Passport Issuance for Minors: NRI Guidelines on Police Verification
Issuing Passports to NRI Minor Children – Key Rules & Documentation – Applying for a minor’s passport as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) can feel complex, especially with varying rules around police verification, parental consent, and guardianship. This guide summarizes the essential regulations, documents, and scenarios to help families navigate the process smoothly.
Citizenship Notes
- Birth in India ≠ Automatic Citizenship A child born in India does not automatically qualify for Indian citizenship. At least one parent must be an Indian citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
- Parents Acquiring Foreign Nationality Later If parents later acquire foreign nationality, the child’s Indian citizenship remains intact. Biological ties persist, and parents can still sign required annexures.
Documents Checklist
- Child’s birth certificate
- Copies of parents’ passports
- Annexure D (signed by both parents) or Annexure C (single parent)
- Current address proof (if different from parents’ passport address)
- Court order/affidavits for guardianship cases
Section A: Police Verification (PV) Rules for Minors
- No-PV Basis: If one or both parents hold valid Indian passports (with spouse name in at least one), the child’s passport can be issued without police verification.
- Different Address: If the child’s current address differs from the parents’ passport address, provide proof of the present address—no need to update parents’ passports.
- Neither Parent Has a Passport: Pre-Police Verification (Pre-PV) is required to confirm nationality and citizenship eligibility.
- Adverse Police Report: An adverse or pending police report for a parent does not block issuance of the child’s passport.
- 15–18 Year Olds:
- Short validity passport (until age 18) – usually No-PV.
- Full 10-year passport – requires Post-PV, unless the child resides abroad (then No-PV for reissue).
Section B: Parental Consent & Guardian Scenarios
- Annexure H: Declaration concerning minors, signed by both parents.
- Both parents present: Either both appear at PSK, or one appears with both passports.
- One parent abroad: Consent must be attested by the nearest Indian Mission/Post.
- Single Parent Applications:
- Submit Annexure G (affidavit before Magistrate) explaining reasons, OR
- Provide a court order granting sole custody.
- Pending divorce cases require court permission.
- Both Parents Abroad:
- Appoint a local guardian in India.
- Submit Annexure I (joint affidavit attested by Indian Mission) plus supporting affidavits.
- Application processed with Pre-PV.
- Legal Guardian Applications:
- Court order appointing guardian is mandatory.
- Grandparents applying do not require PV; other guardians require Pre-PV.
- Both Parents Deceased:
- Grandparents/relatives (legal heirs) can apply without PV.
- Court-appointed non-relative guardians require Pre-PV.
Section C: Citizenship & Documentation
- Automatic Citizenship? No. Citizenship is derived from parents under the Citizenship Act.
- Parents with Foreign Nationality: Child retains Indian citizenship; parents can still sign annexures.
- Key Documents:
- Birth certificate or school records
- Address proof (if different)
- Annexure H (or alternatives: Annexure G/I, court orders)
- Supporting affidavits for guardianship cases
Timelines
- Normal processing: 4–8 weeks
- Longer if Pre-PV or Post-PV is required
How Legal Light Consulting Can Help
Legal Light Consulting specializes in:
- Attestation services
- Annexure preparation
- VFS coordination
Their expertise ensures hassle-free processing, especially in complex cases involving guardianship, custody disputes, or parents residing abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions: NRI Minor Passport Issuance
Can a minor’s passport be issued without police verification?
Yes, on No-PV basis if one/both parents have valid passports (with spouse name in at least one). Attach copies.
What if current address differs from parents’ passport?
Provide present address proof—no need to change parents’ address; still No-PV.
Neither parent has a passport—what happens?
Pre-PV: Police verify nationality/citizenship eligibility.
Options for 15-18 year olds?
Short validity (till 18, often no PV) or 10-year (may require post-PV); abroad residents usually no PV for re-issue.
Both parents abroad—how to apply?
Appoint local guardian; parents’ joint attested affidavit + supporting affidavits; pre-PV.
Both parents deceased?
Grandparents/relatives apply—no PV.
Legal guardian applying?
Court order required; no PV for grandparents, pre-PV otherwise.
Do parents who acquired foreign citizenship affect child’s passport?
No—child retains citizenship; parents can sign annexures.
Presence required?
Ideally both parents or one with both passports; abroad parent: Attested consent.
Timeline for NRIs?
4-8 weeks normal; longer if pre/post-PV.
Section A: Police Verification (PV) Rules for Minors
Q1: Is police verification always required for a minor’s passport?
A: No. The requirement depends primarily on whether the parents hold valid Indian passports.
Q2: When can a minor’s passport be issued without police verification (No-PV)?
A: A passport can be issued on a No-PV basis if at least one parent holds a valid Indian passport. You must attach photocopies of both parents’ passports with the application, and at least one parent’s passport should contain the spouse’s name. This applies even if the family’s current address differs from the address in the parents’ passports (in which case current address proof is required).
Q3: What if neither parent has a passport?
A: If neither parent holds a passport, the minor’s passport will be issued subject to Pre-Police Verification (Pre-PV). The police will verify the parents’ nationality and the child’s eligibility for Indian citizenship.
Q4: Does an adverse or pending police report for a parent affect the minor’s application?
A: No. An adverse or blank Police Verification Report (PVR) status for a parent’s passport file does not prohibit the issuance of a passport to their minor child.
Q5: My child is between 15 and 18. What are the passport validity options?
A: Children aged 15-18 have two choices:
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Minor Passport (Under 18): Apply for a passport valid only until they turn 18. This is issued without police verification (No-PV).
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Full-Validity Passport (10 Years): Apply for a regular 10-year validity passport. This requires Post-Police Verification (Post-PV). *However, if the minor normally lives abroad, no PV is required for a reissue to obtain a 10-year passport.*
Section B: Parental Consent & Guardian Scenarios
Q6: What is Annexure ‘H’ and who must sign it?
A: Annexure ‘H’ is the Declaration Concerning Minor. Both biological/adoptive parents must sign it for fresh or reissue applications.
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Both Parents Present: Both can appear at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or one parent can appear with both parents’ passports.
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One Parent Abroad: The consent of the parent abroad must be on Annexure ‘H’, duly attested by the nearest Indian Mission/Post. The applying parent in India signs the form and attaches this attested annexure.
Q7: What if one parent cannot or will not sign Annexure ‘H’?
A: If Annexure ‘H’ is not signed by both, the applying single parent must submit:
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An affidavit (Annexure ‘G’) sworn before a Magistrate explaining the reasons, OR
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A court order granting them sole custody of the child without visitation rights for the other parent.
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Note: If divorce proceedings are pending, court permission is mandatory to issue a passport to the minor.
Q8: What if both parents live abroad?
A: Parents living abroad must appoint a Local Guardian in India to submit the application. They must provide:
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A joint sworn affidavit (Annexure ‘I’) signed by both parents and attested by an Indian Mission.
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The application is then processed subject to Pre-PV.
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The local guardian must also submit affidavits from two responsible persons who know them and the minor (unless the guardian is a grandparent).
Q9: Can a legal guardian apply?
A: Yes. A court-appointed legal guardian can apply by submitting a certified copy of the court order appointing them, along with standard documents.
Q10: What if both parents are deceased?
A: If grandparents or other surviving relatives (who are legal heirs) apply, no police verification is required. If a non-relative legal guardian (appointed by court) applies, Pre-PV is required.
Section C: Citizenship & Critical Documentation
Q11: Does a child born in India automatically get Indian citizenship?
A: No. Merely being born in India does not confer automatic citizenship. The child’s citizenship is derived from the parents under the Citizenship Act.
Q12: Our family now has foreign nationality. Can we still apply for an Indian passport for our child?
A: Yes, if the child is still an Indian citizen. Indian parents obtaining foreign citizenship does not automatically deprive their child of Indian citizenship. The biological parents can still sign Annexure ‘H’ for their eligible child.
Q13: What key documents are needed besides parental passports?
A: Standard requirements include:
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Proof of date of birth for the minor (Birth Certificate, school documents).
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Address proof (if current address differs from parent’s passport).
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The signed and attested Annexure ‘H’ (or alternative affidavits/orders as above).
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Annexure ‘I’ and supporting affidavits if using a local guardian.
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Relevant court orders for custody, guardianship, or divorce.
How NRI Cell working with Legal Light Consulting Can Help
Q14: Why is professional guidance crucial for a minor’s passport application?
A: The rules are strict and vary dramatically based on parental status, location, and custody situations. A missing attestation, incorrect annexure, or unresolved custody issue can cause significant delays or rejection.
For expert support in PV-exempt cases, guardian applications, or abroad submissions, contact Legal Light Consulting. We simplify your child’s passport journey.
