Documents like PAN card, voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving license, and passport are essential for various purposes. Some documents can be substituted with alternatives, but certain documents are mandatory for specific tasks.
For example, a passport is essential for international travel. Without a passport, no one can travel abroad. In India, obtaining a passport requires following a set procedure. The Ministry of External Affairs issues passports through 36 passport offices across the country. Applicants must visit these offices and submit the necessary documents.
The government has recently amended passport-related rules. Now, a birth certificate has been made mandatory for obtaining a passport. However, this rule does not apply to everyone.
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As per the central government’s amendment to the Passport Act, a birth certificate is now compulsory for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023. Without it, they cannot apply for a passport.
However, those born before October 1, 2023, can still use alternative documents such as a driving license or a school leaving certificate as proof of birthdate to obtain a passport.