How to Apply for a Passport for a Minor in India Without Hassle?

Applying for a passport for a minor in India may sound complex, but the process is simpler than most parents expect. If your child is a baby, a school-going kid, or a teenager under 18, the Ministry of External Affairs has made it easy to apply through the official Passport Seva system.

You do not need to run around or wait for months if your documents are clear and both parents are ready to sign Annexure D. The key is matching details in the birth certificate, school ID, and Aadhaar if available.

Children below 18 years are treated as minor applicants, and most do not need police verification. This saves time during the PSK visit and file approval stage.

Parents must carry original documents and fill the online form carefully. One wrong field or missing affidavit can delay the file.

The mPassport app helps you check ARN status, so you stay updated at every step.

Here is step by step guide how to apply passport for minor in India, including when you can apply, what documents required, process and tips to avoid delay.

Why Applying for a Minor Passport Needs Extra Care

Getting a passport for a minor is not like adult filing. The RPO treats it with more care. If the birth certificate or school ID has even a small mismatch with Annexure D, your file may stop right at the PSK gate.

Consent from both parents is not optional. The MEA checks if the mother and father have both signed the form. If one is absent, you need a legal guardian affidavit.

Annexure D must be signed properly. No blank fields. No spelling gap in Aadhaar, name, or date of birth. Even one slip will raise a red flag.

Most delays happen not because of missing forms, but because names on Aadhaar and birth certificate look slightly different. The RPO catches this fast.

So always keep documents tight, clean, and clearly matching what you type in the online passport form.

Who Is Counted as a Minor While Applying for a Passport?

In India, any applicant below the age of 18 is considered a minor under passport law. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has a fixed age rule that classifies children under this category for specific document and validity rules.

Children under 15 always get a passport valid for 5 years. Those between 15 and 18 can choose between a 5-year passport or a full 10-year one by submitting adult-level documents. This decision affects renewal and police verification later.

The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) checks the age on the birth certificate to apply for the right category. Minor applicants do not follow the same police rules or form requirements as adults.

What Documents Are Needed for a Minor Passport in India

Applying for a minor passport sounds simple, but the file can easily fall into file on hold status if even one proof is missing or mismatched. Each RPO in India looks closely at who signs the form, whether the birth certificate shows both parents, and if Annexure D is correct for your case. You do not need to over-submit, but you must never under-submit.

The actual checklist depends on your family type. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) review child identity, consent validity, and guardian rights carefully.

For All Minor Applicants

• Birth certificate with child and parent names
• School ID or current bonafide letter
• Aadhaar (if available, not compulsory)
• Two passport photos (white background, matte)
• Old passport copy (only for reissue case)

When Both Parents Are Applying

• Annexure D with both parent signatures
• Aadhaar or passport copy of both parents
• Marriage certificate (only if surname mismatch exists)

If Only One Parent Is Applying

• Annexure D with single parent signature
• Affidavit for sole responsibility (notarized)
• Court custody paper (if separated or divorced)
• ID proof of applying parent (Aadhaar or passport)

When Legal Guardian Is Applying

• Guardianship affidavit (clear relation and purpose)
• Guardian Aadhaar or passport
• Court-issued guardianship certificate
• Signed Annexure D from guardian

Do not submit Annexure C or E by mistake. For minors, Annexure D is the only accepted format for parental consent. If names on Aadhaar or birth certificate are different, carry a Gazette or school letter with correct name flow.

Always check that documents are clean, readable, and match exactly what is written on the minor passport form. Miss even one detail and the PSK may ask you to rebook or mark the file as incomplete.

How to Apply for a Minor Passport Without Confusion

The minor passport application process feels long but becomes simple when every step is clear. Parents mostly get stuck at Annexure D submission or miss the correct form. The Passport Seva Online Portal allows you to do everything at home, but only if all minor details match the original documents.

Here is the exact process used by real parents who clear it without file hold:

1. Register on Passport Seva portal: Use your mobile number and email to create a Passport Seva login. This is needed to start any new application.
2. Select “Apply for New Passport – Minor”: Choose this option for children under 18 years. It helps the system apply minor rules like short validity and no police verification.
3. Fill all minor details as per birth certificate: Enter exact name, date of birth, and address. One mismatch in spelling can delay your file at PSK.
4. Upload documents like birth certificate and Annexure D: Birth certificate is required in all cases. Annexure D must be signed by both parents or legal guardians.
5. Pay minor passport fees online: Use the fee payment system inside the portal. Keep the ARN number safe after payment.
6. Book your PSK slot at a nearby center: Pick your preferred Passport Seva Kendra and date. Carry originals and copies on appointment day.

Even one wrong upload or form mistake can lead to reschedule or rejection. Always double check name spellings, document scans, and Annexure D format before PSK slot booking.

Do Minors Need to Visit PSK in Person?

Minors applying for a passport in India must follow specific rules based on age. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clear attendance policies for children at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). For every minor applicant under 18 years, rules differ by age group and biometric need.

If the child is below 5 years, the MEA does not require biometric capture. So physical presence is not mandatory. But at least one parent must attend the PSK appointment with original documents and Annexure D.

For minors above 5 years, PSK visit is compulsory. The child must appear in person to complete biometric verification. This includes digital photo and fingerprint scan.

Age-Based PSK Attendance

• Below 5 years – No biometric, child not required at PSK
• 5 to 18 years – Biometric needed, child must visit PSK

Always book the correct PSK appointment for minors under the right category. Missing this step may lead to rejection or rescheduling. Follow minor attendance rules exactly as per MEA and local Passport Seva Kendra norms.

Can a Single Parent Apply for the Child’s Passport?

Under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rules, a passport application with one parent is allowed for any minor applicant under 18. If both parents are not available, the system accepts a single parent affidavit or guardian application depending on the case. The PSK officer checks whether full consent has been legally documented.

For single parents, Annexure D can be submitted with a one-parent signature. Along with it, a legal affidavit (single parent) stating sole responsibility must be attached. This proves that the child is in the custody of the applying parent and no joint approval is needed.

If a legal guardian is applying, the process needs an Annexure D format signed by the guardian, a guardianship certificate, and legal guardian consent papers. These are verified during file review at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Consent and Document Rules by Family Type:

The file gets approved only when all passport consent requirements are met. Always double-check form accuracy, parent names, and signature marks before booking a PSK slot.

Is Police Verification Needed for a Minor Passport?

Most minor passport applications do not need police verification. The MEA allows it to pass without checks if the documents are clean and complete. If the birth certificate matches school ID and Annexure D is properly signed, the PSK accepts the file directly.

But the Regional Passport Office holds the final call. If the address on Aadhaar looks different from the school ID, or if the RPO finds mismatched parent consent verification, they might trigger the police verification system. This is called RPO discretion.

For example, if one parent signature is missing or a legal affidavit seems incomplete, the file may get marked. Parents should recheck the minor passport process status on the mPassport app. If the app says “file under review”, it could mean a pending check. Visit PSK early to clarify.

In most first-time minor cases, where documents are consistent and uploaded properly, verification is skipped.

Parents can check PSK verification status using the mPassport tracking app.

Common Mistakes Parents Make in Minor Passport Application

Even a small mistake can get your minor passport file rejected at PSK. Most parents miss out on simple checks that delay the entire approval. The application may look perfect online, but the problem starts when PSK staff verify documents in person.

Always match the name and date of birth exactly as per the child’s birth certificate. The photo must follow the MEA size rule. Annexure D must be signed clearly. If these do not match, the RPO may keep your file on hold without warning.

Here are common mistakes parents often make:

• School ID photo not matching birth certificate or form
• Spelling mismatch in parent Aadhaar and application
• Minor passport photo in wrong size or glossy paper
• Annexure D submitted without proper signature
• Left the signature box blank or overwritten
• PSK slot missed and not rescheduled on time
• Birth certificate copy without parent names
• Uploaded old Aadhaar version with blurred photo

Avoiding these small errors can save weeks of delay. Always recheck documents, signatures, and photo size before you book the PSK slot.

Validity and Renewal Rules for Minor Passports

Minor passports in India come with shorter validity. The duration depends on the age of the applicant at the time of issue. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has fixed 5 years as the default for children below 15.

If a passport is issued between 15 and 17 years, parents can choose between 5 years or 10 years. But once the child turns 18, the file must follow adult reissue rules. No minor passport stays valid beyond 18, even if it shows a later expiry.

Passport Validity for Minors:

If your child already has a passport but is nearing 18, start the reissue process early. The new file will follow standard adult documentation and biometric norms at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Minor Passport Under Tatkal Is It Possible?

Minors can apply under the Tatkal passport scheme only in rare and verified urgent cases. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) does not allow routine Tatkal requests for children under 18 unless travel proof is submitted with urgency clearly shown.

The Regional Passport Office (RPO) holds full discretion. If the RPO officer accepts the emergency reason, the file may get processed on the same day at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) without regular police verification. This is only possible if documents are complete and verified.

Required for Tatkal minor passport:

• Valid travel proof (ticket, visa, admission letter)
• Affidavit showing reason for urgency
• Annexure D signed by parent or guardian
• Aadhaar and birth certificate with no mismatch
• Prior passport (if applying for reissue)

If even one detail is missing, the RPO will shift the file to normal mode. For best results, visit PSK with all originals and explain urgency clearly at the counter. No agent or online form can override RPO decisions in Tatkal minor files.

Final Tips for Smooth Passport Filing for Children

Before you head to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), pause and glance at the details one more time. One small thing – like a wrong signature or skipped birth proof – and your child’s file can stay stuck. It happens.

Use this final checklist before appointment day:

• Keep birth certificate original with clear parent-child names
• Upload child photo correctly as per PSK size rules
• Sign Annexure D clearly using dark ink with full names
• Cross-check Aadhaar card and school ID for detail match
• Match parent-child details on all uploaded documents
• Track mPassport ARN status daily using mPassport tracking app
• Carry all PSK document file printouts to avoid on-site rejection

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clears minor passport files only when everything is aligned. If one field looks off, the RPO might hold it. Keep things simple. Double-check, then submit. Done.