Government Revises Passport Rules: Birth Certificate Now the Only Valid Proof of Date of Birth

The Indian government has introduced significant changes to the Passports Rules, 1980, making birth certificates the exclusive proof of date of birth for passport applications. This amendment, outlined in the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, applies to individuals born on or after October 1, 2023.

New Passport Rule: Birth Certificate Mandatory

As per the latest amendment, which came into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette, only birth certificates issued by:

• The Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Municipal corporations
• Other relevant authorities under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

will be considered valid proof of date of birth for passport applications.

Impact of the Amendment

This change eliminates alternative documents previously accepted for verifying date of birth, ensuring a standardized and streamlined verification process. Applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, must ensure they obtain a birth certificate from the authorized authorities to avoid delays in passport processing.

Why This Amendment Matters

The new regulation aims to enhance the accuracy and authenticity of birth records, minimizing discrepancies in official documentation. It also aligns passport verification procedures with global standards, reinforcing identity security and simplifying the application process.

Final Thoughts

For individuals planning to apply for a passport, it is now mandatory to have a government-issued birth certificate if they were born on or after October 1, 2023. Staying informed about such updates will help applicants avoid unnecessary hurdles in the passport application process.