When one parent cannot provide consent for a minor’s passport, Annexure C for passport lets the single present parent declare the situation. It’s a legal declaration on plain paper, used by government and public applicants. This form explains why the other parent did not sign, such as being abroad, not cooperating, custody issues, or even parental abandonment. It includes the minor’s full details—name, birth date, citizenship—plus the signing parent’s identity proof.

Supported by documents like a foreign passport, visa, court order, or evidence of non-cooperation, Annexure C replaces the need for Annexure D in special cases. It is backed by Section 5 of the Passports Act, 1967, and the Passport Rules, 1980, allowing a single parent to secure a passport for a child. If misused, it can trigger legal action under the Passports Act or Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This form ensures that minors are not denied travel due to missing consent, balancing legal care with child welfare.

Why it is called Annexure C in Indian passport forms

The term Annexure C is used in India’s passport rule book to identify a special consent declaration needed for minor passport cases. This annexure acts as a standalone supporting sheet, not part of the main passport form, but attached as a required addition. It is named Annexure C because the Ministry of External Affairs uses letter-based annexures to organise different legal and procedural declarations. These letters—like Annexure A, B, C, D—help simplify official form categories.

In this case, Annexure C is for single-parent declaration. When one parent cannot be present, this form allows the other parent or guardian to explain why only one signature is available. It protects the legal validity of the minor’s application and avoids case rejection due to missing consent.

The use of the letter C does not carry a special meaning itself, but serves as an easy tag within the Passport Seva guidelines. It is listed officially under the Passports Act, 1967, and referenced on the Passport Seva Portal maintained by the Ministry of External Affairs.

When Annexure C is used for Indian passport applications

Annexure C is used when a passport is being issued to a minor and both parents or legal guardians cannot give consent together. This form is specifically designed for cases where:

  • One parent is unavailable, absent, or not traceable
  • One parent is unwilling to sign
  • The child is under the sole care of one parent
  • There are legal reasons why one parent’s signature cannot be obtained

The declaration in Annexure C gives legal backing to the single parent or guardian applying for the passport. It confirms that the minor is under their sole care and that the absent parent does not object or is not involved. This annexure is accepted under the Passports Act, 1967, and helps speed up the file clearance without waiting for the second parent’s signature.

The form must be signed and sworn before a First Class Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate. It includes the child’s full details, the present guardian’s declaration of full responsibility, and reasons for the absence of the second parent’s consent. This annexure is mandatory in such single-consent cases. If it is missing, the passport file may be put on hold or rejected by the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Annexure C acts as a legal affidavit under the Passports Act, 1967, for minor passport applications handled by a single parent or guardian. The form confirms that the applicant parent has full legal and physical custody of the child or is acting as the sole guardian with full responsibility.

This affidavit is critical because Indian passport rules generally require consent from both parents for issuing a passport to a minor. But if one parent is absent, separated, untraceable, or legally restricted from access, Annexure C replaces the missing consent with a sworn declaration.

It is accepted as proof of exclusive parental authority when both parent signatures cannot be collected. It also protects the government from later legal disputes over passport issuance. The statement must be complete, truthful, and submitted with valid supporting proof like a custody order, FIR, or legal separation documents if applicable.

By law, Annexure C must be executed before a First Class Magistrate or Executive Magistrate with jurisdiction. It must carry the full identity details of the minor, the declaring guardian, and mention the legal or factual grounds for not obtaining joint consent. False or incomplete Annexure C declarations may lead to passport denial under Section 6(2) of the Passports Act.

Who can issue and sign Annexure C for passport

Annexure C must be formally executed and signed before a First Class Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate. This is a strict legal requirement under Indian passport rules, especially for minors where both parents are not jointly signing.

The person who signs Annexure C is the single parent or legal guardian of the child. This individual must confirm full responsibility for the minor and give a clear explanation for the absence of the second parent’s consent. The parent must also submit valid ID proof, relationship proof, and any relevant legal papers such as:

  • Court custody orders
  • Separation or divorce rulings
  • FIR copy (if the other parent is missing)
  • Legal adoption deed (if applicable)

The magistrate verifies the identity of the person submitting the declaration, administers the oath, and affixes a judicial seal and signature to the affidavit. The Annexure must also carry a recent passport-size photo of the child, pasted and countersigned by the magistrate.

Only original, signed, and magistrate-certified versions of Annexure C are accepted by Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs). Self-signed or notary-signed versions are not valid. No correction or overwriting is allowed on the form. Any incomplete or unsigned form may lead to application rejection.

When Annexure C is required in passport applications

Annexure C is required when a minor applies for a passport and only one parent is giving consent. It is a substitute for the joint signature of both parents. This form is accepted in special family or legal circumstances where the second parent is unavailable, unwilling, or unreachable.

Situations where Annexure C becomes necessary include:

  • One parent is missing or cannot be contacted
  • Parents are legally separated or divorced, and one has custody
  • The second parent is abroad or not in touch
  • Single parents applying alone
  • Guardians applying without both biological parents present

In these cases, the parent or guardian must clearly explain the absence of the other parent through this affidavit. The declaration must be detailed and truthful. It should show that the parent has sole responsibility for the minor and is fully accountable for passport issuance.

Without Annexure C, the passport office will not process minor applications that have only one signature. This form allows the system to verify that the application is genuine, legally valid, and backed by proper authority. It protects the child’s identity and avoids conflict or false claims.

What details must be written in Annexure C

Annexure C must contain a clear and specific declaration made by the parent or guardian submitting the minor’s passport application alone. It is a legally valid affidavit that confirms full responsibility and explains the absence of the other parent. The contents must match the exact format issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The declaration must include:

  • Full name of the parent or guardian submitting the affidavit
  • Minor’s complete name and date of birth
  • Statement confirming the sole responsibility for the minor
  • Clear reason for the non-availability or absence of the second parent
  • Assurance that there is no legal dispute or custody case pending
  • Confirmation that the parent or guardian will be held responsible for any issue related to the child’s passport

The affidavit must be typed or printed on plain paper. It has to be signed by the parent or guardian, then notarized by a First Class Magistrate or Notary Public. A recent passport-size photo of the child must be attached to Annexure C and cross-attested by the notary. If the minor already holds a passport, that number can also be included for record matching.

The format must strictly follow the sample issued on the passportindia.gov.in portal. Any changes, errors, or missing sections may lead to file rejection or delay.

Who should submit Annexure C and when it is used

Annexure C is submitted by a single parent or legal guardian during the passport application of a minor child when the second parent is not present, not available, or not giving consent. It legally allows the passport application to move forward with just one parent’s approval.

This affidavit is required when:

  • A divorced parent applies alone without joint custody proof
  • One parent is untraceable or deceased, but death certificate is not attached
  • A legal guardian is applying on behalf of the child
  • One parent refuses to give consent or is unavailable at the time of submission
  • The child was born out of wedlock and is raised by a single parent
  • The second parent is abroad or in military duty and cannot be contacted easily

The MEA requires Annexure C to be submitted only in specific cases where Annexure D (joint consent) is not possible. It helps the passport officer decide the case without needing full signatures from both biological parents. Submission of this affidavit shifts full accountability to the submitting parent or guardian.

Legal format and declaration content of Annexure C

Annexure C follows a strict legal format prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It must be printed on plain white paper and sworn before a First Class Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate. The format includes a clear declaration that the applying parent or guardian is solely responsible for the minor’s passport application.

Key points included in Annexure C:

  • Full name of the minor applicant, along with date of birth

  • Complete details of the applying parent or guardian, including address and relationship to the child

  • A formal statement of legal responsibility, confirming that the applying person is taking full charge of the child’s passport request

  • Reason for not submitting Annexure D, such as death, desertion, divorce, custody, or abandonment

  • A sentence declaring that no objection exists from any legal or biological party for the issuance of the passport

  • Signature of the deponent (parent or guardian) with attested photograph of the child

  • Official stamp and signature from the Magistrate with date of affirmation

The declaration text is legally binding. If false claims are made, the person submitting Annexure C may face legal consequences under the Passports Act, 1967 and Indian Penal Code for misrepresentation.

When to use Annexure C for a minor’s passport

Annexure C is specifically used when only one parent or legal guardian is applying for a minor’s passport and the consent or presence of the second parent cannot be obtained. It acts as a legal substitute for Annexure D, which is normally submitted with consent from both parents.

Common use cases include:

  • Single parent custody after legal separation or divorce
  • Desertion by one parent, with no contact or whereabouts known
  • Death of one parent, with no surviving legal guardian apart from the applicant
  • Unmarried parenthood, where only one parent has legal custody
  • Abandonment or neglect by the non-applying parent
  • Legal adoption, where the biological parents are not involved anymore
  • When a court restrains one parent from involvement in the child’s affairs

In all these cases, Annexure C is used to confirm that the applying parent or guardian has full authority to seek a passport for the child. It also waives the need for police verification in many cases, speeding up the passport process when submitted with valid proof.

Format and structure of Annexure C

Annexure C follows a prescribed affidavit format issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and sworn before a First Class Judicial Magistrate, Notary Public, or Executive Magistrate. The structure is legally binding and must follow every required field without omission.

The document contains:

  • Full name of the minor
  • Date of birth and place of birth
  • Complete details of the parent or guardian applying
  • Declaration stating that the other parent is either unavailable, deceased, or not involved
  • A specific statement of full responsibility for the child’s upbringing and legal matters
  • Confirmation that the applying parent takes full responsibility for passport issuance
  • A mention of any court orders if applicable (e.g., restraining orders, sole custody)
  • Signature of the deponent (parent/guardian) with date and place
  • Attestation by the magistrate or notary with official seal and registration number

A passport-size photo of the minor is often attached and stamped by the attesting officer. Any missing field or mismatch in details may lead to file rejection or re-submission. The content must reflect facts truthfully and match the supporting papers, such as court orders or death certificates, if mentioned.

Classifications and scope under Annexure C for passport

Annexure C under the Indian passport rulebook is a formal declaration for separated or single parents applying for a child’s passport without the other parent’s signature. It applies in specific custody-based or estranged family conditions. While the form itself is standard, its legal use case splits into two clear classes:

  • Single legal guardian declaration: Used when only one parent has legal custody, such as post-divorce, legal separation, or abandonment cases. The form confirms that the applying parent is solely responsible for the child’s travel and passport use.

  • Parent unavailable or untraceable: In cases where the other parent is missing, abroad, or cannot be contacted, Annexure C is used to clarify that the child’s welfare and legal responsibility lies with the submitting parent.

In both types, the form must be backed by proof like court custody orders, notarised affidavits, or police complaint copies if abandonment is claimed. The classification does not change the form content but affects the strength and type of supporting evidence accepted at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or RPO.

Systems and tools used with Annexure C in passport processing

The use of Annexure C in passport services is closely linked with India’s Passport Seva system, which digitises application review, identity verification, and document handling. When a single parent uploads Annexure C on the Passport Seva Portal, it gets attached to the child’s application file and is instantly made available to backend officers at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

The backend system cross-checks Annexure C with:

  • Custody orders from family courts (if mentioned)
  • Aadhaar, birth certificate, and supporting identity documents
  • Earlier passport file remarks, if any

Internally, the Passport Seva system uses OCR scanners, file-tracking tokens, and biometric validation tools to link Annexure C with the child’s identity. In case of flagged records (e.g., custody dispute or prior complaint), the tool alerts the officer to conduct a supervisory review.

Once accepted, the file moves digitally through stages—document scrutiny, officer approval, and then printing or police verification, depending on the service type. For Tatkal passports, Annexure C also gets reviewed under TCS-managed backend scrutiny, which runs through MEA-linked systems to confirm legal acceptance.

Stakeholders and authorities involved in Annexure C authentication

Several stakeholders are responsible for reviewing, validating, and accepting Annexure C during the Indian passport application process. Each plays a defined role in protecting the rights of the child and ensuring legal guardianship is verified correctly.

The primary signatory on Annexure C is the parent or legal guardian applying on behalf of the minor. This self-declared affidavit confirms sole custody, legal separation, or non-availability of the second parent.

The Regional Passport Officer (RPO) is the official who accepts or queries Annexure C. In sensitive cases—such as missing legal proof, ongoing court disputes, or conflicting claims—the RPO may request additional documents like a court decree or No Objection Certificate (NOC).

At the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), counter officers scan and validate Annexure C at the document verification stage. If all appears correct, the file is forwarded for further biometric steps and police clearance (if required).

In some cases, family court judges, child welfare committees, or Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) references may be indirectly involved if the passport pertains to orphaned, abandoned, or court-guarded minors.

This layered structure ensures that Annexure C is not misused and that the child’s welfare is kept at the centre of every approval.

Annexure C holds a specific legal position under Section 10(3) and Section 6(2) of the Passports Act, 1967. It serves as a self-declared affidavit that allows a single parent or guardian to apply for a minor’s passport without the signature of the second parent, under exceptional conditions.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) permits the use of Annexure C when:

  • Only one parent has sole legal custody due to judicial separation or divorce
  • The second parent is deceased, absent, or untraceable
  • The child is adopted or under the care of a legal guardian

No notarisation is required for Annexure C. However, the declaration must be printed on plain paper, filled legibly, and signed by the parent or guardian. The passport authority may ask for supporting documents, such as a court order or death certificate, depending on the case.

From an ethical view, Annexure C balances legal rights of parents with best interest of the child. It allows urgent or difficult cases to move forward without delay while still protecting against fraud. False declarations under Annexure C can lead to passport rejection and legal action under the Passports Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Using Annexure C in a minor’s passport application can sometimes lead to delays, confusion, or rejection if not handled properly. While the form exists to help single parents or guardians, it introduces a few practical and legal challenges in the Indian passport system.

Document authenticity checks

Since Annexure C is a self-declaration and not notarised, passport officers may request extra proof—like a court order, death certificate, or custody papers—to verify the claim. If these are not available or look inconsistent, the file may get held up.

Misuse or false claims

There have been cases where applicants falsely submit Annexure C to bypass joint parental consent. The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) may cross-check past records, especially if one parent has previously applied for the child’s passport or raised objections. This can lead to legal notices, rejection of the passport, or FIR under Indian laws.

Police verification confusion

In some cases, police verification officers are unclear about Annexure C and ask for both parents’ signatures anyway. This usually happens in Tier 2 or rural areas where passport awareness is low. It creates unnecessary stress for the single parent and slows down final approval.

Emotional sensitivity

The need for Annexure C often arises from sensitive family issues like divorce, abandonment, or death. Parents sometimes avoid submitting detailed records, which backfires during the RPO file review. Officials still need legal backing to accept the single-parent signature without dispute.

To avoid these issues, parents should submit a clear and complete passport application file, attach all support documents, and use Annexure C only when the situation truly qualifies under MEA norms. Proper use ensures faster passport approval, while errors can lead to delays or legal steps.

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