The Indian government has implemented significant changes to the passport application process, aiming to enhance security, privacy, and convenience for citizens. Here’s an in-depth look at these updates.
1. Proof of date of birth (DOB)
For applicants born on or after October 1, 2023:
A valid Birth Certificate is now the sole accepted document proof of DOB. These measures standardise the verification process for newer applicants.
For applicants born before October 1, 2023:
A variety of documents can be submitted as proof of DOB, including:
Birth certificate issues by the Registrar of Birth & Death or the Municipal Corporation.
- PAN Card.
- Driving License.
- Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar.
- Matriculation Certificate.
- Transfer/School Leaving/Matriculation Certificate.
- Policy Bond issued by Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies.
This flexibility acknowledges the diverse documentation available to older applicants.
2. Removal of Residential address from passport booklet:
To enhance privacy, residential addresses will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport booklet. Instead, immigration authorities will access this information through a scannable barcode embedded in the passport. This change minimises the risk of personal data exposure.
3. Colour-coded passport systems:
A new colour-coding scheme has been introduced to simplify identification:
- White passports: issued to government officials travelling for official purposes.
- Red passports: designated for diplomats, facilitating easy recognition during international engagements.
- Blue passports: standard passports issued to regular citizens for personal travel.
This system streamlines the identification process for authorities, ensuring clarity and efficiency.
4. Omission of parents’ names and passport:
In a move to enhance individual privacy and accommodate diverse family structures, the names of passport holder’s parents will no longer be printed on the passports. This change benefits single-parent families and individuals from non-traditional households by respecting their privacy.
5. Expansion of passport seva Kendras (PSKs):
To improve accessibility and reduce processing times, the government plans to increase the number in d Passport Seva Kendras from 422 to 600 over the next five years. This expansion aims to make passport services more accessible, especially in remote and underserved regions, enhancing overall efficiency.
6. Simplified procedures for specific applicant categories:
Married or divorced individuals: applicants are no longer required to provide a marriage certificate or spouse’s name during the application process, simplifying procedures for these individuals.
Government employee seeking urgent passports: government employees needing an urgent passport can now submit a self-declaration if obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is not feasible, expediting the issuance process.
Implementation timeline:
These changes are being rolled out in phases, with full implementation expected by the end of the current year. Applicants are advised to consult the official Passport Seva Kendras for the most current information and guidance.