Child Passport Rules: If you are planning to get a passport made for your son, there are certain important rules you must follow before applying. Parents often have questions such as “Is a child’s Aadhaar card mandatory?” How long is a child’s passport valid? What documents are required at the time of application? Is it necessary to take the child to the Passport Seva Kendra? Knowing the answers to these questions is crucial, as a minor mistake could lead to delays or the rejection of the application. Let us explore these questions and the associated rules.

Why is a passport necessary for children?

Obtaining a passport is essential if your child is going to travel, study abroad, seek medical treatment overseas, or travel abroad with the family. Every individual in the country—even a newborn—must hold a separate passport for international travel. The facility of travelling by simply adding the child’s name to the parents’ passport is no longer available.

How long is a child’s passport valid?

Unlike adult passports, a child’s passport is not valid for 10 years. A minor’s passport is generally valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18—whichever comes first.

Let us explain with examples:

For instance, if a child is 4 years old, the passport can be issued for a 5-year term. If a child is 16 years old, the passport will remain valid until they turn 18. Once the individual reaches the age of 18, they must apply for an adult passport.

Is a child’s Aadhaar card mandatory for a passport?

An Aadhaar card is not required to obtain a child’s passport. You can apply for the passport even if the child does not yet have an Aadhaar card. However, if an Aadhaar card is available, the identification and verification process can be easier in some cases.

How ​​can a passport be obtained without an Aadhaar card?

If a child does not have an Aadhaar card, there is no need to worry. Other valid documents can be used during the application process. These include a birth certificate, school identity card, proof of the parents’ address, and passport-sized photographs of the parents; this means an application can be submitted even without an Aadhaar card.

Why is the birth certificate important?

The birth certificate is the most crucial document for a child’s passport. It verifies the child’s date of birth, authenticates the parents’ details, and establishes the child’s identity. Therefore, submitting a birth certificate is considered essential when applying.

What documents are required?

The following documents are required for a child’s passport. Documents related to the child—such as the birth certificate, Aadhaar card, and school ID card—are necessary. For parents, documents such as proof of identity, proof of address, passport copies, and other relevant identification are required.

What happens if the parents do not have passports?

It is not mandatory for parents to hold a passport. If parents do not have one, they can submit other valid proofs of identity and address; documents such as Voter ID cards, electricity bills, and address certificates are accepted.

Parental consent is mandatory

Consent from both parents is required when applying for a minor’s passport, and their signatures are obtained on the application form. If, under certain circumstances, only one parent is applying, additional documents or a declaration may be required in accordance with applicable rules.

Points to consider before applying

Paying attention to a few details while applying for a passport can prevent future complications. Importantly, the name must be consistent across all documents; the spelling of the child’s name should match across the birth certificate, school records, Aadhaar card, and other required documents.

Application Process

The process of obtaining a passport for a child is quite simple.
First, apply online.
Next, keep the necessary documents ready.
Then, book an appointment.
Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with the child on the scheduled date.
The documents will then need to be verified.
Complete the application process.
The passport is issued once verification is complete.

Conclusion

Obtaining a passport for a child is not difficult, provided one is aware of the required documents and regulations. Crucially, the child’s birth certificate is mandatory, whereas an Aadhaar card is not. If Aadhaar is unavailable, the application can still be submitted using other valid documents. Additionally, the child’s presence at the time of application, parental consent, and documents verifying details such as name and date of birth are required. Keeping these points in mind makes the process of obtaining a passport much easier.