How to Apply for Passport for Minor / Child Passport in India

Planning a family trip abroad? Or maybe your child needs a passport for identification? Whatever the reason, getting a passport for your child in India is simpler than you might think. This guide walks you through everything — documents, fees, the online process, and special cases — so you can get your child's passport without any confusion.

Related: Already familiar with the adult passport process? Check our How to apply for passport guide.

Who Needs a Child Passport?

Any Indian citizen below 18 years of age needs a minor passport to travel internationally. Yes, even newborn babies need their own passport — they cannot travel on a parent's passport.

A minor passport is required for:

• Infants and toddlers — even a 1-month-old baby needs a passport for international travel
• School-going children — for school trips abroad or family vacations
• Teenagers — for study abroad, sports events, or family travel

Two Categories of Minor Passports

The Government of India treats minor passport applicants in two categories, and the rules differ slightly:

Category 1: Children Below 15 Years

• Passport is valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier
• Only 36-page booklet is issued (no 60-page option)
• The child's passport has "MINOR" stamped on it
• No police verification required in most cases
• The child need not sign the passport (parent signs on behalf)

Category 2: Minors Aged 15 to 17 Years

• Passport is valid for 10 years (standard adult validity)
• Both 36-page and 60-page booklets are available
• The minor must sign the passport themselves
• Police verification may be required
• ECR (Emigration Check Required) / ECNR stamp applies based on educational qualification

Documents Required for Child Passport

Mandatory Documents for All Minors

Additional Documents Based on Situation

• Photographs: 2 recent passport-size colour photos (white background, 2×2 inches)
• Child's Aadhaar: Recommended but not always mandatory for babies
• Parent's marriage certificate: May be asked in some cases

Tip: Always carry originals + 2 sets of photocopies of all documents to the Passport Seva Kendra.

Special Cases: Single Parent, Adopted Child, Divorced Parents

Single Parent Applying for Child's Passport

If only one parent is applying (and the other parent is absent, deceased, or not in the picture):

• Submit Annexure H — a declaration by the applying parent explaining why the other parent's consent/signature is not available
• If the other parent is deceased: Death certificate is required
• Court order granting custody (if applicable)

Parents Are Divorced or Separated

• Submit Annexure G — a declaration regarding non-availability of the other parent's consent
• Court custody order in favour of the applying parent
• If there's a mutual agreement, both parents can sign Annexure D instead

Adopted Child

• Adoption deed (registered) is required
• Court adoption order
• The adoptive parents' names should reflect in the birth certificate or adoption certificate

Important: In cases of single parent or divorced parents, the Passport Officer may ask additional questions. Be prepared with all court documents and declarations.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Here's how to apply for your child's passport online through the official portal:

Step 1: Register on the Passport Portal

• Go to passportindia.gov.in
• Click "New User Registration"
• Fill in your details (parent's details) and create an account
• Verify your email

Step 2: Log In and Apply Online

• Log in to your account
• Click "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport"
• Select "Fresh Passport" and choose "Minor" as the applicant type

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Fill in the child's personal details (name, date of birth, gender)
• Enter parent/guardian details
• Fill in the address details (as per address proof)
• Upload the child's photograph (if required online)

Step 4: Select Passport Type

• Normal or Tatkal (choose based on urgency)
• 36 pages (only option for under-15; 36 or 60 for 15-17)

Step 5: Pay the Fee Online

• Pay using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI
• Save the payment receipt

Step 6: Schedule an Appointment

• Select your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
• Choose a convenient date and time slot
• Print your appointment confirmation

Step 7: Visit the PSK

• Reach the PSK 15 minutes before your appointment
• Carry all original documents + photocopies + appointment slip
• The child must be present (yes, even babies!)

Step 8: Verification at PSK

Your application goes through these counters:

1. Counter A — Token and document check
2. Counter B — Document verification
3. Counter C — Biometrics (photo; fingerprints for children 5+ years)
4. Counter D — Final verification by Passport Officer (Granting Officer)

Step 9: Receive Your Passport

• If everything is in order, the passport is dispatched via Speed Post within 7-15 working days (normal) or 1-3 working days (tatkal)
• Track your application using the passport status tracking tool

Fees & Validity

Passport Fees for Minors

Note: Tatkal fee = Normal fee + ₹2,000 additional.

Validity

• Below 15 years: 5 years or until age 18 (whichever is earlier)
• 15 to 17 years: 10 years from date of issue

Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

• Appointments are booked online only through passportindia.gov.in
• Walk-in applicants are generally not entertained
• Choose a PSK close to your residential address
• Both the child and at least one parent must be present
• If the child is very young (infant), the parent will hold the child for the photograph

What to Carry to PSK

✅ Appointment confirmation printout ✅ Application receipt ✅ Original documents + 2 photocopies each ✅ Annexure D (signed by both parents, or Annexure G/H as applicable) ✅ Parent's passport (original) ✅ Child's birth certificate (original) ✅ Payment receipt

Police Verification Rules for Minors

Good news for parents — police verification is generally NOT required for minor passports in most cases. Here's the breakdown:

This means if both parents have valid passports and sign Annexure D, your child's passport can be processed without police verification — making it much faster!

How to Renew a Child's Passport

Child passports need to be renewed more often because of shorter validity. Here's how:

1. Go to passportindia.gov.in
2. Log in and select "Re-issue of Passport"
3. Choose the reason: "Validity expired" or "Change in existing details" (like appearance change as the child grows)
4. Fill in the updated details
5. Pay the re-issue fee (same as fresh passport fee)
6. Book an appointment and visit the PSK with the child

When to Renew

• When the passport expires
• When the child's appearance changes significantly (especially for passports issued as a baby)
• When the child turns 15 — you may want to get a fresh 10-year validity passport
• When pages run out (unlikely for minors, but possible for frequent travellers)

Pro tip: When your child turns 15, apply for a fresh passport (not re-issue) to get the full 10-year validity.

For detailed renewal steps, see our Passport renewal guide.

Tatkal Passport for Minors

Need the passport urgently? The Tatkal scheme can help:

• Tatkal passports are processed within 1-3 working days
• Additional fee of ₹2,000 over the normal fee
• Police verification is done after passport issuance (post-verification)
• All other documents remain the same
• Tatkal is available for both fresh and re-issue applications

Note: Tatkal passports may attract police verification after issuance. If any discrepancy is found, the passport can be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a newborn baby get a passport in India?

Yes! There is no minimum age for a passport. Even a 1-day-old baby can get a passport. You'll need the birth certificate, parents' passports, and Annexure D.

2. Is Aadhaar card mandatory for a child's passport?

No. Aadhaar is not mandatory, especially for infants and very young children. However, if your child has an Aadhaar card, carry it — it speeds up the process.

3. Do both parents need to be present at the PSK?

No. Only one parent needs to accompany the child. However, both parents must sign Annexure D. If one parent cannot sign, you'll need Annexure G or H depending on your situation.

4. How long does it take to get a minor passport?

• Normal: 7-15 working days from the date of PSK visit
• Tatkal: 1-3 working days
• With police verification: May take 3-4 weeks additionally

5. Can I apply for a 60-page passport for my child under 15?

No. For children below 15, only the 36-page passport booklet is available. The 60-page option is available only for minors aged 15-17.

6. What if I'm a single mother/father? Can I still get my child's passport?

Absolutely yes. Submit Annexure H along with supporting documents (death certificate of spouse, court order, or a written declaration). The passport office handles such cases regularly.

7. My child's passport photo looks nothing like them now. Do I need a new passport?

If your child's appearance has changed significantly (which is common as babies grow), it's a good idea to apply for re-issue of passport with a reason of "change in appearance." This avoids problems at immigration.

Quick Checklist for Parents

Before heading to the PSK, make sure you have:

• Online application submitted and appointment booked
• Appointment slip printed
• Child's birth certificate (original + copies)
• At least one parent's passport (original + copies)
• Address proof (Aadhaar / utility bill)
• Annexure D signed by both parents
• Special annexures if applicable (G or H)
• Child's Aadhaar card (if available)
• Child's school ID (if applicable)
• Passport-size photos of the child
• Payment receipt
• The child! (Must be physically present)

Related Guides

• 📘 How to Apply for Passport Online — Complete adult passport guide
• 🔄 How to Renew Your Passport Online — Step-by-step renewal process
• 📍 Track Your Passport Application Status — Check where your passport is

Getting your child's passport doesn't have to be stressful. With the right documents and a little preparation, you'll have it sorted in no time. Safe travels to your family! ✈️