Birth Certificate Mandatory for Passport

The Ministry of External Affairs has notified the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on February 25, 2025, mandating that birth certificates issued by the authorities shall be the only proof of date of birth for persons born on or after Oct 1, 2023, for the issuance of passports.

Although for people born prior to the said date, other documents such as school leaving certificate, transfer certificate, matriculation certificate, PAN card, attested extract of service record in case of government servants, driving license, voter ID, and LIC policy certificates shall work apart from the birth certificate. 

The change would ensure the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, is strictly enforced, particularly in rural areas where residents mostly lack birth certificates. This would also enhance convenience and avoid multiplicity of documents.