Passport News: Planning a trip abroad with your little one? While the excitement of exploring new cultures and creating unforgettable memories builds, there’s one crucial step you can’t overlook – securing a passport for your child. The process involves a few key documents, and the most important one is the cornerstone of your child’s identity: the birth certificate.
Required Documents
To ensure a smooth application process, here’s a breakdown of the key documents needed for your child’s Indian passport:
- Child’s Birth Certificate: This is the most crucial document for your child’s passport application. It serves as official proof of your child’s date of birth and citizenship.
- Proof of Address: Similar to adult applications, you’ll need to provide proof of your current address. Documents like your Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bills (electricity, water, gas), or a rent agreement with your name on it are all acceptable options.
- Photo ID Proof: One document from the following will serve as your photo ID proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card.
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs: Ensure the photos meet the specified requirements (white background, recent capture, specific dimensions).
- Parents Passport Copies (Optional): While not mandatory, including copies of both parents’ passports can expedite the verification process.
Application Process and Time Frame
The application process involves submitting the necessary documents along with the application form. The fee for a minor’s passport is Rs. 1,000, payable online through debit/credit cards, net banking, etc.
- Validity: A minor’s passport is valid for five years or until the child reaches eighteen, whichever comes first.
- Processing Time: The time taken to receive the passport can vary. A 10-year passport is issued only after police verification, which might extend the processing time.
Ensuring you have all the required documents ready when applying for your child’s passport can streamline the process. Birth certificate, among other essential documents, plays a crucial role in obtaining a passport for your child.
