How to Apply for a Minor’s Passport in India: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a passport for a minor in India involves some specific steps and additional documentation compared to an adult passport application. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Gather Required Documents

You will need the following documents for a minor’s passport application:

• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or any other relevant authority.
• Proof of Address: Parent’s passport (if address matches the present address), utility bills, rental agreements, or any other document that verifies the current address.
• Parent’s Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, Voter ID, PAN card, or any government-issued ID of both parents.
• Annexures: Annexure D (Declaration by the parents or guardian if minor), Annexure I (Declaration of parent/guardian if minor), and Annexure H (specimen declaration if one parent is not given consent).

2. Register on the Passport Seva Portal

1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
2. If you do not already have an account, click on “New User Registration” and create an account.

3. Fill the Passport Application Form

1. Log in to your account on the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
3. Choose “Fresh Passport” for minors.
4. Fill in the application form online. Ensure that you fill in details correctly and completely.
5. Save and review the form before final submission.

4. Schedule an Appointment

1. After filling out the application form, click on “View Saved/Submitted Applications.”
2. Select the appropriate ARN (Application Reference Number).
3. Click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”
4. Pay the required fee using available payment options (credit/debit card, internet banking, etc.).
5. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

5. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)

1. On the scheduled date, visit the PSK/RPO with the printed appointment receipt and all original documents along with their photocopies.
2. Both parents or legal guardians must accompany the minor to the PSK/RPO.
3. At the PSK/RPO:
   • Token issuance
   • Document verification
   • Biometric data collection (for minors above 5 years, photographs for minors below 5 years)
   • Meeting with the Granting Officer

6. Track Your Application Status

You can track the status of the minor’s passport application online via the Passport Seva Portal by entering your application reference number (ARN).

7. Receive the Minor’s Passport

After processing and, if applicable, police verification, you will receive the minor’s passport via registered post at the address mentioned in the application.

Tips and Additional Information:

• Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date.
• Apply for the passport well in advance if you have travel plans.
• In case of a single parent, provide appropriate legal documents (divorce decree, custody papers, etc.).
• The application fee depends on the type and number of pages of the passport booklet you are applying for (36 or 60 pages).

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for a minor’s passport in India.