Passport for newborn without birth certificate

Applying for a passport for a newborn can be stressful when you don’t yet have a birth certificate in hand. In India, while a birth certificate is the standard proof for the date of birth and relationship with parents, the authorities allow alternative documents in certain cases, provided they meet specific criteria. This article guides you through what to do if you seek a passport for your newborn without a birth certificate: what alternate proofs are accepted, the process you must follow, and important tips to ensure smooth application.

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✅ Why the Birth Certificate Matters for a Newborn Passport

For any minor (especially a newborn) applying for a passport, the passport office requires proof of:

• The child’s date of birth

• The child’s parentage / guardianship

• The child’s relationship with the parents

• The address and identity of the parent(s)/guardian

A birth certificate issued by the municipal authority or Registrar of Births & Deaths is the most straightforward way to satisfy these requirements. However, if the certificate is delayed, lost, or not yet issued, alternate proofs can be used — though with careful preparation.

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? Which Documents Are Accepted as Alternatives to Birth Certificate?

According to the official document list by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the portal for the passport service, the following are considered valid proof of date of birth or other particulars when a birth certificate is not available:

• A school leaving certificate / secondary school leaving certificate or certificate of a recognised board/institution that includes date of birth.

• A document issued by a recognised institution that clearly shows the date of birth of the applicant.

• In some cases, identity documents (e.g., Aadhaar) showing date of birth or address may supplement the proof.

• If no standard proof is available, some affidavit or declaration may be required (though for newborns this option can be tricky and regional policies may vary).

For a newborn specifically, many guides still list the birth certificate as “required”. But the document list shows flexibility when standard documents are unavailable.

Therefore, the key is to check with your local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post-Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for the exact acceptable alternatives in your region.

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? Step-by-Step Process for a Newborn Passport Without Birth Certificate

Here’s how you should proceed when the birth certificate is not available yet:

1. Register the newborn’s birth with local authority

Even if the certificate is yet to be issued, ensure the birth has been duly registered with the local municipal corporation or Registrar of Births & Deaths. This ensures future compliance and avoids complications.

2. Log into Passport Seva Portal

Go to passportindia.gov.in and choose the option for a minor/newborn passport (fresh application). Fill in the required details, choose correct age category (infant/minor) and attach scanned supporting documents.

3. Select and upload available proofs

• Upload the best available proof of date of birth (for example, hospital record, certificate of their institution, or school/boarding certificate eventually).

• Upload parent(s) identity and address proofs (Aadhaar, passport copy, etc.).

• Use the annexure form required for minors: For example, Annexure H (when both parents specified) etc.

• Submit a descriptive cover letter if the birth certificate is missing, explaining the delay and referencing other proofs.

4. Pay fees and book appointment

Pay the required fee for a minor's fresh passport application and book an appointment at the nearest PSK/POPSK.

5. Attend the PSK/POPSK appointment

• Both parents/guardian and the newborn must be present (depending on age) as per local requirement.

• Carry all original documents: proof of birth proof alternative, parents’ identity, address proof, appointment receipt, fee receipt.

• The officials will verify documents; for missing birth certificate they may ask for supplementary affidavit or police verification.

6. Tracking & Delivery

Once the verification is complete, the passport will be printed and dispatched via courier. Track the status via the portal.

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⚠️ Important Considerations & Tips

• Although alternatives exist, having the birth certificate is strongly recommended, especially for newborns. Many PSKs insist on it. If possible, expedite the birth certificate issuance.

• Ensure all names (child and parents), dates, spellings are consistent across documents; mismatches can delay or reject application.

• For newborns, take passport‐size photographs of the baby as per specifications (white background, correct size) and ensure the baby is properly presented. Some offices may require thumb impression of the baby (if applicable) alongside parent signature.

• If you submit alternate proof, be prepared for possible delay or additional verification (police verification) since absence of birth certificate may trigger extra scrutiny.

• Keep copies of every submitted document and receipts for future reference.

• If the local authority has a delay in issuing the birth certificate, you may proceed with the application submitting a registered documentary proof from hospital, birth registration receipt, or affidavit as advised by PSK. But check the local PSK policy upfront.

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? Summary

Getting a passport for a newborn without a birth certificate is possible in India through alternate documents, but it involves careful preparation and may invite additional scrutiny. If you have to apply without the certificate:

• Use alternative proof of date of birth (school certificate, institutional certificate) and full proof of parent(s)’ identity & address

• Use correct annexures and explain delay of birth certificate

• Be ready for verification and possibly extra processing time

At Smotpro.in, we assist families in handling minor and newborn passport applications, including cases where certain documents (like birth certificates) are delayed or missing. We provide dedicated support from start to finish to make sure your child’s passport process goes smoothly.

Our office- https://maps.app.goo.gl/mbrbBBe9DLn3kgSo8