When it comes to passport renewal for minors in India, the process is somewhat different from that for adults. Because minors (i.e. individuals under 18 years) have special constraints in terms of validity, consent and documentation, many families are quite anxious when renewing their child’s travel document.
Introduction
The phrase passport renewal for minors in India refers to the process by which a child’s existing Indian passport is reissued (or “re‑issued”) upon expiry, or before it expires, under rules specific to minors. In many cases, the reissued passport is valid only for a limited duration (often 5 years or until the child turns 18), unless certain conditions are met.
Because children’s circumstances may change (name spelling, parents’ address, guardianship, etc.), the authorities expect additional documentation. The process is mostly handled via the Passport Seva network in India.
Below is a systematic discussion of the key points regarding passport renewal for minors in India – from validity and eligibility, through documentation, timelines and frequently asked questions.
Validity of Minor Passport
One of the most critical aspects when handling passport renewal for minors in India is understanding how long the renewed passport remains valid.
| Age of Minor at Time of Renewal | Typical Validity on Renewal | Notes / Conditions |
| Below 15 years | 5 years or until 18, whichever is earlier | Standard rule. |
| Between 15 and 18 years | Option A: valid until 18
Option B: full 10-year passport |
If Option B is chosen, police verification is often required. |
| Past 18 / Adult | Standard adult re-issue rules apply | Once the holder becomes an adult, future renewals follow adult norms. |
Eligibility and When to Apply
- The child must already possess a valid or expired Indian passport.
- The renewal process is typically started within one year before expiry or up to three years after expiry (for re-issue).
- For a child who will soon turn 18, it is mostly advisable to renew earlier to minimize overlap with adult rules.
- A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of the minor, providing consent via the appropriate annexures.
Documents Required
You will require a set of supporting documents to renew a minor’s passport in India. The exact list may alter based on the situation, such as if a parent is not there, the name has changed, or guardianship has changed. Here’s a reasonably complete list:
- Child’s existing passport (original + self-attested copies)
- Birth certificate (for proof of date of birth)
- Proof of address (for parent(s) and child)
- Copies of parents’ passports (first, last, and valid pages)
- Annexure D (consent of both parents)
- If one parent is absent, Annexure C or other court/guardian documentation as applicable
- In cases of adoption, adoption deed / legal guardianship orders
- Marriage certificate or divorce/custody decree, as needed
- Photographs (size as per ICAO norms or Passport Seva guidelines)
In some cases, police verification can be waived if either parent holds a valid passport that has spouse name endorsed (i.e., both parents’ names appear). In those cases, the child may be granted a passport without fresh police verification.
However, if applying for a 10‑year passport for a child aged 15–18, police verification is typically required.
Application Procedure
Here’s how passport renewal for minors in India typically proceeds via Passport Seva:
- Register / Login on the Passport Seva portal and select “Re-issue of Passport / Fresh Passport”.
- Put the child’s information on the application form. Make sure that the information matches what is on the passport and other documents.
- Pay the cost online and make an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to turn in your papers.
- On the designated date, go to the PSK/RPO with all the papers, pictures, and the child. If the child’s former passport was more than a few years old or if it was needed, they may have to give fingerprints.
- The authorities check papers, take pictures and fingerprints (if necessary).
- It might happen after submission if police verification is needed.
- The renewed passport is sent to the address or can be picked up, depending on the process.
If you choose the usual service, this whole thing could take a few weeks. If you choose the Tatkaal or accelerated alternatives, it could take a few days.
Fees and Processing Time
Passport Renewal for Kids / Minor involves fees that depend on the chosen validity, number of pages and service type (normal vs tatkaal).
| Age Group / Validity | Type / Booklet | Normal Fee (Rs) | Tatkaal Fee (Rs) | Notes |
| Below 18, 5-year validity (36 pages) | Normal | 1,000 | 2,000 | Standard minor renewal fee |
| 15–18, 10-year option (36 pages) | Normal | 1,500 | 2,000 | If choosing full validity, pay higher fee |
| 15–18, 10-year option (60 pages) | Normal | 2,000 | 4,000 | Optional larger booklet |
| Under 15, Tatkaal (36 pages) | Tatkaal | – | 3,000 | Expedited option for younger children |
Processing time:
- Normal service: typically 3–4 weeks for a minor’s passport (renewal).
- Tatkaal service: 1–3 working days (if all paperwork is in order).
Because delays are possible, many parents start the passport renewal for minors in India a few months before expiry to avoid last-minute issues.
Summary
In India, renewing a child’s passport is a process that takes into account their particular status. The renewed document often has shorter validity (5 years or until 18), though for teens aged 15–18, a full 10-year option may be available subject to conditions. The process demands parental consent, proper documentation and occasionally police verification.
Most families may easily renew their child’s passport if they prepare ahead, make sure all the documents are in order, and follow the rules. You should check the newest rules on the Passport Seva website or talk to your local RPO or PSK if you have a special instance or issue (like being a single parent, having guardianship, or having a parent living overseas).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is passport renewal for kids the same as applying fresh?
A: Mostly no. The process is categorized as “re-issue” rather than fresh, because the child already holds a passport. Some formalities (like document matching) are simplified in re-issue.
Q2: Can a 16-year-old opt only for a 5‑year passport?
A: Yes. A minor aged between 15 and 18 has the option to choose a passport valid only till they turn 18, or to opt for a 10‑year validity passport.
Q3: If a child’s passport expired 2 years ago, can they renew it?
A: Yes passport renewal for minors in India can be done within 3 years of expiry in most cases. If expiry is bey,ond 3 years, additional procedures (like verification or fresh application) may be required.
Q4: Is police verification mandatory?
A: always. In many minor re‑issue cases, police verification is waived if certain conditions (e.g., parent passports with proper endorsement) are satisfied. But for a 10-year validity passport granted to a 15–18-year-old, verification is generally needed.
Q5: What happens when the child turns 18 and the passport is still valid?
A: Even if the passport has validity beyond the 18th birthday, the holder is expected to apply for adult re-issue at or soon after turning 18, following adult norms.
Q6: Can a child above 15 apply directly for an adult passport?
A: No. Until they become 18, the application must follow a minor passport / renewal procedure; adult passport norms kick in only after reaching 18.
Q7: What if one parent refuses consent?
A: If both parents are not available or one refuses, the guardian or applying parent may submit an affidavit or court order (depending on the situation), as per Annexure C / D rules.
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