Planning an international holiday? And applying for a passport? Well, then - there’s great news for you! The recent amendments made by the Ministry of External Affairs will now make it easier to get a passport. Here’s how!
No need of marriage certificate
According to the new norms, married applicants, no longer need to submit marriage certificate or Annexure K.
Apply anywhere from India
Select the Regional Passport Office (RPO) and the Passport Seva Kendra where you will submit your passport application (even if the current residential address doesn’t come in the jurisdiction of the RPO). What about the police verification? Well, it will be done at the temporary address mentioned in the application form, if required.
Self-declaration replaces attestation
No attestation required. Now, the applicants can submit the annexes in the form of self-declaration on a plain paper.
Documents that can serve as proof of Date of Birth
Other than the birth certificate, the below documents can be submitted as proof of Date of Birth:
Transfer/school leaving/Matriculation Certificate that contains the date of birth of the applicant
Aadhar Card
Election Photo Identity Card
PAN Card
Driving licence
Policy Bond issued by the Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies having the date of birth of the holder of the insurance policy.
Copy of the extract of the service record of the applicant (only for government officials) or the Pay Pension Order (for retired government officials), duly attested/certified by the officer/in-charge of the administration of the concerned Ministry/Department of the applicant.
Go for mPassport Seva App
Make use of the new mPassport Seva App. Available on Android and iOS, this app can be used to apply, pay as well as schedule passport appointments.
Name of only one parent required
Now, the applicant can provide the name of only one parent/legal guardian. With this amendment, single parents can provide only their name for their child’s passport.
Annexure F - no longer required
For a Tatkal passport, now the applicants don’t have to furnish Annexure F: a certificate issued by a Class 1 officer which recommends the passport to be issued under the Tatkal category.
Simpler for orphaned or adopted children
In case of orphaned children with no proof of date of birth - a declaration on the official letterhead from the head of the orphanage confirming the date of birth can be submitted.
A declaration on a plain paper confirming the adoption would suffice in case of adopted children.
Author : Vijaylaxmi Thakur