Passport Rules 2025: New Changes Come Into Effect – DOB, Parents’ Name, Address, and Other Details

In a key update, the government mandates that only birth certificates will be accepted as valid proof of date of birth for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, when applying for a passport.

Applicants born before the cut-off date can continue to use alternative documents like school leaving certificates, PAN cards, driving licences, voter ID, or service records for age verification.  

As per the Ministry of External Affairs' notification dated February 24, the revised passport rules aim to simplify and streamline the documentation process for applicants.  

The central government has implemented a new colour-coded passport system to simplify identification. Red passports are for diplomats, white for government officials, blue for general public use, and grey for emergency cases, ensuring efficient categorization and smoother international travel processes. 

In a move to support single-parent families, the passport will no longer feature parents’ names on the last page, ensuring greater inclusivity.

To boost privacy and security, applicants' residential addresses will no longer be printed on the last page but embedded in a scannable barcode for official use. 

The new passport format includes updated security elements and layout improvements, aligning with global standards for safer and more efficient international travel. (Image Credit: File Photo)