The Ministry of External Affairs has released amendments to the Passports Rules, 1980, proposing stricter requirements for birth certificate submissions in passport applications. The changes outlined in the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aim to standardize and strengthen the verification of birth dates.
Key Proposed Changes
The amendments divide applicants into two categories based on their date of birth: those born before October 1, 2023, and those born on or after that date.
For Those Born Before October 1, 2023
Applicants can continue to submit various documents as proof of date of birth, including:
- Birth certificates issued by relevant authorities.
- School leaving or matriculation certificates.
- PAN cards.
- Government service records.
- Driving licenses.
- Election Photo Identity Cards.
- Life insurance policy bonds.
For Those Born On or After October 1, 2023
A significant change is proposed: only a birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation (or other authorized body under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969) will be accepted as proof of date of birth.
