Introduction
Single Mother Passport Application in India: Step-by-Step Guide Applying for a passport as a single mother in India can feel overwhelming. Many mothers believe both parents’ names are mandatory, but the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has simplified the process. Today, a single mother can apply for her child’s passport without the father’s name or consent.
This guide explains the passport application process for single mothers, the documents required, fees, and answers to common FAQs.

✅ Step-by-Step Process for Single Mothers
Step 1: Register Online
- Go to the Passport Seva Portal.
- Create/login to your account.
- Select Apply for Fresh Passport (Minor).
Step 2: Fill Application
- Enter your child’s details (name, DOB, place of birth).
- Under parent details, only the mother’s name is needed.
- Choose application type – Normal or Tatkal.
Step 3: Book Appointment
- Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- Pay the application fee online.
Step 4: Gather Documents
- Child’s birth certificate with mother’s name.
- Aadhaar card of mother and child (if available).
- Proof of address (utility bill, Aadhaar, voter ID).
- Annexure C (self-declaration, if asked).
- Divorce decree / custody order (if divorced).
- Husband’s death certificate (if widowed).
Step 5: Attend Appointment
- Carry your child along.
- Submit documents, biometrics, and photographs (for kids under 4, bring passport photos).

Step 6: Police Verification
- Local police may visit to confirm residence and single-parent status.
Step 7: Passport Issuance
- Passport is printed and dispatched via Speed Post.
📑 Documents Checklist for Single Mothers
- ✅ Birth certificate of child with mother’s name
- ✅ Mother’s Aadhaar card / Voter ID / PAN
- ✅ Proof of address (rental agreement, utility bill, Aadhaar, etc.)
- ✅ Divorce decree / custody order (if divorced)
- ✅ Death certificate of husband (if widowed)
💰 Passport Fee Structure
Passport Type (Minor) | Validity | Normal Fee | Tatkal Fee (Additional) | Processing Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
36 Pages | 5 years / till 18 yrs | ₹1,000 | +₹2,000 | 7–14 days |
60 Pages | 5 years / till 18 yrs | ₹2,000 | +₹2,000 | 7–14 days |
⚠️ Note: Tatkal is generally not available for minors, except in emergencies at RPO’s discretion.
❓ FAQs – Passport for Single Mothers
Q1. Can a child’s passport be issued with only the mother’s name?
👉 Yes, MEA rules allow it.
Q2. Do I need father’s consent if divorced?
👉 No, only custody papers are required.
Q3. Is police verification compulsory?
👉 Usually yes, but in some cases, post-issuance verification may be done.
Q4. Can I apply under Tatkal?
👉 Rarely for minors, but you can request it at RPO.
Q5. Do I need an affidavit?
👉 Sometimes Annexure C (single parent declaration) is needed.
⚠ Disclaimer
This article is for information purposes only. Passport rules are subject to updates by MEA, India. Always verify with the Passport Seva Portal or RPO before applying.
🟢 Single Father Passport Application in India: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
For a single father in India, applying for a child’s passport can be slightly complex due to custody proofs and documentation. Whether you are widowed, divorced with custody, or an unmarried father, you can still apply for your child’s passport independently.
This article explains the passport process for single fathers, required documents, fees, and FAQs.
✅ Step-by-Step Process for Single Fathers
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
- Login and choose Apply for Fresh Passport (Minor).
Step 2: Fill Application
- Provide child’s details (name, DOB, birth place).
- Enter only the father’s details under parent section.
Step 3: Appointment Booking
- Select your nearest PSK/RPO.
- Pay the online application fee.
Step 4: Collect Documents
- Birth certificate of child with father’s name.
- Aadhaar card / PAN / Voter ID of father.
- Address proof of father.
- Custody order from court (if divorced/separated).
- Death certificate of mother (if deceased).
Step 5: Visit PSK
- Attend the appointment with your child.
- Submit required documents, biometrics, and photos.
Step 6: Police Verification
- Police will verify father’s custody and residence.
Step 7: Passport Dispatch
- Once cleared, passport is sent via Speed Post.
📑 Documents Checklist for Single Fathers
- ✅ Child’s birth certificate with father’s name
- ✅ Father’s Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID
- ✅ Proof of residence (rental agreement, utility bill, Aadhaar, etc.)
- ✅ Court custody order (if divorced/separated)
- ✅ Death certificate of mother (if widowed)
💰 Passport Fee Structure
Passport Type (Minor) | Validity | Normal Fee | Tatkal Fee (Additional) | Processing Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
36 Pages | 5 years / till 18 yrs | ₹1,000 | +₹2,000 | 7–14 days |
60 Pages | 5 years / till 18 yrs | ₹2,000 | +₹2,000 | 7–14 days |
❓ FAQs – Passport for Single Fathers
Q1. Can I apply for my child’s passport without the mother’s consent?
👉 Yes, if you have custody or the mother is deceased.
Q2. Is custody proof mandatory for divorced fathers?
👉 Yes, unless birth certificate already names only the father.
Q3. Can unmarried fathers apply for a child’s passport?
👉 Yes, but you may need a legal guardianship document.
Q4. Is Tatkal available for minors?
👉 Rarely, but RPO may allow it under special cases.
Q5. Will police verification be done?
👉 Yes, usually before or after issuance.
⚠ Disclaimer
This content is for general guidance only. The final decision lies with the Regional Passport Officer. Please check the Passport Seva Portal for updated rules.
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🟡 Single Mother vs Single Father Passport Application – Comparison Table
Feature / Requirement | Single Mother | Single Father |
---|---|---|
Who Can Apply | Biological mother, widowed, divorced, or sole guardian | Biological father, widowed, divorced, or sole guardian |
Parent Name on Passport | Only mother’s name can be entered | Only father’s name can be entered |
Birth Certificate Requirement | Must include mother’s name | Must include father’s name |
Custody / Legal Documents | Required if divorced or father is alive | Required if divorced or mother is alive |
Death Certificate | Required if husband is deceased | Required if mother is deceased |
Address Proof | Mother’s Aadhaar / Voter ID / Utility Bill | Father’s Aadhaar / Voter ID / Utility Bill |
Annexure / Affidavit | Annexure C (single parent declaration) may be required | Annexure C (single parent declaration) may be required |
Police Verification | Usually required for both parent and child | Usually required for both parent and child |
Tatkal Application | Rarely for minors, discretionary | Rarely for minors, discretionary |
Appointment Requirement | Parent must accompany child | Parent must accompany child |
Common Challenges | Custody disputes, document verification | Custody disputes, document verification |