Passport Rules Updated for 2025: Key Changes Announced by MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a notification dated February 24, 2025, outlining significant changes to India’s passport issuance process. These updates aim to enhance security, simplify application procedures, and improve inclusivity.
1. Birth Certificate Now Compulsory for Newborns
Applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit a birth certificate as the only valid proof of their date of birth while applying for a passport.
2. Older Applicants Can Still Use Alternate Documents
Those born before October 1, 2023, can continue to provide school leaving certificates, PAN cards, driving licences, EPIC (voter ID), or service records to validate their date of birth.
3. New Colour-Coded Passports Introduced
The Indian government has launched a color-coding system for better identification:
- 🔴 Red – Diplomats
- ⚪ White – Government Officials
- 🔵 Blue – General Public
- ⚫ Grey – Emergency Passports
This change is designed to streamline immigration procedures and clearly differentiate categories of passport holders.
4. Parents’ Names Removed from Last Page
To promote inclusivity for single-parent or guardian families, passports will no longer display the parents’ names on the last page.
5. Residential Address Moved to Barcode Format
In a bid to boost privacy and security, residential addresses will not be printed. Instead, they will be embedded in a scannable barcode, accessible only by authorized officials.
6. Enhanced Design and Security Features
The new passport design includes improved layout and advanced security features aligned with international standards, making them more secure and traveler-friendly.
