How Single Parents Can Apply For A Child's Passport In India: Complete Guide

Applying for a passport for a minor in India is usually a structured process, but it can feel particularly challenging for single parents handling it alone. While the law does allow for such situations, the paperwork, required declarations, and unique circumstances can make the process more complex than joint applications. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lays out clear guidelines for single parents-whether divorced, separated, widowed, or unmarried - to apply for a minor's passport.

Applicants under 18 are considered minors for passport purposes. A minor must have a separate passport, valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever occurs first. Children aged 15 to 18 may apply for either a passport valid until they turn 18 or a full-validity passport of ten years, with fees differing accordingly.

The Passport Act of 1967 and the 1980 Rules do not block a single parent from applying for a child's passport. A parent with exclusive custody may apply without the other parent's consent, even if they are not legally divorced, but must provide the required details in the appropriate annexure.

Step-by-Step Process To Apply Online For A Minor's Passport

The process begins online via the Passport Seva portal: register, complete the application, upload necessary documents, pay the fee, and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or other authorised collection centre. For minors, a printed photograph may be required if the application is submitted at a District Passport Cell (DPC) or other centres.

Once the appointment is attended, the relevant office processes the application, and the passport is dispatched as per the dispatch policy (detailed below).

Passport Fees For Minors: Normal Vs Tatkaal

The fee structure for minor passports is as follows:

• Fresh passport (5-year validity, 36 pages): Rs 1,000 (Normal) + Rs 2,000 (additional Tatkaal fee)
• Fresh passport or reissue (10-year, 36 pages): Rs 1,500 (Normal) + Rs 2,000 (additional Tatkaal fee)
• Reissue for minors (5-year validity): Rs 1,000 (Normal) + Rs 2,000 (additional Tatkaal fee)

A 10 per cent rebate on the basic fee applies for minors aged eight or below for fresh passport applications.

Processing Time And Police Verification For Minor Passports

Processing times and police verification depend on the application type and documentation:

• Normal applications: Passport dispatched on the third working day after submission-no police verification required, or post-issuance police verification, depending on profile.
• Tatkaal applications: Passports are dispatched within one working day if no pre-police verification is required; otherwise, post-issuance verification applies.

Complex cases, including those involving a single parent, adoption, a major name change, or unclear documentation, may take approximately 30 days due to additional processing and verification.

Documents Required For A Minor's Passport Application

The MEA mandates the following during application:

• Proof of Date of Birth (for example, birth certificate, school certificate).
• Proof of Present Address (relevant documentation).
• Declaration in Annexure C affirming details when only one parent provides consent.
• Certified copy of court order granting custody, if applicable.

Carry original and self-attested copies of parents' passports (if available), as these may expedite processing.

Option To Exclude One Parent's Name

The online form now permits listing only one parent or legal guardian, father or mother, without the need to retain both names in the application.

What To Do If Divorce Is Pending

Where divorce proceedings are ongoing, the applying parent must either obtain court permission to proceed without consent or submit Annexure C detailing valid reasons.

Single Divorced Parent With Exclusive Custody (No Visitation Rights)

If exclusive custody has been granted with no visitation rights, the custodial parent must submit Annexure C and a certified custody order; consent from the non-custodial parent is not needed.

Separated Parents (No Formal Divorce)

A separated parent without a formal divorce may apply under Annexure C, affirming the circumstances of separation.

Application For A Child Of An Unmarried Mother

If the child's mother is unmarried, the father's name remains blank, and declarations must be submitted in both Annexures C and D.

Child Born Outside Wedlock With Acknowledged Parentage

When both biological parents acknowledge parentage, a joint declaration via Annexure D is required to include both names in the child's passport.

Children Abandoned By One Parent

If one parent has abandoned the child or had no contact, the custodial parent submits Annexure C; the rules follow those applicable to a single mother in similar circumstances.

If One Parent Has Passed Away

The surviving parent must submit Annexure D along with the other parent's death certificate.

Annexure C And D Simplified

• Annexure C: A declaration by the custodial parent explaining why the other parent's consent is not available (e.g. separation, abandonment, unavailability).
• Annexure D: A declaration where only one or both parents are involved in unique circumstances, such as with the death of one parent or unmarried parent cases.

Common Pitfalls And Practical Tips For Single Parents

• Ensure all fields in the form are complete and legible; errors or omissions may cause delays.
• Always carry originals and self-attested copies of submitted documents.
• If applying under Tatkaal, book slots early - appointment availability opens at fixed times daily.
• Be prepared for additional processing time in complex cases, even under Tatkaal, due to extra verification.