What Are the New Passport Rules for Indians?

The Government of India has issued new rules for passport applications that will apply to both fresh applications and renewals. These changes have been made to smoothen the process with better security and higher efficiency of the passport issuance system. Should you be applying for a passport, take these five changes into consideration:

What Are the New Passport Rules for Indians?

1. Birth Certificate

1. Proof of date of birth is considered to be one of the important criteria for passport application. For persons born on or after October 1, 2023, proof of date of birth would now be a birth certificate issued by a municipal corporation or an officer designated in this regard under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1969. 
2. Persons born before October 1, 2023, apart from the birth certificate, other documents for proof of date of birth will be accepted, like transfer or school-leaving certificate, PAN card, service record/pay/pension order. In the case of a government employee, a driving license, and election ID card, or LIC policy bond will be required!

2. Residential Address on Passport

1. The other big change is that no residential address will be written on the last page of the passport. Rather, the last page will carry a barcode that can be scanned by the immigration checkers for any requisite information. This will aid security and reduce any chances of misuse of personal data. 

3. A Colour-Coding System to be Introduced

For faster and easier passport-type identification, the government is adopting a new colour-coding system: 

1. A White passport will be issued to government officials. 
2. A Red passport will be issued to diplomats. 
3. A Blue passport will still be issued to ordinary citizens. 

Here, identification of passport holders based on category will further streamline the process.

4. Removing Parents’ Names from Passports 

1. The government has decided that all passports will no longer include the names of a person’s parents on the last page, aiming at securing personal data and easing the process of obtaining a passport. This is more convenient for people in divided households or a single parent. 

5. More Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) for the Country

1. The government has decided to open more Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in the country to enhance access and speed in the passport application process. Over the next five years, the PSKs will increase from 442 to 600; it will reduce the time taken for verification by the applicant. 

What Are You Waiting for? Contact Us for Professional Guidance

All these changes are made to improve security, convenience, and user-friendliness in the passport application process. From strict birth certificate requirements to omitting sensitive forms of personal information to increasing centers for service provision, all these have been considered to make the life of an applicant easier. Be informed about the changes when you apply for a new passport or intend to renew your old passport so you won’t have any setbacks during the process of application.

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