The Government of India has recently made some significant changes in the rules of issuing passports. These new rules will be particularly applicable to people born after October 1, 2023. The main objective of these changes is to make the passport application process simple and uniform. Also, it is to ensure that accurate evidence of the date of birth is available.
According to the new rules, only birth certificates will be valid while applying for passport to persons born after 1 October 2023. This is a major change, because earlier many other documents were also accepted. However, old rules will be applicable for people born before this date.
Along with these changes, the government has also made some changes in the information given in the passport and its design. Let us know in detail what these new rules are and what matters to you.
New Passport Rules 2025: Overview and Major Change
A glimpse of new passport rules:
| Description | New rule |
| Date of implementation | 1 March 2025 (Estimated) |
| Date of birth | Only birth certificate valid for people born after 1 October 2023 |
| Address print | Will not be on the last page of the passport |
| Parent name | Will not be on the last page of the passport |
| color coding | Government official – white, diplomat – red, common citizen – blue |
| Passport service center | The current will increase from 442 to 600 |
| Barcode | Barcode scan for address and other information |
Birth certificate mandatory
According to the new rules, only birth certificates will be valid while applying for passport to all persons born after 1 October 2023. This certificate should be issued by one of the following authorized organization:
- Birth and death registrar
- Municipal council
- Another institution authorized under the Birth and Death Registration Act, 1969
This rule has been brought to make the passport application process more streamlined and reliable.
Rules for old applicants
For those who are born before 1 October 2023, only old rules will be applicable. They can submit any of the following documents as evidence of the date of birth:
- Birth certificate
- School Leaving Certificate
- Transfer certificate
- Matriculation certificate
- PAN card
- Driving license
- Voter ID Card
- Government service record
Change in passport design
Under the new rules, some significant changes have also been made in the design of passports:
- Address removed: Now the applicant’s address will not be printed on the final page of the passport. This will increase the security of personal information.
- Parents are not named: Parents will not be given the name on the final page of the passport. This change will be especially beneficial for single guardians or children of separated families.
- Color coding: Passports of different colors will be issued for people of different categories:
- Government official: white passport
- Diplomatic: Red Passport
- Common citizen: blue passport
- Barcode System: There will be a barcode on the passport, which the immigration officer will be able to get the address and other information of the applicant.
Extension of passport service centers
The government has also decided to increase the number of passport service centers. There are currently 442 Passport Seva Kendras across the country. Under the new scheme, their number will be increased to 600 in the next 5 years. This will make it easier for people to get passports and will speed up the process.
Impact of new rules
The new passport rules will have different effects on different sections:
For parents of newborns
The parents of children born after 1 October 2023 have to ensure that their child’s birth certificate is made at the right time. This passport will be mandatory for application.
For youth and students
Those who are still studying in school or college will have to protect their birth certificate. This will be necessary when applying for passport in future.
For those traveling abroad
Under the new rules, those traveling abroad will have to take additional precautions due to lack of detection on passports. They can keep proof of their address separately.
Change in passport application process
With the new rules, some changes have also been made in the passport application process:
- Online application: Most applications will now be accepted online. This will make the process faster and easier.
- Documents upload: Applicants will be able to upload all their required documents online.
- Appointment Booking: To go to Passport Seva Kendra, you have to book online appointment.
- Biometric: It will still be necessary to give biometrics to personally present.
Type of passport
Three types of passports are mainly issued in India:
- Ordinary Passport: It is issued for common citizens. Its color is blue.
- Official Passport: It is issued to government employees for foreign travel for government work. Its color is white.
- Diplomatic Passport: It is issued to highly placed government officials and diplomats. Its color is red.
Validity period of passport
The validity period of the passport depends on the age of the applicant:
- Less than 18 years of age: 5 years validity
- Over 18 years of age: 10 years validity
Documents required for passport
The following documents are required when applying for passport:
- Birth certificate (for people born after 1 October 2023)
- Identification proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID etc.)
- proof of address
- Educational qualification certificate (if applied)
- Passport Size Photo
Passport fee
While applying for passport, the following fees have to be paid:
- Simple 36 page passport: ₹ 1,500
- Simple 60 page passport: ₹ 2,000
- Tatkal Passport (36 pages): ₹ 3,500
- Tatkal Passport (60 pages): ₹ 4,000
Disclaimer: This article is written only for the purpose of general information. Although we have tried to provide accurate and updated information, passport rules and procedures may change from time to time. Please contact the official website of the Government of India or the nearby Passport Seva Kendra for the latest and official information. This article is not an alternative to legal or business advice.
