applying for an adult passport. Parents or legal guardians need to provide documents establishing the child's date of birth, current address, identity and parental relationship, along with the applicable parental consent and declarations.
For parents, the most common question is:
What documents are required for a minor passport in India?
The exact checklist can vary according to the child's age, whether both parents are available, whether the parents have passports, whether the child is applying for a fresh passport or re-issue, and whether there are special circumstances such as divorce, separation, custody, adoption or a parent living abroad.
In this guide, we explain the minor passport documents required in India, including documents for newborn babies, children below 18 years, parental consent, address proof, photographs, Tatkaal applications and special cases.
Who Is Considered a Minor for Passport Purposes?
For passport purposes, a person below 18 years of age is generally treated as a minor.
A minor receives a separate passport rather than being included in a parent's passport.
Passport Seva currently provides a standard minor passport with five years validity or validity until the child reaches 18 years, whichever is earlier. Children between 15 and 18 can have additional validity options under the applicable rules.
Because children's circumstances can vary significantly, parents should check the latest Passport Seva requirements before submitting the application.
Basic Documents Required for a Minor Passport
For a standard minor passport application, parents should generally prepare documents relating to the following:
Proof of Date of Birth
Present Address Proof
Parents' identity documents
Parents' passports, if available
Parental consent/declaration
Child's photograph, where applicable
Appointment and application documents
Additional documents for special circumstances
Passport Seva advises applicants to carry original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies at the Passport Seva Kendra. For minor applications, documents can be attested by the parents.
1. Proof of Date of Birth
The child's date of birth is one of the most important details in a passport application.
Parents should keep the appropriate proof of date of birth available.
Depending on the child's circumstances and the applicable document requirements, this may include the child's birth-related official documentation.
Before submitting the application, carefully check:
Child's full name
Date of birth
Place of birth
Father's name
Mother's name
These details should be consistent with the supporting documentation.
Why Is Date of Birth So Important?
A mistake in the child's date of birth can create problems later with:
School records
Airline bookings
Visa applications
Immigration
Overseas education
Future passport applications
Parents should therefore review the child's birth documentation carefully before completing the passport form.
2. Present Address Proof
A minor does not necessarily need an address document in their own name.
This is an important point for parents.
Passport Seva specifically states that for minor applicants, present address proof in the name of the parent(s) can be submitted.
Therefore, parents can use an applicable address document in the parent's name when the child resides at that address.
The address entered in the application should accurately reflect the child's current residence.
Examples of Address Proof
Depending on the applicable requirements, parents may have documents such as:
Aadhaar
Passport
Utility bill
Other accepted residential documents
The exact document should be checked against the current Passport Seva requirements.
If the family is living in rented accommodation, parents should pay particular attention to the requirements for establishing the present address.
3. Parents' Passport Copies
If either or both parents hold Indian passports, Passport Seva advises carrying the original passports and self-attested copies to the PSK for a minor's application.
Parents should check:
Passport validity
Parent's name
Spouse details, where applicable
Address
Passport number
Keeping these documents ready can make the appointment more organised.
4. Parental Consent – Annexure D
Annexure D is an important document for many standard minor passport applications.
The current Passport Seva Annexure D is a declaration by the parent(s) or legal guardian for issuance of a passport to the minor. It includes information about the child and parents/guardians and contains declarations concerning the child's citizenship and responsibility for the child.
Parents should use the current official Annexure D format rather than relying on an old template downloaded from an unrelated website.
What Information Is Included in Annexure D?
The current format includes details such as:
Minor child's name
Date of birth
Father's details
Mother's details
Citizenship
Passport details of parents, where applicable
Contact details
Address
Declaration by parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
The parent or legal guardian signs the declaration according to the applicable circumstances.
5. Parent's Identity Proof
Parents should keep their identity documents available for the minor passport appointment.
Depending on the circumstances, these can include applicable documents such as:
Passport
Aadhaar
Voter ID
PAN
Driving licence
The exact requirement can depend on the application circumstances.
For Annexure D, the current official format provides identification options including passport, Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN and driving licence.
6. Child's Passport Photograph
Photograph requirements are particularly important for very young children.
Passport Seva's current minor photograph guidelines specify that for children below four years of age, the photograph should be:
In colour
45 mm × 35 mm
On a white background
A close-up of the head and top of the shoulders
Taken with the child looking directly at the camera
With the eyes open and clearly visible
With the face occupying approximately 80–85% of the photograph
Parents should follow the latest official photograph guidelines rather than using an ordinary school photograph.
Documents Required for a Newborn Baby Passport
Newborn passport applications require extra attention because the child may not yet have many independent documents.
Parents should generally prepare:
✓ Birth documentation
✓ Parent(s)' identity documents
✓ Parent(s)' passport copies, if available
✓ Parent's present address proof
✓ Applicable parental declaration
✓ Child's photograph as required
✓ Appointment confirmation
✓ Original documents and required copies
The child's name and date of birth should be entered exactly and carefully.
If the child has a very recent birth registration, parents should make sure the relevant documentation is available before beginning the passport application.
Documents Required for Minor Passport When Both Parents Are Available
A standard family situation is generally easier to document.
Parents should prepare:
Child's date-of-birth proof
Present address proof in parent(s)' name
Parents' passports, if available
Parents' identity documents
Applicable parental consent/declaration
Child's photograph where required
Application and appointment details
Passport Seva currently states that it is assumed that consent of both parents is available unless otherwise specified for minor applicants.
Do Both Parents Need to Be Present?
The answer depends on the applicable circumstances and documentation.
Passport Seva's minor passport procedures provide for situations where both parents provide consent as well as circumstances where one parent cannot provide consent.
Parents should therefore not assume that every minor application follows exactly the same procedure.
Where both parents are available, preparing their documents and applicable declaration in advance can make the application more straightforward.
Documents for Minor Passport When One Parent Is Not Giving Consent
A minor passport application can become more complicated if one parent does not provide consent.
Passport Seva provides Annexure C for certain situations involving a declaration by a parent or guardian when one parent has not given consent.
The applicant may need to explain the circumstances and provide additional supporting documentation depending on the case.
Examples can include:
Parents living separately
Divorce
Custody arrangements
Parent unavailable
Parent's whereabouts unknown
Other recognised circumstances
Parents should not use a standard checklist for these cases without checking the applicable requirements.
Documents for Minor Passport After Divorce or Separation
When parents are divorced or separated, passport documentation may depend on:
Custody arrangement
Court order
Consent of the other parent
Whether visitation rights exist
Whether the other parent is available
Whether legal guardianship has been established
A court order or additional declaration may be required in certain cases.
If there is an ongoing custody dispute, parents should obtain appropriate legal documentation before proceeding with the passport application.
Documents When a Legal Guardian Applies
A legal guardian can apply for a minor's passport in applicable circumstances.
The current Annexure D specifically notes that where a legal guardian is involved, a copy of the court order appointing the legal guardian is to be attached.
Therefore, a guardian should keep the relevant court order and other supporting documents ready.
Documents When Both Parents Are Abroad
A minor passport application can require additional documentation when both parents are living outside India.
Passport Seva's published material describes procedures involving a local guardian, parental declarations and attestation through the relevant Indian Mission/Post in applicable cases.
Because these cases are more complicated, parents should check the specific requirements applicable to their circumstances before submitting the application.
Minor Passport and Police Verification
Police verification is another question frequently asked by parents.
Passport Seva states that generally no police verification is required for minor children up to 18 years whose passport validity is limited to five years, where either or both parents hold a valid passport and the applicable consent of both parents is available through Annexure D.
However, the final decision regarding the police-verification mode rests with the Passport Office.
Children aged 15–18 who choose a 10-year-validity passport have different police-verification provisions.
Therefore, parents should not assume that every minor passport application will automatically be issued without police verification.
Documents for Minor Tatkaal Passport
A minor can apply under the Tatkaal passport scheme if the child meets the applicable requirements.
Parents should prepare the same core documentation carefully and check whether additional Tatkaal requirements apply to the specific case.
Tatkaal processing does not mean that incomplete documentation can be submitted.
The current fee structure lists an additional ₹2,500 Tatkaal fee for applicable minor passport applications.
Minor Passport Fees in 2026
Passport fees were revised with effect from 1 July 2026.
The current Passport Seva fee schedule lists the following for a minor below 18 years:
36-page passport: ₹1,750
Additional Tatkaal fee: ₹2,500
Applicable minor validity: five years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier
For fresh passport applications, Passport Seva also lists a 10% rebate on the basic passport fee for minor applicants aged 8 years or below.
Parents should verify the applicable fee immediately before making payment because government fees can change.
Documents for Minor Passport Re-Issue
If the child already has a passport, the application will generally be for re-issue, depending on the reason.
Parents should prepare:
Existing passport
Child's relevant supporting documents
Present address proof
Parent's passport/identity documents where applicable
Applicable declaration
Additional documents if personal details or address are changing
Passport Seva's document advisor specifically provides a separate minor category for re-issue applications and asks whether the applicant's present address differs from the existing passport.
Documents for Changing Address in a Minor Passport
If the family has moved, parents should carefully review the address before submitting the re-issue application.
For a minor, acceptable present address proof can be in the parent(s)' name.
Parents should ensure that:
The new address is accurate
The address document is current
The child's application reflects the correct residence
The parent's document supports the declared address
Non-ECR Documents for Minor Applicants
The passport application may also involve ECR/Non-ECR classification, particularly as a child approaches adulthood.
Passport Seva's published checklist for minor applicants notes Class X/Matriculation Passing Certificate as a Non-ECR proof for applicants aged 15–18 in the relevant circumstances.
Parents should check the child's eligibility rather than assuming that every minor automatically receives the same category.
Original Documents and Photocopies
Parents should take document verification seriously.
Passport Seva advises applicants to furnish original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies at the PSK. For minor applications, parents can attest the documents.
Before the appointment, create a folder containing:
Original documents
Self-attested copies
Parents' documents
Child's documents
Application/appointment confirmation
Applicable declarations
This can make the appointment much easier to manage.
Minor Passport Documents Checklist
Here is a practical checklist for parents:
Child's Documents
✓ Proof of date of birth
✓ Existing passport, if applying for re-issue
✓ Recent photograph where applicable
Parent's Documents
✓ Parent's passport, if available
✓ Parent's address proof
✓ Parent's identity document
✓ Self-attested copies
Consent and Declarations
✓ Annexure D, where applicable
✓ Annexure C, where applicable
✓ Legal guardianship documents, where applicable
✓ Court/custody documents, where applicable
Appointment Documents
✓ Application details
✓ Appointment confirmation
✓ Fee/payment confirmation
✓ Original documents
✓ One set of required copies
Common Mistakes in Minor Passport Documentation
1. Incorrect child's name
A spelling difference between the birth certificate and passport application can create unnecessary complications.
2. Incorrect date of birth
Always compare the application against the child's official birth documentation.
3. Wrong address
Parents sometimes use an old family address even though the child currently lives elsewhere.
4. Missing parental declaration
Applicable consent documents should be prepared before the appointment.
5. Outdated Annexure
Always use the latest official format available through Passport Seva.
6. Ignoring special family circumstances
Divorce, separation, custody, adoption or an unavailable parent can change the required documents.
7. Forgetting original documents
Photocopies alone may not be sufficient for document verification.
8. Applying too close to international travel
Passport processing and appointments can take time, so parents should plan well in advance.
How SmotPro Helps With Minor Passport Documentation
At SmotPro, we help parents organise the documentation and application process for minor passports.
Our assistance can include:
New passport for children
Newborn passport assistance
Minor passport documentation
Passport re-issue for minors
Tatkaal passport assistance
Address-change assistance
Parent document checking
Address proof guidance
Annexure guidance
Appointment-related assistance
Application tracking guidance
Special-case documentation guidance
ECR/Non-ECR assistance
We understand that a child's passport application can become confusing when parents have different addresses, one parent is abroad, parents are separated, or the child needs urgent travel documentation.
Our role is to help parents understand and organise the applicable documents before the application and appointment.
Passport issuance remains subject to the decision of the competent passport authorities, and no private agency can guarantee government approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required for a minor passport in India?
The core documents generally include proof of the child's date of birth, present address proof, parent/guardian documents, applicable parental consent or declaration, and photographs where required. Additional documents may be necessary depending on the child's circumstances.
Can parents use their address proof for a child's passport?
Yes. Passport Seva specifically states that present address proof in the name of the parent(s) can be submitted for a minor applicant.
Is Annexure D required for a minor passport?
Annexure D is the prescribed parental/guardian declaration for issue of a passport to a minor in applicable cases.
Does a minor need a separate passport?
Yes. A child requires an individual passport for international travel.
Is a birth certificate required for a child's passport?
Proof of date of birth is required, and the appropriate document depends on the child's circumstances and the applicable Passport Seva requirements.
Is police verification required for every minor?
No. Passport Seva states that certain minor applications can be processed without police verification when the specified parental passport and consent conditions are met. The Passport Office makes the final determination.
Can a minor apply for Tatkaal passport?
Yes, subject to the applicable Tatkaal eligibility and documentation requirements.
What is the current minor passport fee?
The current Passport Seva fee schedule lists ₹1,750 for a 36-page minor passport with five-year/until-age-18 validity, whichever is earlier, plus ₹2,500 Tatkaal fee where applicable. Fees were revised from 1 July 2026.
What photograph is required for a child below four years?
Passport Seva's current guidelines specify a 45 mm × 35 mm colour photograph with a white background and specific facial-position requirements for children below four years.
Final Checklist Before Visiting Passport Seva Kendra
Before leaving for the appointment, parents should confirm:
✓ Child's name is correct
✓ Date of birth matches official documents
✓ Place of birth is correct
✓ Current address is correct
✓ Parent's address proof is available
✓ Parents' passports are available, if applicable
✓ Annexure D is completed where applicable
✓ Special declarations are prepared where required
✓ Photograph meets the applicable specifications
✓ Original documents are available
✓ Self-attested copies are ready
✓ Appointment confirmation is available
✓ Fee has been paid
✓ Existing passport is available for re-issue applications
Conclusion
Understanding the documents required for a minor passport in India is one of the most important steps before submitting a child's passport application.
For a straightforward application, parents should focus on the child's date-of-birth proof, present address proof, parental identity documents, applicable consent declaration, photograph and appointment documents. Passport Seva specifically permits present address proof in the parent(s)' name for minor applicants and provides specific procedures for parental consent and special family situations.
Applications can become more complicated when parents are divorced or separated, one parent is abroad, a legal guardian is involved, the child has changed address, or urgent Tatkaal processing is required.
The safest approach is to review the latest official Passport Seva requirements before submitting the application because fees, forms and procedural requirements can change. The current fee schedule, for example, reflects revisions effective from 1 July 2026.
At SmotPro, we assist parents with minor passport applications, newborn passports, documentation, address proof, parental declarations, Tatkaal applications, appointment-related assistance and application tracking. Proper document preparation can make the process more organised and help parents avoid common application mistakes.
Our office- https://maps.app.goo.gl/FKD3MTh4AWWGTn4s7
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