Passport for Infant/Newborn Baby in India – How to Apply

A passport is a government-issued document that grants the person the ability to travel outside of their native country while continuing to be a citizen of their native country and being protected by the government. With structured travelling systems in place, more and more people are getting their passports ready. On that thought, parents of newborns come across a dilemma of whether an infant passport in India is a requirement to travel across the world.

Well, newborn babies also require a passport to travel across countries. Applying for a passport for an infant in India is crucial for parents wanting to travel internationally with their baby. Here’s the catch: the process of obtaining a baby passport in India is slightly different than that for adults. To save you time and energy, we have compiled a simple-to-understand guide on procuring an infant passport in India, the required documents, detailed steps, processing fee, and frequently asked questions in just one place.

When Can You Apply for a Newborn or Infant Passport in India?

After receiving the baby’s birth certificate, parents can submit the passport application for an infant in India.

Documents Required to Get a Passport for a Baby in India

The documents required for a baby passport slightly differ from those required for adults. Parents are required to attest all the documents on behalf of the minor (1).

1. Birth Certificate of the Baby: The birth certificate of the baby is extremely important for the application process. It can either be issued by the municipal body or the office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
2. Parent’s Passport Copies: Clear and attested copies of the valid passports of both or either parent need to be submitted.
3. Passport-sized Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of the newborn and both parents are required. The photographs should be in colour and 45mm x 35mm in size. You can check the specific requirements for the photograph, like size, background, and colour, on the official website or here (2).
4. Proof of Address: Proof of current residence in the parents’ name is essential. Documents that can be used as address proof include the Aadhar Card, utility bills, voter ID, and rental agreement. If a parent holds a passport, it will be enough.
5. Annexure D: Annexure D is a declaration form sworn by parents or guardians providing consent for the minor’s passport issuance.
6. Passport Application or Appointment Receipt: The receipt of the passport application for a newborn can be filed and submitted online on the official Passport Seva website. Once the application is submitted, you can schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and take a copy of it.
7. Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate is only required if the spouse’s name is not listed on the parent’s passport. In the best-case scenario, attach a copy of the marriage certificate to ease the process.
8. Annexure H: Filled and attested Annexure H procured from the Passport Seva Kendra website is a mandatory declaration to submit.
9. Parental Authorisation: Typically, both parents’ passports are required to consent to a newborn’s passport. If one parent can’t be present, Annexure C must be submitted. In special cases like single parenthood, divorce, children in orphanages, or children of unwed mothers, where the father’s name couldn’t be available, or the mother prefers not to mention it, a passport can still be issued.

How to Apply for an Infant Passport Through Online Process in India

Applying for an infant passport in India online is easy and hassle-free. All you need are the required documents, undertakings, and fees.

• Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website and create an account in your child’s name.
• Step 2: Validate your account by providing a valid email ID. Once the account is verified, log in to the Passport Seva Kendra website using the credentials.
• Step 3: If you are planning to apply the whole application online, click on Option 1. Option 1 is applying for the application online, while Option 2 is for downloading the application form and filling it offline. Properly fill in the details of the infants by following the guidelines mentioned there.
• Step 4: Upload the necessary scanned documents. Make sure the documents are in the correct format and size mentioned by the authority.
• Step 5: Complete the application process with the payment via the online merchant gateway.
• Step 6: You are not redirected to the page where you’ll have to select the date of the appointment. Reserve from the most suitable date and time schedules given for the appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) to the Regional Passport Office (RPO).
• Step 7: Print the payment receipt containing the appointment number and application reference number. These will be helpful at the time of appointment.

How to Apply for a Newborn Baby Passport Through Offline/In-Person in India

The offline process of submitting the application form for a newborn baby passport is similar to the online one but with some tweaks. Here is the process:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or regional office and request a passport application form at the front desk. You can also download the passport application from the Passport Seva Kendra website.
• Step 2: Carefully fill in the application form with all the necessary details in blue or black ink.
• Step 3: Attach the necessary documents and photographs along with their photocopies.
• Step 4: Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office and submit the properly filled application form with attached documents. You don’t need to make an appointment to submit the application.
• Step 5: Make the necessary payment for the application at the designated counter at the PSK/RPO office. You can pay using cash or a debit or credit card. After the payment, the passport officer will book an appointment for you.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport of a Baby in India?

The processing time for each passport may vary. After the application is successfully submitted, parents or guardians will receive an affirmation mail or notification. The time in between will probably be 1-2 weeks. Nevertheless, passports are usually delivered within 4-7 days of verification.

In the case of the tatkal application, it may take 3-5 working days to complete the process.

How Long Is the Indian Baby Passport Valid?

In India, the validity of Indian baby passports issued to a newborn baby is five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first. Once the period expires, the passport must be renewed.

For minor children between the ages of 15 and 18 years, parents can either apply for a “minor passport” that is valid until they turn 18 or choose a full-validity passport of 10 years.

FAQs

1. What is the fee for an infant passport application?

The fee is subject to change depending on the passport issue, number of pages, tatkal, and more. Here is the table depicting the cost of a baby passport application:

Note: The charges may change over time. Please check on the official website or through the nearest Passport Seva Kendra for the correct charges.

2. Is a newborn baby required to be present at the Passport Seva Kendra for the completion of the process?

No, babies are required to visit the Passport Seva Kendra to obtain the passport. Only parents or guardians are required to present to complete the process of obtaining the passport.

3. Is police verification necessary for an infant passport in India?

Police verification is not required for newborn passports in India if both parents have valid passports and the spouse’s name is endorsed.

4. Can you apply for a Tatkal passport offline for infants?

Yes, the facility of applying for a Tatkal passport for an infant is available both offline and online.

5. Can you apply for the infant passport if the spouse is abroad?

Yes, one of the parents or guardians can apply for the infant’s passport. However, you will be required to submit Annexure D with the spouse’s signature.

If you are planning to travel abroad with your child, it is important you get the passport for your child well in advance so you can travel hassle-free. Plus, with the easy interface provided by the passport authorities, getting one is not challenging. We hope you found all the necessary information related to the passport application for a newborn baby.

Also Read:

Baby Travel Essentials Checklist
Tips to Select a Baby Friendly Hotel
Best Places To Travel With Infant
Tips for Travelling With Your Baby on a Flight
Travelling With an Infant: Things You Must Not Ignore

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Sources References

1. Passport Seva

2. Passport Seva – GUIDELINES FOR CAPTURING PHOTOGRAPHS FOR MINORS