Passport - FAQ

What is the process for issue of Passport under Normal scheme ?

For passport under Normal scheme one should apply to the passport office under the jurisdiction of which it falls. Applicant will be allotted a date and time slot for document verification and further processing . After this there will be police verification . If it is positive passport will be issued.

What is the process for issue of Passport under Tatkal scheme?

If somebody needs passport urgently , he/she can apply for Passport under Tatkal scheme . For this other than the documents required under normal scheme , applicant will have to arrange Annexure 'F' ( certificate) from class I officer and Annexure 'I' (Affidavit ) . Under Tatkal scheme in one week time passport is issued.

What are the documents required to apply for Passport ?

Following are the documents required to apply for the passport :

• Proof of residence
• Proof of Date of Birth

Which are the documents acceptable as Proof of Address ?

• Water Bill
• Telephone (landline or post paid mobile bill)
• Electricity bill
• Passbook of running bank account
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• Election Commission Photo ID card
• Proof of Gas Connection
• Certificate from Employer of reputed companies on letter head
• Spouse's passport copy (First and last page including family details), (provided the applicant's present address matches the address mentioned in the spouses passport)
• Applicant's current and valid ration card
• Parent's passport copy, in case of minors(First and last page)
• Aadhaar Card

What documents are required for deletion of spouse's name on account of divorce?

Following additional documents have to be submitted:-

• Court certified copy of Divorce decree or self attested copy of Divorce certificate.
• Deed Poll or Sworn Affidavit as per Annexure "E" given in the Passport Instruction booklet.

How long is a passport valid?

In case of adults, 10-year validity passport would be issued. In case of minors, the validity of passport is restricted to 5 years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable depending upon the category they are applying for . Further, most of the foreign missions/embassies insist on the passport validity of at least of six months to one year before they consider issuing visas. Accordingly, it is advisable to apply for re-issue well before time to avoid last minute rush.

My passport will expire in 2 years. What should I do?

You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry or within three years after the expiry of the existing passport without fresh police verification, provided there is no change in personal particulars and there is clear police report with respect to your previous passport and there is no adverse entry in the system. You can also apply for re-issue of passport if your previous passport expired more than three years ago, but fresh police verification would take place.