One of the most important steps for anyone arranging overseas travel is applying for a passport. Whether it’s a family vacation, relocating abroad, or any other reason, ensuring all family members, including newborns, have valid passports is essential.
In India, obtaining a newborn baby’s passport is a simple procedure that differs significantly from that for adults.
This guide will take you through the steps, highlighting the documents required for an infant passport, the application process, and additional considerations like whether police verification is necessary for newborns.
Do Newborn Babies Need a Passport?
Yes, newborn babies require a passport if they are travelling internationally. A passport is a government-issued document that grants permission for international travel while offering legal protection to the holder.
In India, you can apply for a passport for an infant as soon as the child is born and the birth certificate is issued. A valid passport is required in order to go abroad. Additionally, to safeguard your travel plans, it is also wise to consider travel insurance.
Whether it’s international travel insurance for overseas trips or domestic travel insurance for within India, such coverage offers financial security against unforeseen situations.
Documents Required for Infant Passport in India
Before starting the application process, gather all the necessary documents required for an infant passport:
- Birth Certificate: Issued by the municipal corporation or relevant local authority
- Current Address Proof: A parent’s passport with the current address suffices
- Annexure H: A signed declaration by parents, available on the Passport Seva Kendra website
- Passport-Size Photograph: A recent photo of the baby against a white background
- Application Receipt: Proof of online application or appointment confirmation
- Marriage Certificate: Required if one parent’s name is not endorsed on the other’s passport
How do you apply for a Passport for a Newborn Baby?
In India, there are two primary methods for applying for a passport for newborns – online and offline.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a passport for an infant online:
Register on the Official Portal
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website.
- Select “New User Registration” and enter the necessary information.
- Validate your account through the email link sent upon registration.
Fill out the application form
- Log in to your account and access the application form.
- Choose between filling out the form online or downloading it to fill out offline. If filled offline, upload it back onto the portal.
Pay the fee and schedule an appointment
- Pay the application fee.
- Schedule a visit to the closest Passport Seva Kendra.
Visit the passport office
- Attend the appointment with all documents required for the infant’s passport.
- Submit the documents and complete biometric and photograph capture if needed.
If you prefer an offline person process, here’s how to apply:
Visit the Nearest Passport Office
- Head to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or passport office
Collect and Fill the Application Form
- Request an application form from the help desk.
- Fill in all required details carefully.
Submit Documents and Pay Fees
- Hand in the completed form with supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee at the office.
Wait for Processing
- Once the documents are verified, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt.
Is Police Verification Required for Newborns?
One common question parents have is whether police verification is necessary for infants. In most cases, police verification is not required if both parents have valid passports with their spouse’s name endorsed. This simplifies the process significantly for parents applying for a passport for a newborn.
Additional Information on Newborn Passport Applications
Passport Validity for Newborns
The validity of a newborn’s passport is five years or until the child becomes eighteen, whichever comes first. It will need to be renewed after it expires.
Do Babies Need to Be Present at the Passport Office?
No, infants are not required to be present during the application process. One or both parents/legal guardians can handle the formalities.
Processing Time
The passport is usually dispatched within 4–7 days after submission of the application, provided all documents are in order and no additional verifications are required.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Ensure All Documents Are Ready
Double-check the list of documents required for an infant passport before the appointment. Missing documents can lead to delays.
Book Appointments Early
Post-pandemic, passport offices can be crowded due to a surge in applications. Booking your appointment early ensures a quicker process.
Consider Travel Insurance
While securing a passport for a newborn, don’t overlook the importance of international travel insurance for overseas trips. Even for domestic travel, domestic travel insurance offers peace of mind against unforeseen expenses.
Photograph Guidelines
Make sure the infant’s picture satisfies the particular passport standards, which include a neutral expression, wide eyes, and a plain white background.
Conclusion
Applying for a passport for an infant in India might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a seamless process. By understanding the steps involved—whether online or offline—and ensuring all documents required for the infant passport are ready, parents can complete the application efficiently.
As travel opens up post-pandemic, having the right documents, including passports and travel insurance, ensures your family’s trips are hassle-free and secure. Whether it’s your baby’s first international trip or a domestic getaway, being prepared guarantees a smoother journey.
