Applying for an Indian passport and stuck on the “Proof of Date of Birth” requirement? You’re not alone. Many applicants wonder if a hospital-issued birth certificate is sufficient or if a sworn affidavit can be used instead. The answer, according to the latest government regulations, is a bit more complex.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established clear rules, creating a major distinction for anyone born on or after October 1, 2023. This guide breaks down the official requirements in simple terms. Whether you need an official Birth Certificate, can use your PAN card, or fall into a special category requiring an Annexure, we have you covered. Read on to find the exact, authoritative information you need for a smooth application process at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
The Definitive Guide to DOB Proof for Indian Passports
Confused by Affidavits, Hospital Certificates, and MEA rules? This interactive guide, based on official regulations, makes it simple.
Affidavit or Certificate: What Really Works at the PSK?
A critical question for passport applicants is whether a hospital-issued birth certificate or a self-made affidavit is valid proof of Date of Birth (DOB). The official answer is clear: **neither is a standard acceptable document for most people.**
The rules are now governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023. This has created a hard cut-off date: October 1, 2023. Your documentation path depends entirely on this date.
Find Your Required Documents Instantly
Your date of birth determines which documents are valid. Select your birth period below.
Why a Hospital Certificate Isn't Enough
A hospital record is just the first step. It's a source document used to get the *real* legally valid certificate from the government. Here’s the official process:
Hospital Record
A preliminary note that a birth occurred.
Govt. Registrar
The hospital record is submitted here for official registration.
Official Birth Certificate
The only legally valid document for passports.
The Complete Guide to Passport Annexures
Most supporting declarations were simplified in 2016 to self-declarations on plain paper. However, a few high-stakes situations still require a formal, notarized affidavit. Here's the complete breakdown.
| Annexure | Purpose | Format Required |
|---|---|---|
| Annexure 'A' | Proof of DOB for illiterate or semi-illiterate applicants. | Formal Affidavit (sworn before Magistrate/Notary). |
| Annexure 'C' | By a single parent/guardian for a minor's passport when other parent's consent is unavailable. | Self-Declaration on plain paper. |
| Annexure 'D' | Standard declaration by parent(s) or guardian for a minor's passport. | Self-Declaration on plain paper. |
| Annexure 'E' | General self-declaration by applicant regarding citizenship, criminal record, etc. | Self-Declaration on plain paper. |
| Annexure 'F' | Declaration for a lost or damaged passport. | Self-Declaration on plain paper. |
| Annexure 'I' | By genetic parent(s) for a child born through surrogacy. | Self-Declaration on plain paper. |
| Annexure 'L' | Detailed affidavit for a passport in lieu of a lost/damaged one (for second or subsequent loss). | Formal Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the #1 rule for DOB proof now?
It's entirely based on your birth date. If born on/after Oct 1, 2023, only an official Birth Certificate is accepted. If born before, you have a list of alternative documents like a school certificate, PAN card, Aadhaar, etc.
Can I use a DOB affidavit if I lost my birth certificate?
No, not unless you are classified as an illiterate or semi-illiterate applicant. If you were born before Oct 1, 2023, and lost your birth certificate, you must use one of the other approved alternatives (like a PAN card or Matriculation Certificate), not an affidavit.
What details must an official Birth Certificate contain?
A valid certificate should have the child's name, both parents' names, date and place of birth, sex, an official registration number, and the date of registration. If the child's name is missing (because it was registered early), it's still valid if submitted with a signed declaration from both parents stating the name.
What about orphaned children without any DOB proof?
For orphaned children without a Birth Certificate or school record, a special provision exists. They can submit a declaration from the Head of their registered Orphanage or Child Care Home on its official letterhead, confirming the applicant's date of birth.
I was born in 1995. Is a birth certificate mandatory for me?
No. The old rule requiring a birth certificate for those born after 1989 was relaxed in 2016. Since you were born before the 2023 cutoff, you can use any of the approved alternative documents, such as your school leaving certificate, Aadhaar card, or PAN card.
Your Final Pre-Appointment Checklist
Determine Your Cohort
Identify if you were born **before** or **on/after** Oct 1, 2023. This is the most crucial step.
Select the Right Document
Based on your cohort, pick one valid document. Ensure the name and DOB match your application exactly.
Check Annexure Requirements
Confirm if you need a simple self-declaration or a formal, notarized affidavit using our guide above.
Visit the Official Website
Always double-check the latest rules and forms on passportindia.gov.in before your appointment.
