Newborns / Toddlers Indian Passport Application Process

Whether for an upcoming vacation plan, impromptu travels, or emergencies, a passport is a must for everyone, so why should a newborn be left behind? What's more, it's a valid identification proof accepted across the globe.

I will walk you through step by step process for a fresh newborn/toddler Indian passport application through Normal or Tatkaal category using both online and offline methods.

Checkout my Must Carry Checklist when going with a baby to make the experience hassle free.

Online Application Process:

Step1:

1. Visit https://www.passportindia.gov.in/ to create an account

2. Use an active email id as username (you can use your existing email), as all communications will be through this email

3. Select a strong password and create the account

Step 2:

1. Once in, under the Applicant home select the option of Apply for Fresh / Re-issuance of passport

2. Select the type Fresh / Tatkaal based on your need.

3. Booklet type by default is 36 pages for minors, even if you select otherwise it would prompt for change once DOB is fed in. Click Next.

Step 3:

1. On this page, fill in the baby's details like given name, surname, any name changes, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, marital status (of course Single :)), education (7th pass or less).

2. Non - ECR (Emigration Check Required) eligibility is yes for children of tax payers / diplomats (See point 4 in eligibility document)

3. Remember to save the application and click Next so you don't lose your inputs.

Step 4:

1. On this page fill in the Address, use current address where the passport needs to be sent. (you will need address proof - Parents passport, adhaar  see the list)

2. Enter permanent address details or check same as current

3. Fill in the details of the police station in your current address area. If parents have valid passports with spouse names mentioned on either passport, police verification would not be required but you still need to select a police station.

4. Enter valid phone number (application confirmation, appointment confirmation, date timings, passport status will be sent to phone via SMS), save and click Next. Once the application is saved at this point cannot be edited for police jurisdiction.

Step 5:

1. Here fill in the emergency contact details - Name, Address, Contact number, etc. and click Next

Step 6:

1. Now you will reach Identity certificate / Passport details page, fill in the details as applicable and check details not available option for previous passport as its a fresh application for newborn and click Next

Step 7:

1. Fill all the other details like background checks and criminal records which by default would be NO for a newborn.

Step 8:

1. On this page you will see how the details will appear on the passport, verify everything, edit if required, save and submit. You can either submit supporting documents like birth certificates, address proof or submit without it, you would still need to carry the originals and copies just in case.

2. Make sure to Save and Submit the form online for hassle free process using Option 1 or choose Option 2 to download the form, fill and upload and submit as per your convenience.

Appointment:

Once the form is submitted you will be prompted to pay and choose an appointment slot or you could also retrieve the submitted form from view saved / submitted forms, pay and choose a slot . If choosing tatkaal, you may have to log in at 4:30pm on weekdays and try your luck as most slots would be booked and are limited. But it is not very difficult to get one in 1-2 attempts based on the season for travel. Check multiple PSKs in your area for higher probability even if you have to travel a bit.

Documents to Carry:

Carry copies of all the documents mentioned below along with originals for verification.

1. Proof of present address ( Parents passport, Aadhaar, see the list )

2. Birth certificate of the baby

3. Annexure D (If both parents consent and sign or choose C or I based on your category) form filled and signed

4. Annexure H (Self Declaration of details - Baby details, parent/guardian details, signatures) form filled and signed

5. Self attested photo copy of passport of both parents if available or either parent.

6. Good quality baby's photograph with white background 4.5cm x 3.5cm

7. In case of tatkaal appointment you need to carry 2 ID proof's of baby hence Aadhaar becomes mandatory along with birth certificate (In case you don't have aadhaar but booked tatkaal appointment, still you can go but application would be processed in normal category and you would have to pay tatkaal fees but the tatkaal line would move faster :), silver lining after all.)

8. You can also refer to the checklist based on your category on the official website - Link

No matter what any website tells you, the baby must be physically present for the passport appointment whether Online or Offline, Normal or Tatkaal. The baby's thumb impression will be taken as well for the passport.

Offline Application Process:

1. Best option is to visit a local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with a downloaded passport application form or take one at the PSK, fill in the details, pay the fees and book an appointment.

2. The steps would remain the same to fill in the details for offline form as well.

3. Carry copies of the required documents as mentioned above along with originals for verification.

4. You could also visit a District Passport Cell (DPC) if one in your area or Speed Post Center (SPC) and buy a form, fill the details, pay the fee and submit. Carry all the documents as mentioned above.

In some exceptional cases of emergency, tatkaal or special cases a walk-in without appointment maybe allowed to process the passport application. Check your eligibility.

Passport Application Fees:

The fee is INR 1000 for Normal category and INR 3000 for Tatkaal. You would have to pay INR 900 online while submitting the form and INR 2000 in only cash at PSK in case of Tatkaal. So please carry cash with you.