Complete Guide to Minor Passport Application in India

Applying for a minor passport in India—for newborns, young children, or teenagers under 18 years—requires filing through the official Passport Seva Portal. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) maintains a streamlined framework for young applicants, securing a minor’s passport requires strict compliance with parental consent declarations (Annexure D or C), specific birth proof standards, and physical presence verification at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Whether you want to navigate the application process independently or prefer full doorstep assistance managed by Itzeazy, this comprehensive guide covers rules, document requirements, fee updates under the latest MEA Passports (Amendment) Rules, and special procedures for single parents or legal guardians.

Quick Summary: Minor Passport Rules & Regulations

• Age Category: Anyone below 18 years of age qualifies as a minor applicant.
• Validity Period: Passports issued to children under 15 years are valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes earlier. Minors between 15 and 18 years can choose between a 5-year validity passport or a full 10-year validity adult passport.
• PSK Presence: The child must be physically present at the scheduled PSK or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) appointment.
• Biometric Exemption: Children under 5 years old are exempt from fingerprint and iris capture; only a physical and digital photograph is taken.
• Police Verification: Physical police verification for a minor is typically waived if at least one parent holds a valid Indian passport with the spouse’s name endorsed.

How to Apply: Self-Service vs. ItzEazy Assisted Service

Option 1: Self-Application via Passport Seva Portal

1. Create User Account: Register on passportindia.gov.in under your regional Passport Office jurisdiction.
2. Fill Minor Application Form: Select Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue -> Minor.
3. Fill Particulars: Enter child’s full name, date of birth, and parents’ details exactly as recorded on the official birth certificate.
4. Pay Application Fees: Pay the prescribed government fee online to unlock appointment slots.
5. Book PSK Slot: Reserve an appointment at your nearest PSK or POPSK.
6. Attend PSK Appointment: Visit the PSK with your child and present original documents, Annexure D/C, and address proofs.

Option 2: Express Assisted Service via ItzEazy

If you want to avoid application errors, document mismatches, Annexure drafting confusion, or long appointment queues, Itzeazy offers full doorstep assistance:

1. Document Verification: An Itzeazy expert conducts a detailed audit of your child’s birth certificate, parents’ Aadhaar/passport records, and address proofs to eliminate rejection risks.
2. Annexure & Affidavit Drafting: The team drafts and formats the exact legal declaration (Annexure D, C, or G) tailored to your specific family structure.
3. Form Filing & Priority Slot Booking: Itzeazy completes the online application and secures the earliest available PSK slot.
4. PSK Visit Preparation: Receive a customized checklist explaining counter workflows, photo requirements, and original document presentation.
5. Post-Filing Tracking: Complete tracking of police verification status and postal dispatch until the passport is delivered to your residence.

Why Choose Itzeazy for Minor Passport Services?

• Zero Application Rejections: Expert pre-submission auditing catches name spelling variations before filing.
• Complex Case Specialists: Tailored guidance for single parents, divorced parents, adopted children, or passport renewals for older teenagers.
• Fast Slot Allocation: Priority monitoring to secure quick appointments at high-demand PSK locations.
• Dedicated Assistance: Personal case manager assigned via phone and WhatsApp.

On your appointment day:

• Both parents (if possible) and the child must be there
• Bring your ARN receipt (you get this after applying online)
• Carry all original documents + self attested photocopies

Note: If both parents have valid passports and you submit Annexure D, police verification is not required for 5-year minor passport. But the final decision is made by the Passport Officer during your PSK visit.

Documents Required for Child Passport (Infants and Minors)

While applying for minor passport, you need to submit following documents :

1. Current address proof (Aadhaar Card)
2. Date of birth proof ( Birth Certificate)
3. Annexure D for declaring consent by parents

List of acceptable documents 

Address proof

1. Water Bill
2. Telephone
3. Electricity bill
4. Income Tax Assessment Order
5. Election Commission Photo ID card
6. Proof of Gas Connection
7. Certificate from Employer of reputed companies on letter head
8. Spouse’s passport copy (showing family details on it and the applicant’s present address matches the address mentioned in the spouse’s passport)
9. Parent’s passport copy, in case of minors(First and last page)
10. Aadhaar Card
11. Rent Agreement
12. Photo Passbook of running Bank Account (Scheduled Public Sector Banks, Scheduled Private Sector Indian Banks and Regional Rural Banks only)

Except Aadhar card, above document of parents name are acceptable

Date of Birth proof

1. Birth Certificate
2. Transfer/School leaving/Matriculation Certificate
3. Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies having the DOB of the holder
4. PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
5. Driving License issued by the Transport department of concerned state Government
6. A declaration given by the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home on their official letter head of the organization confirming the DOB of the applicant

Documents Required for Minor Passport in Special Cases

• Aged 15-18 (10-year validity): Proof of Non-ECR category.
• Divorced Parents: Submit a certified copy of the court order.
• Separated (Not Divorced) Parents: Provide Annexure C.
• Single Parent (Out of Wedlock): Annexure C is needed.
• One Parent Deceased: Death certificate of the deceased spouse.
• Application by Legal Guardian: Court decree or legal order appointing the guardian.
• Parent(s) Residing Abroad: Annexure C required.
• Children of Govt/PSU Employees: Original Identity Certificate (Annexure A).
• Parents with Valid Passports: Attested photocopies of either or both passports.
• One Parent Not Giving Consent: Annexure C must be submitted.
• Adopted Child: Court-attested adoption deed with child’s photo.

Mandatory Legal Declarations: Annexure D vs. Annexure C

The Passport Authority requires specific sworn declarations to safeguard minor custody rights:

1. Annexure D (Consent of Both Parents)

• When Applicable: Used when both biological parents are alive, legally married, and consent to issuing the child’s passport.
• Key Requirements: Must state the child’s birth details, confirm Indian citizenship, and carry the signatures and identity proof numbers (Passport/Aadhaar/PAN) of both parents.

2. Annexure C (Single Parent / Custody Cases)

• When Applicable: Used when one parent is applying without the consent or signature of the other (e.g., single unwed mother, untraceable spouse, ongoing divorce proceedings, or sole legal custody).
• Key Requirements: Executed solely by the applying parent. It explicitly states that the applicant parent has actual physical custody of the minor and accepts all legal consequences if challenged.

Photo Standards for Infants & Young Children (< 4 Years)

While the PSK captures photos digitally for older children, parents of children under 4 years must carry physical passport photos to the appointment:

• Dimensions: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm with a clean white background.
• Facial Positioning: Full frontal facial view, eyes open, neutral expression, looking straight at the camera.
• Framing Restrictions: No parents’ hands, clothing, toys, or chair backs may be visible anywhere in the frame.

Revised Fee Structure for Minor Passports

Under updated MEA regulations, the fee schedule for minor passport applications is as follows:

Application Type	Validity Term	Standard Category Fee	Tatkaal Service Fee
Minor (Below 8 Years)	5 Years or till 18	₹1,575 (10% Fresh Concession applied)	₹4,075
Minor (8 to 15 Years)	5 Years or till 18	₹1,750	₹4,250
Minor (15 to 18 Years)	10-Year Adult Booklet Option	₹2,500	₹5,000

Minimum Age for Passport in India

There is no minimum age requirement to apply for child passport in India. Even newborns or 1 day old babies can get passport once their birth certificate is issued. In India, every child under 18 even newborn babies must have their own separate passport.

There are two categories of minor passports based on age:

• Children below 15 years: Passport valid for 5 years.
• Children between 15–18 years: They can choose between 5 year or 10 year validity (until they turn 18).

When you apply for infant passport in India, the process is similar to other minor passport applications. But for babies below 4 years, you need to carry their passport-size photo to the PSK since biometrics cannot be captured.

Do both parents need to be present for child passport in India

A common doubt among parents applying for infant or minor passport is whether both parents must visit the Passport Seva Kendra.

Yes, ideally both parents should be present. But if one parent cannot attend, the passport application can still continue if you submit:

• Annexure D (Consent Affidavit) signed by the absent parent
• Photocopies of both parents passport (if available)

This rule applies for all child passport categories, even when you apply for infant passport in India.

Minor passport rules

Some of the important points to know about minor passport are :

1. When you are applying for passport for kids in India, remember that each minor must have separate passport booklet. There’s no option to include child’s name on parent’s passport. These minor passport rules apply to all children under 18
2. Both parents should be present during the appointment. In case, only one of the parents is available, they should carry both parents’ passports for verification.
3. If one of the parents resides outside India, Annexure C from the parent who is accompanying minor applicant must be submitted with the minors passport application.
4. It is not mandatory for both parents to have a passport to apply for minor’s passport
5. When minor is living with parents or guardian, consent from both parents is required.
6. Indian passport for minor consists of 36 pages booklet. The minor’s passport validity depends on the age of the minor.

Things to know while visiting Passport Seva Kendra

• Reach 15 minutes before appointment time.
• Minors are advised to visit PSK with their parents and can proceed without standing in the regular queue.
• At PSK, the officials will take the biometric prints of fingers and iris, along with the photograph.
• If police verification is required (for a 10-year minor passport), it takes about 30 days to get the passport. For Tatkal applications, it takes just 3–5 days.

How to apply for Passport online in India

Documents Required for New Passport

Proof of address for Passport

FAQs

What is the minimum age to apply for passport in India?

There is no minimum age to apply for child passport in India. Even newborns and infants are eligible to apply for a passport. As per Indian law, every child must have their own separate passport, regardless of age.

How to apply for passport for baby in India?

To apply for a baby passport in India, you need to register on the Passport Seva Portal and fill out the minor passport application.

1. Visit the official Passport Seva Website.
2. Create an account and select “Apply for Fresh Passport” & choose “Minor” as the applicant type.
3. Enter your baby’s details, upload the required documents and pay the fee.
4. Book an appointment at the nearest PSK
5. Visit the PSK with your child and submit the necessary documents (proof of address, date of birth, Annexure D, etc.).
6. On the appointment day, carry your baby’s birth certificate, passport size photo, and both parents’ passports or ID proofs

For infants below 4 years, their biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) are not taken. Instead, you must bring a passport size photo of your baby

What are the documents required for child passport?

The documents required for a child or minor passport depends on the child’s age and parents’ situation :

• Proof of date of birth
• Aadhaar Card or parents’ address proof
• Annexure D – parental consent form signed by both parents
• Parents’ passports (first and last page photocopies)

Is Aadhaar card required for a passport for a child?

No, Aadhaar is not mandatory for kid passport. But, it can be submitted as address proof if available. You can also submit other documents like parents’ passports, utility bills or rental agreements.

Can we apply for a child passport if one parent is abroad?

Yes, you can apply for your child’s passport even if one parent is abroad. In this case, the parent who is in India can apply on behalf of the child by submitting:

• Annexure C, signed by the parent accompanying
• Passport copies of both parents (if available)
• Other required documents like the birth certificate and address proof

It is not mandatory for both parents to have an Indian passport. Consent from the a parent through Annexure D is sufficient.

How to apply passport for 1 year old baby?

The process to apply for a passport for 1 year old baby is similar to that for older children

1. Visit the Passport Seva website and log in.
2. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport – Minor.”
3. Enter your kid’s details and upload supporting documents.
4. Pay the applicable minor passport fee and book PSK appointment.
5. Visit the PSK with your kid, birth certificate, Annexure D and parents’ passports

For babies carry recent passport-size photograph as biometrics will not be captured.

Do both parents need to be present for minor passport?

Yes, both parents should be present at Passport Seva Kendra when applying for minor passport. But, if one parent cannot attend, the other parent can still apply but they need to submit –

• Annexure C (consent affidavit from the parent accompanying)
• Passport copies of both parents (if available)

This rule applies to all child passport applications in India ( infants and older minors)

What is the validity of passport for kids under 15 years?

For children below 15 years the passport is issued with a validity of 5 years or until the child turns 18 whichever comes first. Children between 15 and 18 years can choose between 5-year validity or a 10-year validity passport

Can mother apply for child's passport without the father's consent in India?

Yes, mother can apply for a minor’s passport without the father’s consent in some situations. She must submit Annexure C with the correct declaration. This applies to situations like separation, single parenting, lack of contact, or when the father refuses to cooperate.

If the mother has full legal custody after divorce, she can also apply without the father’s signature by giving the custody order along with Annexure C. Only when both parents share joint custody is the father’s consent normally required.

If you want to apply for infant passport in India or have queries about minor passports, you can book your order online. For any help, speak to our relationship manager over phone or chat. You can also write to us, we will get back to you.