Key Passport Rule Changes in India: Everything You Need to Know

Latest Passport Rules: Key Amendments You Must Know

The Indian government has recently introduced significant changes to the passport rules, impacting the application process and document requirements. A crucial amendment has been made to the Passport Rules of 1980, focusing on the proof of date of birth for new applicants.

According to officials, this amendment will take effect once published in the official Gazette. Here are the five key changes you need to be aware of:

1. Birth Certificate Mandatory for New Applicants

Under the new rules, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must provide a birth certificate issued by one of the following authorities:

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

This birth certificate will be the only accepted proof of date of birth for these applicants.

2. Rules for Those Born Before October 1, 2023

For individuals born before October 1, 2023, the new rules do not apply. They can continue to submit one of the following documents as proof of date of birth:

• Birth Certificate
• Transfer Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, or Matriculation Certificate from a recognized educational institution
• PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department (if it carries the date of birth)
• Driving License
• Extract of the service record (for government employees)

3. No Residential Address on Passport

To enhance privacy protection, the new passport format will not include the applicant’s residential address on the last page of the passport. Immigration officials will retrieve address details by scanning a barcode embedded in the passport.

4. Colour-Coded Passports

The government has introduced a colour-coded passport system to distinguish different categories of passport holders:

• Red Passport: For Diplomatic passport holders
• White Passport: For Government Officials
• Blue Passport: For General Public

This classification helps authorities quickly identify passport holders based on their category.

5. Parents' Names Not Printed on Passport

In a significant change aimed at benefiting children of single parents and those from estranged families, parents’ names will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. This amendment provides greater flexibility and inclusivity in passport issuance.

Conclusion

These new amendments to the passport rules will simplify the application process while ensuring compliance with updated regulations. If you are planning to apply for a passport, it is essential to stay updated with these changes to avoid any delays in the process.

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