New Delhi – April 6, 2025: The Government of India has implemented a series of significant changes to Indian passport regulations, aiming to enhance security, privacy, and efficiency for citizens seeking international travel. From updated document requirements to removing personal information from the passport pages, these revisions are part of a broader effort to modernize the Indian passport issuance process.
Key Changes in Passport Rules Every Applicant Should Know
The revised passport policy brings several updates that will affect both new applicants and those seeking renewal. Among the most prominent changes:
1. Birth Certificate Now Mandatory
Effective from October 1, 2023, individuals born on or after this date must submit a birth certificate as the sole acceptable proof of their date of birth while applying for a passport. Previously, alternate documents such as school certificates or affidavits were accepted.
2. No Parent or Guardian Name on Passport
To protect the personal information of passport holders, the guardian’s name (parent/father/mother) will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. This change supports the Right to Privacy and ensures sensitive data is not accessible to unauthorized entities.
Increased Focus on Data Security and Privacy
In a major step toward digital security:
3. Home Address Removed from Physical Passport
Applicants’ home addresses will no longer be printed on the passport. Instead, this information will be embedded in a barcode, which is digitally encrypted and accessible only to immigration authorities. This move minimizes the risk of identity theft and ensures confidential data protection.
4. Color-Coded Passport System Introduced
To streamline immigration procedures and simplify classification, passports will now be issued in three color categories:
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White: For government employees on official duty
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Red: For diplomats
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Blue: For regular Indian citizens
This system allows quicker recognition and handling at immigration counters worldwide.
Faster Services and Wider Access
The Ministry of External Affairs has announced plans to expand passport service infrastructure across India. The number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) will increase from the current 442 to 600 centers within the next five years, ensuring faster processing and improved accessibility for applicants nationwide.
This development is expected to cut down waiting times, reduce dependency on agents, and offer direct support to rural and urban applicants alike.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.