Birth certificate no longer must for passport issuance; Aadhaar, PAN to serve as valid Date of Birth proof

The government's long term vision to streamline the passport making process in order to facilitate the issuance of the document in a speedy manner took another step forward as applicants don't have to furnish their birth certificate to get a passport. The applicants can submit their Aadhaar or PAN card among a host of documents to establish proof of birth. The government has informed Parliament regarding the new proceedings.

Earlier, according to the Passport Rules, 1980, all applicants born on or after 26/01/1989, had to submit a birth certificate which was a mandatory provision. But now they can submit any one of these, transfer/school leaving/Matriculation Certificate issued by the school last attended/recognised educational board containing the DOB of the applicant; PAN Card; Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar; driving license, Voter ID cards, even LIC policy bonds.

Also, from now neither divorce decrees, nor adoption certificates will be required. While orphaned children only require a document from their orphanage to confirm their date of birth.

Applicants over 60 and below 8 years of age will get a 10% discount on passport fees. New passports will have personal details printed in both Hindi and English.