Updated on 6 Jan 2026
A passport is a mandatory document for anyone to travel outside India. If you are planning to travel with your kids, then you must understand the process of obtaining a minor's passport in India. This guide will cover the application procedures and essential prerequisites for acquiring a minor passport. We’ll also highlight why international travel insurance matters and how the right cover can make every trip safer for your young traveller.
Who can apply for a minor's passport?
In India, every person under the age of 18 is eligible to apply for a minor’s passport. The responsibility of applying lies with the parents or legal guardians. The general eligibility criteria for minors are the same as those for adults, which include submitting valid proof of citizenship and identity.
A key point to remember when applying for a minor's passport is that consent from both parents is compulsory. This rule helps prevent child trafficking and other offences involving minors.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a minor passport
Parents in India have the option to apply for their minor children's passports online or offline. If you properly follow the instructions and have the necessary paperwork on hand, both techniques are simple to use.
1. Online application process
- Visit the official Passport Seva Kendra website.
- Register the minor by entering the required details and creating an account.
- Log in with your ID and password, then choose the online passport application option.
- Fill out the form carefully and upload all the necessary documents.
- Pay the prescribed application fee for minors.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) after payment confirmation.
- Visit the PSK/POPSK on the scheduled date with the printed application receipt and original documents for verification.
2. Offline application process
- Find the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and book an appointment.
- Visit the centre on the scheduled date and fill out the passport application form.
- Provide all requested documents along with the completed form.
- Pay the applicable passport fee for minors at the centre.
Documents required for a minor's passport in India
The following documents are required for getting a passport for a minor:
- Proof of date of birth: Birth certificate from the Municipal Corporation, Registrar of Births and Deaths or a certificate from the last school attended.
- Proof of address: Electricity, water or telephone bill, gas connection proof, Aadhaar card, rent agreement, employer’s address certificate, Income Tax order or voter ID card.
- Copies of the parents' passports: copies of each parent's current passport.
- Parental declaration: Both parents must sign the declaration on page 2 of the passport form. If one parent is unavailable, submit an annexure or a consent letter from the other.
- Single parent cases: Submit proof of legal custody or the death certificate of the other parent.
- Adopted children: Provide a copy of the adoption certificate.
- Photograph: One recent colour passport-sized photo with a light background.
- Application form: Duly filled and signed.
- Self-attested documents: All papers should be self-attested by parents or guardians.
- Annexure C: Required if one parent lives abroad, confirming no objection to issuing the minor’s passport.
Eligibility criteria for a minor’s passport in India
Depending on particular family or regional conditions, a minor's eligibility and document requirements for an Indian passport may change.
Subject to police verification, minors between the ages of 15 to 18 may apply for a passport with a 10-year validity. Children of divorced or separated parents are required to submit custody documents or consent letters. Additional regional documents might be required for applicants from Nagaland or Jammu and Kashmir. Declarations or guardianship documents from the overseas parent should be included in the application if the parents reside overseas.
When one parent is absent or unwilling to consent, affidavits like Annexure C or G are required. Legal guardians must submit a court decree proving guardianship, while single parents can apply with valid supporting documents and affidavits.
Minor’s passport validity in India
In India, a passport for a minor is valid for five years or until the child reaches the age of 18, whichever is earlier. After that, they must apply for an adult passport.
Minor’s passport fees and categories
Passport fees for minor applicants will vary depending on the category under which they apply. Depending on whether the application is made under the normal or tatkaal scheme, there will be a variation in the payment due for obtaining a passport. The following table shows the different fee specifications pertaining to diverse categories of passports for minors.
|
Category
|
Minor age
|
Normal processing fees
|
Additional Tatkal processing fees
|
|
Fresh passport (36 pages only, 5 years validity)
|
0-15 years
|
Rs 1,000
|
Rs 2,000
|
|
Fresh passport (36 pages, 10 years validity)
|
15-18 years
|
Rs 1,500
|
Rs 2,000
|
|
Fresh passport (60 pages, 10 years validity)
|
15-18 years
|
Rs 2,000
|
Rs 2,000
|
Payment modes for minors’ passports in India
For online applications via the Passport Seva website, payments can be made by debit or credit cards or Internet banking. Online payment is mandatory to book appointments at all Passport Seva Kendras and Passport Offices. An e-challan option allows payment at any SBI branch within 85 days of generation.
For applications submitted to the District Passport Cell (DPC), payment must be made via a Demand Draft (DD) in favour of the Passport Officer, payable locally.
The Tatkal service involves an extra fee and follows a separate payment procedure.
Processing time for a minor’s passport application
The processing time for a minor’s passport in India can vary depending on several factors. Once the passport application is successfully submitted, parents or legal guardians receive an acknowledgement or confirmation receipt. Usually, after receiving this receipt, the passport is sent to the specified address within 4 to 7 working days. Applicants can monitor the status of their passport through the Passport Seva Portal’s tracking feature, which offers real-time updates on the application's progress.
How to renew a minor's passport online in India
Passports can not be renewed online; however, the appointment form must be filled out online. Register on the Passport Seva Portal and log in with your credentials. Choose the “Re-issue of Passport” option and complete the application form with the required details.
Next, go to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” and click “Pay and Schedule Appointment” to select your preferred PSK, POPSK or RPO. Make the payment using debit/credit cards, internet banking or SBI Challan.
Save or print the appointment receipt and keep the Appointment Reference Number (ARN). To finish the renewal process, bring all original documentation to the chosen centre on the day of the appointment.
Conclusion
Young adventurers view their passport as more than just a means of travel; it is their ticket to the world. Every vacation is safe, secure and stress-free for both parents and kids when they have the best travel insurance. The correct coverage provides peace of mind in the event of unforeseen delays or urgent health issues, allowing your child to focus on exploring new places.
Looking for the right travel insurance? Fill out the form on this page and our experts will help you find the ideal policy for your family.
FAQs
1. Can a minor travel internationally with only one parent?
Yes, but the travelling parent must carry a notarised consent letter from the missing parent or the relevant annexure.
2. How many passport photos are needed for a minor’s application?
Typically, two recent colour passport-sized photographs with a light background are required.
3. Can a minor’s passport be renewed before it expires?
Yes, you can apply for renewal up to one year before the passport’s expiry date to avoid travel issues.
Disclaimer: This blog provides information regarding passports for minors in India. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. Verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information