Govt amends passport rules, allows submission of birth certificate for those born after Oct 1, 2023

By Tajdar H. Zaidi

The government has recently introduced amendments to the existing Passport Rules, 1980, through an official gazette notification. These modifications will be formally recognized as the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and primarily focus on the documentation requirements for proof of birth that must be submitted when applying for a passport.

Revised Guidelines for Proof of Birth

Under the newly revised rules, the requirements for providing proof of birth have been categorized based on the applicant’s date of birth. The government has outlined two distinct sets of rules—one for individuals born before October 1, 2023, and another for those born on or after this date.

For Applicants Born Before October 1, 2023

Individuals whose birth occurred before October 1, 2023, will be required to submit any one of the following documents as valid proof of their date of birth while applying for a passport:

1. Birth Certificate: A birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation or any other authorized government body.
2. Matriculation Certificate or School Leaving Certificate: Educational records issued by a recognized institution, which provide official documentation of an individual’s date of birth.
3. Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card: The PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department, can be used as an accepted proof of birth.
4. Service Record or Pension Pay Order: For government employees, the service record maintained by their respective department or a pension pay order can serve as proof of birth.
5. Driving Licence: A valid driving licence issued by the transport authority that includes the date of birth of the individual.
6. Voter ID Card: An election voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, which contains the applicant’s date of birth.
7. Insurance Policy Bond: A policy bond issued by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) or any other recognized public sector insurance company, provided it mentions the date of birth of the policyholder.

This broad range of options allows applicants flexibility in choosing a document that best suits their availability and circumstances when applying for a passport.

For Applicants Born On or After October 1, 2023

For individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, the government has made it mandatory to submit only a birth certificate as proof of birth. No other documents will be accepted for this category of applicants. The birth certificate must be issued by one of the following authorities:

1. Registrar of Births and Deaths: The official government department responsible for maintaining birth and death records.
2. Municipal Corporation: The governing civic body of the area where the applicant was born.
3. Any Other Authorized Agency: Any other competent authority that has been empowered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (Act 18 of 1969), to issue birth certificates.

Unlike the previous category, where multiple documents can be presented, individuals born after October 1, 2023, will not have any alternative options and must compulsorily present a birth certificate for passport application purposes.

Purpose and Significance of the Amendment

The government’s decision to introduce these changes aims to streamline and standardize the verification process for proof of birth when issuing passports. By requiring birth certificates as the sole acceptable document for individuals born after October 1, 2023, the authorities intend to eliminate inconsistencies and ensure that birth records remain official, verifiable, and authentic.

This amendment aligns with a broader goal of strengthening record-keeping practices in the country, ensuring that every individual has an official and legally recognized birth record. The introduction of stricter regulations will also contribute to administrative efficiency and reduce fraudulent claims related to date of birth.

By implementing the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, the government seeks to enhance transparency and credibility in the passport application process. These updated requirements emphasize the importance of official birth documentation and reinforce the need for maintaining accurate birth records across the nation.