If you’re planning to travel abroad, check your passport first.
The rules for Indian passport holders have recently changed, making certain documents mandatory for issuing a new passport. If you’re planning to apply for one, this update is important for you.
These new rules aim to simplify and enhance the security of the passport process for Indian citizens.
The revised guidelines focus on privacy, and the Government of India has introduced key changes, including mandatory birth certificates and color-coded passports.
If you are applying for a new passport or renewing an old one, be sure to follow these updated rules. Let’s take a look at them in detail.
Birth Certificate is Now Mandatory
For individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, a birth certificate is now the only accepted document to verify the date of birth when applying for a passport.
Previously, other documents could be used for proof, but now only a birth certificate will be considered valid.
Home Address Will Not Be Printed
To enhance privacy, home addresses will no longer be printed on passports.
Instead, the place of residence will be stored digitally in a barcode, which can only be accessed by immigration officials.
This ensures that outsiders handling the passport cannot see the address details.
Color-Coded Passports
Passports have been categorized into three colors for easier identification:
White Passport: Issued to government officials
Red Passport: Reserved for diplomats
Blue Passport: Given to ordinary citizens
Guardian’s Name Removed
For added privacy, parents’ names will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. This change helps protect personal information.
Expansion of Passport Seva Kendras
To improve and speed up passport services, the government plans to expand the number of Passport Seva Kendras from 442 to 600 within the next five years.
