Travel and Immigration: How to Change the Place of Birth on Your Indian Passport
If you’ve noticed a mistake or need to update the place of birth on your Indian passport, you’re not alone. The process isn’t rocket science, but it does need the right paperwork and a bit of patience. Below you’ll find a straightforward guide that walks you through every step, so you can avoid surprises and get the corrected passport in hand.
First things first: you’ll need to fill out the passport amendment form. The form is called Application for Modifications to an Existing Passport (Form No. 2). You can download it from the official Passport Seva website or pick up a printed copy at any Regional Passport Office (RPO). Make sure you use the latest version; old forms can cause delays.
Required Documents
Gathering the right documents saves you trips back to the office. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Birth certificate – the original copy or a notarized copy that clearly shows the correct place of birth.
- Affidavit – a notarized statement explaining why the change is needed. It should include your full name, passport number, current place of birth entry, and the correct place of birth.
- Proof of residence – any recent utility bill, rent agreement, or Aadhaar card showing your current address.
- Existing passport – the original passport you’re amending.
- Photographs – two recent passport‑size photos with a white background, as per the standard specifications.
Double‑check that each document is clear and legible. Blurry or cropped copies often get sent back, adding extra days to the timeline.
Application Process
Once you have the form and documents ready, follow these steps:
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal and schedule an appointment at your nearest RPO. Choose the “Passport Amendment” service.
- Pay the amendment fee online. The fee varies by type of passport (regular, jumbo, etc.) but usually ranges from INR 500 to INR 1,000.
- Attend the appointment. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The officer will verify everything and may ask a few quick questions.
- If everything checks out, the officer will collect your existing passport and issue a receipt with a tracking number.
- Wait for the processing. Standard processing takes about 2‑3 weeks, but you can opt for a Tatkal service if you need it faster (additional charges apply).
During the waiting period, you can track your application status on the Passport Seva website using the receipt number. If the office needs anything else, they’ll update the status, and you’ll get a notification.
When the new passport arrives, verify the updated place of birth right away. If there’s any mistake, contact the RPO within seven days for a correction; beyond that, you may need to start the process again.
Here are a few extra tips to keep things smooth:
- Make sure the name on the birth certificate matches the name on your current passport. A name mismatch will trigger an additional verification step.
- Keep digital copies of all documents handy. If the office asks for anything in the future, you can resend it quickly.
- If you’re changing the place of birth due to a legal name change or adoption, include the relevant court order or adoption decree along with the affidavit.
Changing the place of birth on an Indian passport isn’t a massive hassle, but it does require careful preparation. By following this guide, you’ll know exactly what to bring, how much to pay, and how long it will take. That way, you can focus on your travel plans or immigration paperwork without worrying about passport errors.
Got more questions about passport changes or other travel docs? Keep an eye on the Travel and Immigration section for more practical how‑to guides, tips, and up‑to‑date information. Safe travels!
Is it easy to change the Place of Birth in my Indian Passport?
Changing the place of birth on an Indian passport is not a difficult process. However, it will require applicants to provide the necessary documents and pay an applicable fee. The documents required to change the place of birth include a birth certificate, an affidavit, and a valid proof of residence. Applicants must also fill out a form and provide the relevant information. Once the documents are submitted, the Indian passport authority will review the requests and issue a new passport with the updated place of birth. The process may take several weeks to complete, but it is possible to change the place of birth on an Indian passport with the right documentation.