What Documents are Required for a New Passport in India?

Author Avatar manishq1@gmail.com Post Date Icon Category Icon New Passport Application

Getting a passport starts with the right documents. But many people do not know which proofs to carry, which to upload, or which one PSK will actually accept.

If your address proof has an old address, or if your birth certificate is unclear, your file may go on hold. Even one mismatch in Aadhaar or PAN details can delay your process by weeks. This happens often in Delhi NCR, where daily file rejections happen due to wrong or missing papers.

This guide explains what documents required for a new passport in India—adult, minor, senior citizen, or urgent Tatkaal case. Each rule is based on real PSK trends and MEA rules, not guesswork.

Follow this checklist before you book your slot. One correct paper today can save you three extra visits tomorrow.

Why Knowing the Right Documents Saves Time and Stress

Most delays at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) happen when your documents do not match your form. If your Aadhaar has your old address, or your PAN card has a spelling error, the system flags it instantly. These cases get marked as file on hold or document verification failed—even if your application was filled properly.

Expired ID cards, unclear birth proof, or a missing self-attested copy are the top reasons for rejection. These delays do not just waste your slot. They force you to rebook, reprint, and repeat the full process from the start.

This guide is made to help you avoid all that. Every document rule explained here follows the latest MEA checklist, PSK rejection trends, and Delhi NCR cases. You will know which ID to upload, how to match your address correctly, and when to use Annexure A or F.

One correct document check now saves weeks of confusion later.

Document Checklist for Adult Applicants (18 and above)

For adults applying for a new passport, PSK requires three key types of documents—ID proof, address proof, and proof of date of birth. Each must match your application exactly. Even one mismatch between Aadhaar, PAN, or rental agreement can lead to file rejection. Below is the complete checklist you must follow.

ID Proof – Which One is Best and Why Aadhaar Alone May Not Work

Aadhaar is the most used ID for passport filing, but many get rejected due to blurred photo, spelling issues, or old address. PSKs often mark these files as identities not verified or mismatched with PAN card.

To avoid file hold, carry one or two of the following valid ID proofs:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • PAN Card
  • Driving Licence
  • Government or PSU ID card

All ID proofs must be self-attested, unexpired, and must match your online application. If any detail like name, photo, or issue date is unclear, the document may be flagged. Carry extra proof if your Aadhaar is not updated.

Address Proof – What PSK Accepts

Your address proof must show your current residential address exactly as filled in your passport application. Most PSK delays happen when there is an address mismatch error between Aadhaar and supporting proof like a rent agreement or utility bill.

Here are accepted address proofs for adult applicants:

  • Aadhaar Card (updated and matching)
  • Voter ID with correct address
  • Electricity, Water, or Gas Bill (last 3 months)
  • Bank Statement with address and photo
  • Registered Rent Agreement
  • Employer Letter (for PSU/Govt staff)
  • Spouse’s Passport (if address is same)
  • Annexure A (if other proof not available)

The document must be in your name, current, and clearly readable. Do not upload bills with landlord or parent names. If PSK finds a mismatch, your status may show address proof rejected, and the file will go on hold.

Date of Birth Proof

Birth certificate is the most preferred document for date of birth (DOB) proof. But many first-time adult applicants do not have it. In such cases, MEA allows alternate DOB documents—if details are complete and match your form.

Accepted proof of date of birth includes:

  • Birth Certificate (Municipality issued)
  • Matriculation or 10th Class Certificate
  • PAN Card (if full DOB is printed)
  • Transfer or School Leaving Certificate
  • Driving Licence (if DOB mentioned)
  • Government Employee ID Card
  • Passport of older sibling (only in rare review cases)

Make sure the DOB format is clear (DD/MM/YYYY) and name matches exactly. If the document is old or blurred, PSK may raise a DOB mismatch file hold. Always upload a self-attested copy and carry the original to avoid rejection at biometric.

Additional Documents – For Special Cases (Govt job, married, divorced)

Some applicants need to submit extra documents based on their situation. These are flagged during PSK file review if missing. Each special case must be supported with the correct paperwork or the status may show the document incomplete or file under RPO hold.

Special case documents include:

  • Government Employees: NOC or ID Card issued by department
  • Married Applicants: Marriage Certificate or Spouse’s Passport
  • Divorced Applicants: Divorce Decree or Court Order
  • Name Changed: Gazette Notification and Old ID
  • Adopted Applicants: Adoption Deed and Guardianship Proof
  • Senior Citizens: Pension ID or Age Proof
  • Tatkaal Case: Annexure F signed by Class 1 Officer

Always carry both original and self-attested photocopies. PSK verifies them as biometric. Without these, the file may be delayed or escalated to RPO.

Required Documents for Minors (Below 18 Years)

Many parents think a birth certificate is enough for a child’s passport. But it is not. PSKs need both proof of birth and parental ID clarity. One small mismatch in the name or missing Annexure D can stop the whole file.

Let us say you have the birth certificate. It must show the child’s full name and both parents’ names. If it is from a hospital or missing details, PSK will flag it as invalid DOB proof. You also need the Annexure D, signed by a parent. If one parent is abroad, you may need to attach a visa page or Annexure C if another guardian is filing.

Common issue? Parent address mismatch or incomplete Aadhaar scan. PSK staff in Delhi NCR often send such files for RPO-level checks. Carry all original ID proofs. Keep one self-attested copy of each.

Birth Certificate, Annexure D, and Parent Documents for Minor Passport

For children below 18, the Birth Certificate is the base document. It must show the full name of the child, exact date of birth, and both parent names. If the certificate only shows initials, hospital logo, or missing fields, PSK officers will flag it as invalid DOB proof.

The following documents are required:

  • Municipality-issued Birth Certificate (no photocopy or hospital note)
  • Annexure D, signed by one parent (use MEA format)
  • Aadhaar or PAN of at least one parent
  • Self-attested ID proofs of both parents (do not skip the second parent)
  • Address proof in the name of either parent or both (rent agreement, electricity bill, etc.)

All documents must match exactly with the passport form. If the address differs, or parent names vary, the file may be marked verification pending and sent to RPO.

Many delays in Delhi NCR happen due to Annexure D not uploaded properly or only one ID submitted. Always carry originals and signed copies to avoid back-and-forth at the PSK counter.

What Happens If One Parent Is Abroad or Not Present

If one parent is out of the country or cannot attend the PSK appointment, the file still needs clear parental consent. Without it, PSK marks the application as parental consent incomplete. This often leads to delays or files being sent to RPO for manual verification.

To avoid this, you must carry one of these:

  • Annexure D signed by the parent who is attending
  • Passport copy and visa page of the parent living abroad
  • Annexure C, if a guardian (like grandparent or uncle) is applying
  • Court-issued guardianship paper, if one parent has full custody
  • Legal custody order in case of divorce or separation

For NRI parents, always attach a passport scan and visa stamp. PSK officers need to see that the parent is traceable and aware of the application. In single-parent or guardian cases, a notarised declaration is also required along with ID proofs.

Documents Required for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens get a few relaxations during passport filing, but key documents are still compulsory. Most delays happen when files have missing ID proof, blurred uploads, or photo not as per MEA rules.

Here is the recommended checklist for applicants aged 60 and above:

  • Aadhaar Card (must be updated and match form details)
  • PAN Card, Pension Card, or Senior Citizen Card (for ID proof)
  • Voter ID or valid Driving Licence (optional, but useful as backup)
  • Bank statement or utility bill like electricity or water (as address proof)
  • Annexure I (optional, but helps in easing verification process)

If you are filing offline or through a passport agent, ensure every document is self-attested and clear. Many files from Delhi NCR get delayed due to photo mismatch or incomplete status.

Even for senior citizens, biometric capture at PSK is still needed. However, the counters provide help on request. A verified agent can assist with document upload, annexure formatting, and slot booking—especially useful if digital steps feel confusing.

Tatkaal Passport Documentation – What Extra is Needed

Tatkaal passport filing is faster, but it comes with tight verification rules. Most delays happen due to missing Annexure F or incorrect Verification Certificate. Even one error can mark your file as Tatkaal not eligible or RPO hold.

Let us break down exactly what documents are extra, and how to avoid rejection.

What is Annexure F and Who Issues It

Annexure F is a character and identity certificate. It is issued by a Class 1 Gazetted Officer on official letterhead. It confirms your identity, address, and Indian citizenship. Without it, PSK shifts your file to normal processing.

The officer must include:

  • Applicant’s full name and verified address
  • Aadhaar or PAN number
  • Officer’s name, post, contact number
  • Department seal and current date
  • Signature on official letterhead

This certificate must be less than 6 months old. Even a small spelling mistake or missing seal results in file on hold. Many Delhi NCR cases fail because the officer was not verified under the MEA list. Always confirm the officer status before submission.

Verification Certificate – Where to Get and When It Is Mandatory

If you do not have an old passport, or if your Tatkaal application is first-time, then a Verification Certificate becomes mandatory.

It must be signed by a Group A officer from:

  • Government department
  • PSU
  • Military or defense service

Key details required in the certificate:

  • Your full name and parent names
  • Full address with pin code
  • Officer designation, seal, employee ID, phone number
  • Name of department and location

The format is fixed by MEA. Any small change in format or missing ID leads to verification format error. Many Tatkaal delays happen when people submit Annexure F only, but skip this certificate where required.

Common Tatkaal Rejections Due to Missing Proofs

Based on Delhi PSK data and agent experience, these are the top mistakes:

  • Annexure F signed by someone not approved by MEA
  • Missing officer seal or incorrect contact details
  • ID proof or address proof not matching Tatkaal form
  • Name mismatch between Aadhaar and certificate
  • Passport photo not as per MEA size and background rules

If any of these is found, your file goes into the normal queue instantly. You cannot use Tatkaal again under the same ARN. That is why agent help is recommended—they verify officer IDs, annexure format, and photo quality before slot booking.

What Happens If You Upload the Wrong Document?

Uploading the wrong file can pause or reject your passport process without warning. PSK systems automatically detect errors like blurry scans, expired Aadhaar, or unrelated PDF attachments. Once flagged, your file status may change to Document Rejected, File on Hold, or Application Under Review.

In Delhi NCR, the most reported upload errors include:

  • Annexure not signed or scanned clearly
  • Aadhaar with old address or masked number
  • PAN uploaded instead of Address Proof
  • School ID used for adult applicant
  • PDF with password or wrong format

When this happens, PSK will not allow direct edits. You may see “Document verification failed” in your ARN tracker. If a slot is already booked, the file may be paused at the counter. If unbooked, you must cancel the application, wait for reset, and then reapply with correct documents.

In Tatkaal cases, even one mismatch means the application is converted to normal queue, and you cannot file again under the same ARN.

Tip: Always keep soft copies in 150–200 DPI, check file size, and match document name with the field. Using the wrong upload field (like putting PAN under DOB) also leads to PSK document mismatch rejection.

How to Prepare Your Documents Before Uploading

Uploading documents may look simple. But one small mistake — like a blurry Aadhaar or half-scanned Annexure — can pause your file status for weeks. Before you hit submit, sit down, breathe, and check each file like this:

Your Pre-Upload Checklist :

  • Your ID proof must be scanned fully, no edges cut, no finger showing
  • PDF only, not JPG or camera image
  • File name should match the field (example: Address_Aadhaar.pdf)
  • 150–200 DPI scan quality. PSK will reject if Aadhaar looks faded
  • Date of issue must be visible — especially on voter ID, PAN
  • Self-attested? Sign every page bottom right with full name and date
  • Never club two proofs into one file. PSK needs single-document PDFs
  • Use updated documents — not old bank passbooks or expired voter ID

Also, match spelling across Annexures, PAN, and application form. Even one character mismatch may lead to form data mismatch error or document verification failed notice at PSK.

If uploading through an agent or cyber cafe, check every file before final save. In Delhi NCR, over 40% of delays are caused by incorrect file name, blurry Aadhaar, or Annexure F uploaded without seal.

Once uploaded, you cannot replace documents unless you cancel and restart. Always double-check before final submit.

When You Must Carry Original Documents

PSK will not accept just uploaded PDFs. On the day of your appointment, you must carry original documents for physical verification and biometric validation.

The officer at Counter A checks your ID, address proof, and date of birth proof by hand. Without original documents, your file will be put on “Hold – Originals Not Presented” and you may be asked to reschedule.

You must carry these originals without fail:

  • Aadhaar Card (not laminated, not printed from internet)
  • PAN Card or Voter ID (issued by government, not expired)
  • Birth Certificate or Annexure A (if DOB proof needed)
  • Marriage Certificate (if married surname is used)
  • Employer ID (only if applying under Tatkaal from PSU)

What NOT to carry:

  • Laminated Aadhaar (scanner cannot read QR)
  • College ID or company cards (not valid proof)
  • Old PAN with outdated photo
  • Expired voter ID
  • Mobile bills or private bank statements

The MEA system uses OCR and QR to verify your Aadhaar and ID. If your Aadhaar is torn, faded, or laminated, it will not scan. You may get the tag “ID Not Verified – Biometric Rejected” and have to return another day.

Always cross-check your original proofs with your uploaded files. If they do not match, the officer may ask for re-submission or forward the file to RPO verification.

Conclusion

Miss one document, and your passport file can freeze for weeks. It happens—Aadhaar not updated, Annexure F left blank, photo blurry. The PSK will not call to ask—they just mark it pending.

For adults, minors, or Tatkaal cases, always double-check the name, ID, and proof before upload. Originals are still needed at the counter.

If this is your first time or your last file got rejected, do not guess. Get help. A passport agent can spot what the portal cannot. One small mismatch is all it takes to hold things up.