Birth Certificate Requirement for Passport Applications
New Delhi: A significant change has been introduced in the passport application process across the country. As per the new rule, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit a birth certificate while applying for a passport. Under this revised regulation, the birth certificate will be the only valid proof of date of birth for these applicants. However, those born before this date can still use alternative documents as proof. This move aims to simplify the documentation process and eliminate the need for multiple records.
Birth Certificate Mandatory for Newborns
The new directive falls under the amended Birth and Death Registration Act, 2023. As per this rule, a birth certificate is now compulsory for passport applications for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023. Meanwhile, older applicants still have the flexibility to provide other documents to establish their date of birth.
Alternative Documents for Older Applicants
The list of alternative documents is specified in the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2025. These documents include:
- Transfer certificate or school leaving certificate
- Matriculation certificate
- PAN card
- Service record or pension order for government employees
- Driving license
- Voter ID card
- Policy bonds issued by LIC or other public sector insurance companies
This update was officially published in the government’s gazette notification on Friday.
Enhancing Efficiency in Government Processes
Previously, a birth certificate was made mandatory on January 26, 1989, but in 2016, the passport rules were amended to allow applicants to submit alternative documents as proof of birth. Now, with this new rule, the government aims to streamline processes further. The move reinforces the importance of birth certificates in official documentation, making administrative work more efficient and ensuring greater ease for citizens.
This policy change marks a significant step towards simplifying government procedures, reducing paperwork, and ensuring uniformity in official records. The updated rules will not only benefit applicants but also help in expediting government services.
