But is a birth certificate mandatory for a passport? Can you apply for a passport without a birth certificate? Let us find out below.
Is a Birth Certificate Mandatory for a Passport?
Most people believe that a birth certificate is mandatory for passport applications and renewals, but that is no longer the case.
Until November 2016, the old Passport Regulations rules were applicable, which required a birth certificate for passport requirements for anyone born after January 26th, 1989. However, as per the amendments introduced for the passport issuance policy in December 2016, you no longer need to rely on a birth certificate to apply for a passport.
Although a birth certificate may still be the most preferred document, there are many other alternatives to this crucial document that can help you meet your passport requirements without any hassle.
Alternative Documents for Birth Certificate for Passport
The role of a birth certificate for any passport application for issuance or renewal is to prove the date of birth of the applicant. Thus, you can submit any of the following documents in place of a birth certificate to apply for a passport.
Document Type |
Details |
Aadhaar Card | It is a multi-functional card that comes with a unique identity number for each individual. The Aadhaar card is the second-most preferred proof of identity and date of birth in India. |
PAN Card | The Income Tax Department issues this card, and it is acceptable proof of identity and, in some cases, date of birth. You must check whether your PAN card has your DOB before submitting it for passport applications. |
Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) | Even though EPIC is one of the least preferred alternatives to a birth certificate for passport applications, it does contain your DOB and is thus acceptable. |
Driving Licence | It is a government-issued photo identification that includes crucial information like your date of birth and thus can be submitted as an alternative in case the other documents on this list are unavailable. |
Certificate of School Transfer/ Leaving/ Matriculation | These are official certifications provided by educational institutions that mention your date of birth for verification. Younger applicants commonly submit it. |
Service Record for Government Officials | Any proof of service records for Government officials that mention job role and date of birth can be submitted as valid proof of date of birth and identity by Government employees. |
Pay Pension Order for Retired Government Officials | Similar to the service records, retired government officials can also submit their Pay Pension Order as valid proof of date of birth and identity for passport services. |
Policy Bond | This is a valid insurance policy document that might contain your DOB but may or may only be accepted by some passport offices or for specific passport applications. |
Declaration Letter (for Orphans) | For special cases like orphans, a valid declaration letter from the Head of the Orphanage or Child Care Centre is acceptable as proof of an applicant’s DOB and identity. |
How to Get a Passport without a Birth Certificate?
List of Documents Required
Proof of Birth - To get your new or renewed passport, you can submit any of the documents mentioned above with your passport application in place of the birth certificate.
Proof of Current Address - Water bill, electricity bill, gas connection invoice, election commission photo ID card, Aadhaar card, rental agreement, bank account passbook, telephone bill, etc.
Proof of Education - Highest qualification certificates (if required)
Process for Passport Application without Birth Certificate
Go to the official
Passport Seva Kendra website.
Click on “New Registration” from the homepage, add all the requested information on the next page, and then click on “Register.”
Confirm your verification and log in by clicking on the link shared on the registered email address.
Select the “Apply for New Passport/ Re-Issue Passport” option, fill out the application form, and then proceed to payment by clicking on “Pay and Schedule Appointment”.
After payment, book an appointment at the nearest passport office and submit the necessary documents to the authorised office on the day of the appointment.
Complete the additional formalities as requested by the officer in charge.
Wait for the final check and for the application to be approved. If approved, the new passport will be sent to your registered address.
Additional Tips to Apply for Passport without Birth Certificate
Check the availability of date of birth on all the birth certificate alternatives mentioned above to avoid submitting incorrect documents and delays in your passport application approval.
Maintain proper documentation or proof to explain the absence of a valid birth certificate, as it might be required during the passport application process.
An appointment is not mandatory for a Passport Seva Kendra. However, if a valid birth certificate is not available, you must book an appointment to receive additional support.
Choose the strongest documentation to submit with your passport application by choosing the strongest ones for the required categories. For instance, your Aadhaar card is the most widely acceptable proof of age and address.
Invest in a travel insurance plan when you plan your first trip with the new passport to ensure your passport is protected with the necessary
passport insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Missing a birth certificate can be a significant hurdle for many identification-oriented processes. However, applying for a new passport is not one of them. You can submit any of the above-mentioned alternatives to apply for a passport without a birth certificate.
Once you have your passport, you can travel the world without any hassle, especially if you have the necessary
international travel insurance plan that ensures maximum financial protection in times of need, especially for your passport.
Reliance General offers a range of travel insurance plans that provide coverage for many unforeseen circumstances that can arise before or during your international trip. Our travel insurance plans include cover for loss or damage to passports, flight delays or cancellations, loss of baggage, medical emergencies, and more.
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