The Government of India has recently amended the passport application process, introducing significant changes aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of applicants’ date of birth verification. These changes are particularly pertinent for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023.

Mandatory Birth Certificate for Applicants Born on or After October 1, 2023

Under the new regulations, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, are required to submit a birth certificate as the sole acceptable proof of their date of birth when applying for a passport. This birth certificate must be issued by one of the following authorities:

• Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Municipal Corporation
• Any other authority authorized under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

This amendment ensures a standardized and reliable verification process for the date of birth of applicants in this category.

Alternative Documents for Applicants Born Before October 1, 2023

For individuals born before October 1, 2023, the passport application process remains more flexible. Applicants in this category can submit any one of the following documents as proof of date of birth:

• Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation
• Transfer/School Leaving/Matriculation Certificate issued by the school last attended or recognized educational board
• Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies containing the date of birth of the holder
• Copy of an extract of the service record of the applicant (only in respect of government servants) or the Pay Pension Order (in respect of retired government servants), duly attested/certified by the officer in charge of the administration of the concerned ministry/department of the applicant
• Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar
• Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India
• PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
• Driving license issued by the Transport Department of the concerned state government
• A declaration given by the head of the orphanage/child care home on the official letterhead of the organization confirming the date of birth of the applicant.

It is important to note that documents like Aadhaar card, EPIC, PAN card, driving license, and Pay Pension Order will be accepted as proof of date of birth only if they contain the precise date of birth of the applicant.

Implementation Timeline

The amended passport rules, known as the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, have been officially notified and are set to come into effect following their publication in the official Gazette. Applicants are advised to stay informed about the official implementation date to ensure compliance with the new requirements

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory birth certificates for applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, marks a significant step towards streamlining and standardizing the passport application process in India. By requiring a uniform document for date of birth verification, the government aims to enhance the authenticity and reliability of applicant information. Applicants are encouraged to prepare the necessary documentation in accordance with their date of birth to facilitate a smooth passport application experience.

Note: This article is based on information available as of May 4, 2025. Applicants should refer to the official Passport Seva website or contact the nearest Passport Seva Kendra for the most current guidelines and requirements.

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