Applying for a passport for a child in India has become easier with the availability of online services through the Passport Seva Portal. According to the latest government guidelines, every child below the age of 18 must have an individual passport. It is no longer allowed to include a child’s name in the parent’s passport, making it necessary for minors to hold a separate travel document.

A passport for a minor can only be issued with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The process is designed to be simple, transparent, and secure, ensuring that all personal and legal details are verified before the passport is granted. This guide explains the eligibility rules, required documents, and step-by-step process to apply for a minor’s passport online in India.

Who Is Considered a Minor for Passport Application?

In India, any individual below 18 years of age is treated as a minor while applying for a passport. The government issues a special passport booklet for minors, usually consisting of 36 pages. This passport allows children to travel internationally under the supervision and approval of their parents or guardians.

A minor’s passport cannot be processed without parental consent, and at least one parent or legal guardian must be present during verification at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Validity of a Minor’s Passport

The validity of a child’s passport depends on their age:

• For children below 15 years, the passport is generally valid for five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
• Minors aged between 15 and 18 years can choose to apply for a passport with 10 years validity instead of the shorter duration.

It is important to note that the fee for a 10-year validity passport is higher than the fee for a passport valid until the child turns 18. Additionally, a 10-year passport is issued only after successful police verification.

Documents Required for a Minor’s Passport

Before beginning the online application process, parents or guardians should keep the following documents ready:

1. Proof of residential address of the minor or parents (such as Aadhaar card, utility bill, or bank statement).
2. Proof of date of birth (birth certificate or school certificate).
3. Identity proof of parents or legal guardians.
4. Passport-size photographs of the minor (if required by the center).
5. Consent letter or declaration from parents or guardians.

Having these documents prepared in advance helps ensure a smooth and quick application process.

How to Apply for a Minor’s Passport Online

Parents or guardians can apply for a minor’s passport through the official Passport Seva website by following these steps:

1. Visit the official Passport Seva Portal.
2. Register the minor as a new user by creating a login ID and password.
3. Log in using the registered credentials.
4. Fill out the online application form with accurate details of the child, including name, date of birth, and address.
5. Review all information carefully before submitting the form.
6. Pay the required application fee using online payment options.
7. Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.

On the appointment day, the minor must visit the center along with a parent or legal guardian for biometric verification and document checking.

Police Verification Requirement

For passports issued to minors with validity until the age of 18, police verification may not always be mandatory. However, if a minor aged between 15 and 18 applies for a passport with 10-year validity, police verification is compulsory before the passport is issued.

The verification process ensures the accuracy of residential and personal information submitted in the application.

Important Points to Remember

• A child must have a separate passport and cannot travel internationally using a parent’s passport.
• Parental or guardian consent is mandatory for passport issuance.
• Application fees vary depending on the validity period chosen.
• Details entered in the application form must match the supporting documents.
• Always use the official Passport Seva website to avoid fraud or incorrect information.

The online application system for a minor’s passport in India has simplified the entire process for parents and guardians. With clear rules, digital form submission, and structured verification, obtaining a passport for a child is now more efficient than ever.

By following the correct steps, providing accurate documents, and selecting the appropriate validity period, parents can ensure that their child’s passport is issued without delays. This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to make essential services more accessible and user-friendly for citizens.