New Delhi, June 21, 2025 – India has implemented a major change in passport application rules, making birth certificates the only accepted proof of date of birth for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023. This move aims to streamline documentation and enhance authenticity in passport issuance.
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Key Changes Under New Passport Rules
- Mandatory Birth Certificates: For children born on or after October 1, 2023, a birth certificate is now the sole valid proof of date of birth for passport applications.
- Previous Rules Remain: Individuals born before October 1, 2023, can still use existing documents like school certificates, PAN cards, Aadhaar, voter IDs, or driving licenses.
- Legal Basis: The change is enforced under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aligning with the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023. This Act positions the birth certificate as the primary document for proving birth details across various government services.
Also Read: HSRP Number Plate Last Date Extended: Apply for HSRP Number Plate in Telangana and Other States
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate in India
Getting a birth certificate is now crucial for future passport applications. Here’s how to apply:
Online Application
- Register/Login: Visit the official CRSORGI portal and create an account or log in.
- Download Form: Get the birth registration form (often provided by hospitals for institutional births).
- Fill Details: Complete the form accurately within 21 days of birth to avoid delays and fees.
- Submit In-Person: Submit the form to the local Registrar’s office (Municipal Corporation in urban areas, Gram Panchayat in rural areas). Cannot be sent by post.
- Verification & Issuance: After verification, the certificate is issued electronically or for collection.
Offline Application
- Visit Office: Go to your local Municipal Corporation (city) or Gram Panchayat (village) office.
- Get Form: Collect the birth registration form.
- Complete & Submit: Fill the form and submit with required documents.
- Pay Fee: Pay applicable fees at the counter.
- Collect Certificate: Receive the certificate typically within 7-15 days.
Documents Required
- Hospital Births: Hospital discharge summary/birth record, parents’ ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID), parent’s address proof.
- Home Births: Notarized affidavit confirming birth, parents’ ID proofs, address proof for the place of birth.
Fees & Processing Time
| Registration Period | Typical Fee Range | State Examples (Late Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Within 21 days | Free (Most States) | Tamil Nadu: Free |
| 21 to 30 days | ₹10 – ₹100 | Telangana: ₹35 + ₹5/year delay |
| 30 days to 1 year | ₹100 – ₹200 | Maharashtra: ₹200 – ₹1,000 |
| More than 1 year | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Karnataka: ₹100 – ₹500 |
- Processing: 7-15 working days for timely applications. Delayed applications take 15-20 days or more.
Critical Considerations for Parents
- 21-Day Deadline: Register the birth within 21 days to avoid fees and complex procedures. After one year, a Magistrate’s order is required.
- Adding Child’s Name: You can get the certificate without the name initially. Add the name within 12 months free of charge online or offline via the Registrar.
- Making Corrections: Errors (names, parents’ details) can be corrected by applying to the Registrar with an affidavit, supporting documents, and paying a state-specific fee.
Why This Matters Now
Beyond passports, the birth certificate is becoming the universal proof of birth for:
- School and college admissions
- Voter ID registration
- Marriage registration
- Government jobs
- Driving license applications
- Aadhaar enrollment
This policy streamlines passport issuance, reduces fraudulent applications, and integrates with India’s broader digital governance framework. Parents of children born after October 2023 should prioritize birth registration to avoid future delays in passport applications or accessing essential services.
“The birth certificate is now the single source of truth for place and date of birth – simplifying compliance across multiple services,” notes a Home Ministry official.