5 big changes to Indian passports in 2025

Whether you are applying for a fresh passport or renewing an existing one, here are the five major changes Indian passports will see this year. Indian passports are getting a significant upgrade, with a mix of tech advancements and process updates aimed at making them more secure and efficient. From a mandatory Birth Certificate requirement to the rollout of e-passports, here are the five key changes every Indian traveler and passport applicant should know about.

E-passports are being rolled out across India:

India has started issuing new e-passports, which look nearly identical to current ones but come with an embedded chip that stores your personal and biometric data securely. These passports are designed to speed up immigration and improve security. If your passport is up for renewal and your local passport office is equipped, you’ll be issued one automatically without any extra steps required.

Birth certificate is now mandatory for some applicants: 

If you were born on or after October 1, 2023, a Government-issued Birth Certificate is now the only accepted proof of date of birth when applying for a new passport. Those born before that date can still submit documents like a school certificate, PAN card, voter ID or a driver’s license as alternatives.

No residential address on the last page of your passport:

In a move to protect personal data, your residential address will no longer appear on the last page of your passport. Instead, it will be sorted digitally and linked to a scannable barcode, accessible only to authorized officials. This change helps prevent misuse of personal information and streamlines verification processes at immigration.

Parents’ names will be removed from the passport: 

Indian passports will also no longer include the names of parents or legal guardians. This update reduces unnecessary personal disclosure and is especially beneficial for single-parent families or individuals who prefer to keep their family details private.

Color-coded passports for easier identification: 

A clearer color-coding system is being introduced to help distinguish between types of passports. This update simplifies identification for immigration and security purposes.

Source : https://www.cntraveller.in/story/5-big-changes-to-indian-passports-in-2025/