Passport Registration Online for minors follows a slightly different process compared to adults, as it involves additional safeguards to protect the child’s identity and ensure parental consent. In countries such as India, specific rules are outlined by the passport authority to regulate the issuance of passports to individuals below 18 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must complete the application process on behalf of the minor and provide supporting documentation that confirms the child’s identity, age, and guardianship status.

A minor’s passport is generally issued with a shorter validity period compared to an adult passport. In many cases, passports for children under 18 are valid for five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first. However, parents may have the option to apply for a full-validity passport (10 years) for minors aged 15–18, subject to payment of the applicable fee.

Who Qualifies as a Minor?

A minor is defined as any individual under the age of 18 years at the time of passport application. The application must be submitted by the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and both parents’ details are typically required in the application form.

Key Requirements for Minor Passport Registration

1. Proof of Date of Birth

A birth certificate issued by a municipal authority or relevant government office is generally required. This document must clearly mention the child’s name, date of birth, and place of birth.

2. Proof of Identity and Address of Parents

Since minors may not have independent address proof, the passport application usually relies on the parents’ address proof. Acceptable documents may include Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving license, utility bills, or bank statements (depending on country regulations).

3. Parental Consent

Consent from both parents is typically mandatory. In India, the application is processed through the official portal managed by Passport Seva, where parents must submit consent forms. If one parent is unavailable, additional declarations or affidavits may be required.

4. Photographs and Biometric Data

The child must be physically present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) during the appointment. A photograph will be captured on-site. For very young children, biometric data such as fingerprints may not be required, but facial images are mandatory.

5. Annexures and Declarations

Depending on family circumstances (such as single-parent, divorced-parent, adopted-child, or guardian-appointed cases), specific annexures or court orders may need to be submitted.

Special Cases in Minor Passport Applications

Single Parent Cases

If a minor is raised by a single parent, relevant legal documents such as custody orders or an affidavit explaining the situation may be required.

Divorced or Separated Parents

When parents are divorced or legally separated, the parent with legal custody must provide supporting court documents. In some cases, consent from the other parent may still be necessary.

Adopted Children

For adopted minors, adoption deeds or court-issued adoption certificates must be submitted along with the passport application.

Orphaned or Guardian Cases

If the minor does not have living parents, the legal guardian must provide proof of guardianship issued by a competent authority or court.

Police Verification Process

Police verification for minors may vary depending on the age of the child and the documentation submitted. In many cases, if both parents hold valid passports and submit the required documents, pre-police verification may not be necessary. However, authorities may still conduct verification if deemed necessary.

Application Process for Minor Passport

• Online Registration – The parent or guardian registers on the Passport Seva website.

• Form Submission – Complete the minor passport application form with accurate details.

• Fee Payment – Pay the applicable passport fee online.

• Appointment Booking – Schedule a visit to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

• Document Verification – Attend the appointment with the minor and original documents.

• Processing and Dispatch – After successful verification, the passport is processed and dispatched.

Applicants can track the status of the application online using the reference number provided at the time of submission.

Validity and Renewal

Minor passports typically have shorter validity. Once the child turns 18, they must apply for a fresh passport under the adult category. Renewal requires submission of updated documents and may involve fresh police verification.

Important Tips for Parents

• Ensure all details in the application match the birth certificate exactly.

• Carry original documents along with photocopies.

• Verify that both parents’ names are spelled correctly.

• Arrive at the Passport Seva Kendra on time to avoid appointment cancellation.

• Keep acknowledgment receipts and reference numbers safe for tracking.

Mistakes in documentation can lead to delays or rejection, so careful preparation is essential.

Note: You can also Apply for Tatkal Passport Registration from our website

Conclusion

Passport registration for minors is a structured process designed to protect children’s identity and ensure proper parental authorization. While the documentation requirements may seem detailed, they serve to safeguard the minor’s legal and travel rights. By carefully following the prescribed guidelines, submitting accurate documents, and ensuring parental consent, families can smoothly complete the passport registration process for their child.

Understanding the rules and requirements in advance helps parents avoid unnecessary delays and ensures that their child’s passport is issued efficiently. Proper planning, accurate paperwork, and timely appointments are the keys to a successful minor passport application.