New Delhi – March 12, 2025 – The Central Government has announced significant changes to passport rules, aiming to streamline the application process and enhance security. The new regulations, which come into effect from October 1, 2023, introduce stricter documentation requirements and a revamped passport design.
Birth Certificate Now Mandatory for New Applicants
Under the updated rules, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must present a valid birth certificate when applying for a passport. The certificate must be issued by the local municipal corporation, the registrar of births and deaths, or any authority recognized under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
Applicants born before October 1, 2023, can still apply for a passport using alternative documents such as a government service record, PAN card, driving license, school leaving certificate, or matriculation certificate.
In a bid to protect privacy and enhance security, the last page of the passport will no longer display the holder’s residential address or parent’s name. Instead, this information will be embedded in a barcode, which immigration officials can scan when needed. This measure aims to reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized data access.
New Color-Coding System Introduced
To simplify identification, the government has introduced a new color-coding system for passports:
White Passport – Issued to government officials.
Red Passport – Reserved for diplomats and high-ranking officials.
Blue Passport – Will continue to be issued to ordinary citizens.
Government’s Objective
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that these changes are designed to make the passport issuance process more secure, transparent, and citizen-friendly. “The new rules will align the passport system with international standards and improve the overall efficiency of the process,” an official spokesperson said.
These reforms mark one of the most significant overhauls in India’s passport system in recent years, with the government aiming to ensure better security and easier processing for all citizens.
