Passport for Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on: Feb 27, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Passport for Minor: A Comprehensive Guide

Acquiring a passport for a minor in India is an important procedure that parents or guardians should familiarize themselves with. This is crucial especially if you are planning on international travels with your minor. To secure and protect your journey, travel insurance is often advised. Having both a valid passport for your minor and appropriate travel insurance can significantly smoothen your overseas travel experience.

In this detailed guide, we'll explore the eligibility criteria, application process, necessary qualifications, and more. Additionally, we'll emphasize the importance of travel insurance, including individual travel insurance, ensuring a secure journey for your young explorer.

Who is eligible to apply for a minor passport?

In India, all minors under the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a passport. The parents or legal guardians are responsible for applying on behalf of the minor. Moreover, the same general eligibility criteria that apply to adults also apply to minors, which include providing proof of citizenship and identity.

However, an important aspect to note while applying for a passport for a minor is that both parents' consent is mandatory. This is mainly to avoid child trafficking and other child-related offences. Once the minor passport is acquired, the next crucial step for ensuring the safety of the child during international travel is purchasing international travel insurance.

Here's how you can get passport for a minor through online in India

Listed below is the process for applying for a minor passport online.

1. Registration:

Firstly, visit the official website of the Indian passport authority, Passport Seva. Register on the website, creating a new user ID and password.

2. Login and form filling:

Login using your user ID and password, and choose the option 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.' Then fill in the required information and proceed.

3. Upload documents:

Upload all the necessary documents. This may include the birth certificate of the minor, address proof, Aadhaar card of the parent, etc.

4. Scheduling an appointment:

After submitting the application, schedule an appointment with your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO). Choose the most convenient date and time available.

5. Payment:

You will have to make the necessary payment for the passport. You can do this online through various payment methods like debit card, credit card, or internet banking.

6. Verification:

After the payment, the application is processed, and the minor applicant along with their parents or guardians has to visit the selected PSK or RPO with all original documents.

7. Police verification:

In most cases, a pre-check will be conducted where the local police station will do a background check and verification.

8. Receive passport:

If all steps are followed correctly and the verification process is successful, the minor passport will be dispatched to the provided address.

Please note that one or both parents should accompany the minor for the passport application process. Their passport and copies are also required along with the minor's documents. The parents' passports should have the spouse's name endorsed.

Passport validity for minors

In India, passports for minors (individuals under the age of 18) are valid for five years or until they reach the age of 18, whichever comes first. After the minor reaches the age of 18, they need to apply for a new adult passport. The process to obtain a minor passport involves similar documentation and biometric steps as an adult passport but also requires consent and signatures from both parents or legal guardians.

An important detail to note is that the Emigration Check Required (ECR) status is given to all passports issued to minors regardless of their parents' ECR status. Minors are also required to be physically present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) when applying for their passport.

Methods of paying for minor passports

In India, the methods of paying for minor passports vary based on the method of application.

For those applying online through the Passport Seva website, payment can be made via debit/credit card or Internet banking.

It is mandated that applicants make online payments at all Passport Seva Kendras/Passport Office for booking appointments.

An e-challan facility is also available that allows applicants to make the payment at any branch of the State Bank of India within 85 days from the generation of the challan.

On the other hand, if the application is being made at the District Passport Cell (DPC), the payment should be made via Demand Draft (DD) in favour of the Passport Officer concerned, and payable at the place where the DPC is located.

Another option available is the Tatkal service, which requires an additional fee and has a separate process for payment.

Necessary qualifications for minor passport

Listed below are the necessary requirements for applying for a minor passport.

1. Age requirement:

The first and foremost requirement for obtaining a minor passport in India is the age of the applicant. The individual should be less than 18 years of age.

2. Documentation:

Documents like birth certificates, Aadhaar cards or School IDs of the minor are essential. These serve as proof of the child's nationality, age, and identity.

3. Parental consent:

The parents or the guardians of the minor must provide their consent for the passport to be issued. Both parents need to sign the application and provide their passport details as well.

4. Parents' documentation:

The passports of the parents are usually required. In case the parents do not have a passport, other identity proofs can be provided such as an Aadhar card, election card, driver's license, etc.

5. Residence proof:

The minor’s residence proof should also be submitted along with the application form.

6. Special circumstances:

If the parents are divorced, legal documentation is required. If the minor is adopted, relevant documentation proving legal adoption is required. In the case of single parents, the death certificate of the other parent, if applicable, or a court order of single custody might be required.

7. Passport size photo:

Two recent colour photographs with a light background are required, the size of which should be 4.5 x 3.5 cm.

8. Annexure:

In addition to the application form, specific Annexures need to be filled as per requirement like Annexure C for the single parent, Annexure D for both parents' consent, etc.

9. Validity:

For minors, the passport is valid only for 5 years or until they attain 18 years of age, whichever comes first.

10. Application Process:

The application can be done online or through a physical application. However, even if you apply online, the physical presence of the minor applicant along with the parents/guardians at the passport office for a scheduled appointment is required.

11. Fee Payment:

The required fee should be paid for the processing of the application. The fee structure can be found on the official passport website.

It is advised to check the latest requirements on the official website of the Indian Passport Seva or contact the nearest passport office, as rules and regulations can change.

Documents that minors need to provide for a new passport

Listed below are the documents that minors need to provide for a new passport.

1. Proof of date of birth:

Minors need to submit proof of date of birth. It can be in the form of a birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation. It can also be the date of birth certificate from the school last attended by the applicant or any recognized educational institution.

2. Proof of present address:

This can be a copy of one of the following - Electricity bill, Water bill, Telephone (landline or postpaid mobile bill), Proof of Gas Connection, Election Commission Photo ID card, Income Tax Assessment Order, Proof of Address Certificate by Employer (on PSU company letterhead), Aadhaar Card, or Rent Agreement.

3. Parent's passport copy:

Minors need to submit copies of passports of both the parents. If parents hold valid passports, copies of the same are required.

4. Declaration signed by both parents:

Both parents are required to sign the declaration on page 2 of the Passport Application form. In case one parent isn't able to sign, an annexure should be provided that has the signature of the other parent. If both parents cannot be present, proper consent and authorization from the absentee parent need to be furnished.

5. In case of a single parent:

For those situations where the minor child is living with only one parent, proof of legal custody or the death certificate of the other parent may be required.

6. In the case of adopted children:

For minors who have been adopted, a copy of the adoption certificate needs to be provided.

7. Recent passport-sized photograph:

Minors need to provide a recent colour passport-sized photograph with a light background.

8. Application form:

A completed and signed passport application form is also required.

9. Self-attested copies:

All documents need to be self-attested by both parents/guardians and notarized as needed.

10. Annexure C:

If one parent is abroad, then Annexure C must be submitted. This annexure states that one parent is living abroad and has no objections to the issuance of a passport to his/her minor child in India.

Please note: If the minor is under 4 years old, their thumbprint should be in the application (Left Hand Thumb Impression for boys and Right Hand for girls). All supporting documents must be provided in original plus one photocopy.

Conclusion

Obtaining a minor passport is a vital step for young travellers. Consider the uncertainties of international travel and explore travel insurance options, including individual coverage. Let the passport for minor and comprehensive travel insurance be their passport to exciting global adventures.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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