Minor Passport Application in India — How to Apply & Benefits

Who is a Minor for Passport Purposes?

For passport purposes, a minor is any person below 18 years of age. Minors are issued passports with a validity of 5 years or until they turn 18 (whichever is earlier), unlike adult passports which are valid for 10 years.

Minors cannot apply for passports on their own — the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

Types of Minor Passports

Based on Age

Key Differences from Adult Passport

• Shorter validity — 5 years or until age 18
• No signature required for children below 10 years (thumb impression used)
• Both parents' consent generally required
• Address proof from parents is acceptable
• Police verification may or may not be required depending on documents

Documents Required

Essential Documents

For the Child:

• Birth certificate issued by Municipal Corporation / Gram Panchayat
• Aadhaar card of the child (if available)
• School ID card or bonafide certificate (if school-going)
• Photographs (as per passport photo specifications)

For Parents/Guardian:

• Passport of both parents (or at least one parent)
• Aadhaar card of the applying parent
• Marriage certificate of parents
• Address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill, or bank statement

Additional Documents for Special Cases

Single Parent:

• Court order granting custody (if divorced/separated)
• Death certificate of the deceased parent (if widowed)
• Annexure C (if applying on the authority of one parent)

Adopted Child:

• Adoption deed registered under applicable law
• Court order of adoption

Born Out of Wedlock:

• Annexure G (declaration by the applying parent)
• Only the applying parent's details appear on the passport

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Register Online

1. Visit passportindia.gov.in
2. Click on "New User? Register Now" (or login if already registered)
3. Create an account using your (parent's) email ID

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

1. Log in and click "Apply for Fresh Passport"
2. Select "Minor" as the applicant type
3. Fill in the child's details — name, date of birth, gender
4. Enter parent details — both parents' names, passport numbers
5. Enter the applying parent's address (used as the child's address)
6. Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for appointment
7. Choose the type of application:
   • Normal: 36-page booklet
   • Jumbo: 60-page booklet (for frequent travelers)

Step 3: Pay the Fee

• Pay online through net banking, credit/debit card, or SBI branch challan
• Fee depends on normal or tatkal processing

Step 4: Book Appointment

• Select an available date and time at your chosen PSK
• Download and print the appointment confirmation

Step 5: Visit the PSK

• Arrive at the PSK with the child, both parents (or the applying parent), and all original documents
• The child must be physically present at the PSK
• Process at PSK:
  1. Token counter — appointment verification
  2. Counter A — document submission and scanning
  3. Counter B — verification by Passport Officer
  4. Counter C — approval (if granted same day)
  5. Biometrics — photograph captured at PSK; fingerprints for children above 5-10 years (varies)

Step 6: Police Verification (If Required)

• Not all minor passport applications require police verification
• If submitted with birth certificate + parents' passports + non-ECR category, police verification may be waived
• If required, a police constable visits your registered address

Step 7: Receive Passport

• If approved, passport dispatched via Speed Post
• Track on passportindia.gov.in using your file number

Fees

Note: Tatkal processing is not available for minors in all situations.

Processing Time

Important Situations

Divorced Parents

• The applying parent must have legal custody (court order)
• File Annexure C (passport can be issued with one parent's details only)
• The other parent's consent is not needed if custody order is provided
• Passport will show only the custodial parent's name

One Parent is an NRI

• The NRI parent's passport copy is required
• If the NRI parent cannot be present at PSK, an authorization letter (notarized) is needed
• The child's application can be submitted by the parent present in India

Newborn Baby Passport

• Apply as soon as you have the birth certificate
• No minimum age — passports can be issued to newborns
• Required for international travel with the baby
• Baby must be physically present at the PSK

Important Tips

• Both parents should visit the PSK — while not always mandatory, it avoids complications; if one parent can't come, carry an authorization letter
• Birth certificate is non-negotiable — ensure it's issued by the correct authority (municipal/panchayat)
• Child's presence is mandatory — the child must be at the PSK, regardless of age (even infants)
• Address proof — the child's address is taken as the parent's address; ensure it matches across documents
• Renew before expiry — minor passports have shorter validity; track the expiry date and renew 6 months before it expires

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a newborn baby get a passport?

Yes, there is no minimum age requirement. A newborn can get a passport once the birth certificate is issued. The passport is valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18.

Do both parents need to sign the application?

Both parents' details are required on the form. If one parent is unavailable, the applying parent must file Annexure C (giving consent on behalf of both parents or explaining the situation).

My child's school name differs from the birth certificate name. What to do?

Use the name as on the birth certificate for the passport application. If there's a genuine discrepancy, get the birth certificate or school records corrected first.

Can a grandparent apply for a minor's passport?

Only parents or legal guardians can apply. If grandparents have legal guardianship (court order), they can apply as legal guardians.

When does a minor passport need to be renewed?

Minor passports expire after 5 years or when the child turns 18 (whichever is earlier). After turning 18, the child must apply for a fresh adult passport (re-issue is not possible for minor-to-adult conversion).

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the MEA or Passport Seva. Visit passportindia.gov.in for official information.