New Passport Rules: Birth Certificate Now a Must for Those Born After October 1, 2023

The government has changed the Passports Rules, 1980, making the birth certificate the only valid proof of date of birth for people born on or after October 1, 2023.

What’s Changing?

Under the new Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, only birth certificates issued by:

• Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Municipal corporations
• Other authorities under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

will be accepted as proof of date of birth when applying for a passport.

What About Those Born Before October 1, 2023?

If you were born before October 1, 2023, you can still use other documents to prove your date of birth, including:
✅ School Leaving Certificate or Matriculation Certificate
✅ PAN Card (issued by the Income Tax Department)
✅ Government Service Record Extract (for employees and pensioners)
✅ Driving Licence (issued by the Transport Department)
✅ Voter ID (EPIC Card) (issued by the Election Commission of India)
✅ Life Insurance Policy Bond (from LIC or public insurers)

Why Was This Rule Changed?

Previously, many people—especially from rural areas—didn’t have birth certificates, so the government allowed different documents as proof of birth. However, with better enforcement of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, birth certificates are now widely available.

This change aims to simplify the passport application process and ensure accurate records for all citizens.