The government has imposed stricter documentation requirements that every applicant should be aware of.
New Passport Rules 2025: A passport is a very important document that verifies a person’s identity, especially during international travel. It confirms the traveller’s nationality and other essential details, which are mandatory when travelling to another country. In a recent update, the Prime Minister Modi-led government has made changes to the passport application process. The government has imposed stricter documentation requirements that every applicant should be aware of.
Notably, identity documents such as Aadhaar, Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), PAN card, driving license, and Pay Pension Order are accepted only if they mention the applicant’s full date of birth.
Birth Certificate Is Mandatory Now
In a major update, the government has mandated the birth certificate. It means that only a birth certificate will be considered valid when applying for a passport as proof of date of birth for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023.
What About Applicants Born Before October 1, 2023
Those who were born before the cut-off date can continue to use alternative documents such as school leaving certificates, PAN cards, driving licences, voter ID, etc.
MEA’s Notification On Revised Passport Rules
India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced new passport application rules on February 24th, designed to simplify and improve the application process.
Parents’ Names Removed
The government, to support the single-parent families, removed parents’ names mentioned on the last page. Meaning, the Indian passport will no longer display the names of parents on the last page.
Address Shifted to Barcode Format
Applicant residential addresses will be removed from the printed application and instead encoded in a scannable barcode to enhance privacy and security.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced security features and a redesigned layout are incorporated into the new passport format, bringing it in line with international best practices for secure and streamlined global travel.
