passport for child without father Getting a Passport for Your Child When the Father is Not Around: A Single Parent’s Guide Applying for an Indian passport for a minor typically requires consent from both parents.1 However, the system is fully equipped to handle situations where the father is not around or cannot provide consent due to various circumstances, such as separation, divorce, desertion, or death.
The key to a successful application in these special cases is the correct use of a self-declaration affidavit, specifically Annexure ‘C’, which replaces the requirement for the absent parent’s signature.2
This guide details the procedure, necessary documentation, and applicable fees for the parent applying for the minor’s passport alone.
📑 Table of Contents (FAQs)
- What is the primary document required if the father is absent?
- Which scenarios allow me to use Annexure ‘C’?
- What are the general documents required for a minor’s passport?
- What are the fees for a minor’s fresh passport?
- What is the application process?
📜 How to Apply: The Role of Annexure ‘C’ passport for child without father
When both parents are present and consent, they sign Annexure ‘D’.3 When one parent cannot provide consent for any reason, the applying parent uses Annexure ‘C’.4
What is the primary document required if the father is absent? : passport for child without father
The primary document needed is the Annexure ‘C’ – Specimen Declaration by Applicant’s Parent for Issue of Passport to Minor When One Parent Has Not Given Consent.
This is a self-declaration made by the mother (or the applying parent) on a plain paper, stating the reason for the father’s absence of consent and taking sole responsibility for any future litigation arising from the issuance of the passport.
Which scenarios allow me to use Annexure ‘C’? : passport for child without father
Annexure ‘C’ covers several special circumstances where the father’s presence or consent is not available.5 You must select the relevant reason on the Annexure ‘C’ form and provide supporting documents, if applicable.6
| Scenario | Supporting Documents Required |
| Separated / No Court Case Pending | Annexure ‘C’ only (stating separation/no court case). |
| Divorced / Custody with Applicant | Certified copy of the Court Order granting custody to the applying parent. |
| Father Deceased | Annexure ‘D’ (signed by the mother) AND the Father’s Death Certificate. (Note: Annexure D is used here because the legal reason for absence is clear). |
| Ongoing Court Case | Copy of the Divorce Petition/Application. |
| Deserted / Whereabouts Not Known | Annexure ‘C’ only (stating desertion/whereabouts not known). |
| Wilfully Denying Consent | Copy of communication/document showing the other parent denying consent (Passport Authority will decide on sufficiency). |
🗂️ General Documents Required for a Minor’s Passport : passport for child without father
Regardless of the parental scenario, the following mandatory documents must be presented by the minor applicant and the applying parent at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):
| Document Category | Minor’s Documents | Applying Parent’s Documents (Mother) |
| Application & Consent | Printed application form (signed). | Annexure ‘C’ (or Annexure ‘D’ + Death Cert. if deceased). |
| Proof of Identity | Photocopy of Parent’s Passport (first and last pages) OR other valid ID proof. | Original Valid Passport (if available) or Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN. |
| Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) | Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority or School Leaving Certificate. | – |
| Proof of Address (POA) | – | Proof of Present Address (in parent’s name): Aadhaar, Electricity/Water Bill, Rent Agreement, etc. |
| Other | Two recent colour passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background). | – |
Note: The minor should be present at the PSK along with the applying parent (Mother).
💰 Minor Passport Fee Structure (Normal Scheme) : passport for child without father
The fees for a minor’s passport are generally lower than for an adult’s, and the passport validity is typically shorter.
| Applicant Age | Booklet Type (Pages) | Validity | Normal Application Fee | Tatkal Application Fee (Add on) | Total Tatkal Fee |
| Below 15 Years | 36 | 5 Years or till 18 | ₹ 1,000/- | ₹ 2,000/- | ₹ 3,000/- |
| 15 to 18 Years | 36 | 10 Years | ₹ 1,500/- | ₹ 2,000/- | ₹ 3,500/- |
| 15 to 18 Years | 36 | 5 Years or till 18 | ₹ 1,000/- | ₹ 2,000/- | ₹ 3,000/- |
- Note: All fees are non-refundable and subject to change by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
🔄 What is the Application Process? : passport for child without father
The application process remains the same as any standard passport application:
- Register and Apply: Register on the official Passport Seva Portal and fill out the online application form.7
- Select Passport Type: Select “Fresh Passport” for the minor under the relevant district.
- Schedule Appointment: Pay the required fee online and book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).8
- Visit PSK: The applying parent must visit the PSK/POPSK with the minor on the scheduled date, carrying all original documents and their self-attested photocopies, including the relevant Annexure ‘C’ or Annexure ‘D’.
- Verification: Complete the file submission and counter verification process at the PSK.
- Police Verification: Police verification of the address will be initiated post-submission (or pre-submission, depending on the case).
🛑 Disclaimer : passport for child without father
Important Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on the official guidelines of the Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, at the time of publication.
- Final Authority: The final decision on the acceptance of documents and the issuance of a passport rests solely with the Passport Authority/PSK officials.
- Verification: Guidelines can be updated periodically. Applicants are strongly advised to download the latest Annexure formats (especially Annexure ‘C’) and confirm the required documents directly on the official Passport Seva website before their appointment.
- Legal Responsibility: By signing Annexure ‘C’, the applicant takes full responsibility for any legal issues related to the minor’s travel document, releasing the Passport Authority from such liability. passport for child without father
- Introduction
If you’re a single mother, separated parent, or legal guardian — getting a passport for your child can feel confusing, especially when the father is not around or not giving consent.
But the good news is — as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Passport Seva guidelines, a mother can apply for her child’s passport alone, provided the necessary documents and declarations are submitted.
You do not need the father’s physical presence or signature in many cases. Let’s understand the legal process, required documents, and important precautions to avoid any rejection or delay. passport for child without father
⚖️ Legal Background – Passport Rules for Minors
Under Rule 5 of the Passport Rules, 1980 and Section 6(2) of the Passports Act, 1967, both parents are normally considered the guardians of a minor. passport for child without father
However, the Passport Authority allows the mother alone to apply in the following cases:
The father is absent, separated, abroad, or not cooperating.
The mother is the sole legal guardian or custodian.
The father has passed away or not traceable.
The child is born out of wedlock or in the mother’s sole custody.
In such cases, the mother’s declaration (Annexure C or G) is sufficient.
👩👧 When Father’s Presence Is Not Required : passport for child without father
You can apply for your child’s passport without the father being present if:
Situation
Father’s Signature/Consent Required?
Additional Proof Needed
Divorced and custody granted to mother passport for child without father
❌ Not required
Divorce decree or custody order
Single/unwed mother
❌ Not required
Birth certificate naming only mother
Father abroad / uncontactable
❌ Not required
Self-declaration (Annexure G)
Father deceased
❌ Not required
Death certificate
Legally separated (no decree)
❌ Not required
Annexure C (self-declaration by mother)
Child born via IVF/surrogacy
❌ Not required
Birth certificate with mother’s name
So yes — you can apply independently, provided your declaration clearly states that the child is in your care and you’re the legal guardian. passport for child without father
📋 Documents Required for Child Passport Without Father : passport for child without father
Here’s the complete checklist for minor passport applications (below 18 years) where the father is not available:
Document
Description
🪪 Proof of Date of Birth : passport for child without father
Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority / Registrar of Births
🧾 Proof of Address
Mother’s Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or rent agreement
🧍♀️ Mother’s Identity Proof : passport for child without father
PAN card, Aadhaar, or passport
📄 Annexure C or G (Self-Declaration) : passport for child without father
Declaration from the mother stating she is the sole guardian and father’s consent is not available
⚖️ Legal Documents (if applicable)
Divorce decree, custody order, or death certificate (if father deceased)
🧒 Child’s School ID or Certificate
Optional but helps with identity verification
📷 Passport-size photographs
Not mandatory if applying online, as PSK captures them live
Note: For infants, only the birth certificate and mother’s ID/address proof are mandatory.
🖥️ How to Apply Step-by-Step (Online + PSK Visit) : passport for child without father
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal
Visit https://passportindia.gov.in and create an account under the mother’s name.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Select: passport for child without father
“Apply for Fresh Passport” → “Minor”
Enter the child’s details and the mother’s details only in guardian fields.
Leave the father’s details blank or mention “Not Applicable”.
Step 3: Upload Documents & Pay Fees
Attach scanned copies of:
Child’s birth certificate
Mother’s ID and address proof
Annexure C/G (signed and self-attested)
Pay the applicable fee (see fee table below).
Step 4: Book Appointment
Select your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). passport for child without father
Step 5: Visit PSK
Carry originals + self-attested copies of all documents. The PSK will take the child’s photo and fingerprints.
Step 6: Police Verification
Police verification may or may not be required depending on the case. If required, the verification will be at your present address.
Step 7: Passport Dispatch
Once verified, the passport is printed and dispatched by Speed Post to your address.
💰 Passport Fee Structure for Minors (Below 18 Years)
Type of Passport
Pages
Validity
Normal Fee (INR)
Tatkal Fee (INR)
Fresh / Reissue (Minor below 15 years)
36 pages
5 years
₹1,000
₹3,000
Fresh / Reissue (15 to 18 years)
36 pages
10 years or until 18
₹1,500
₹3,500
Note:
Tatkal processing is subject to approval and may not be available in all single-parent cases.
💡 Important Tips for Single Mothers or Guardians
Always carry Annexure C or G properly signed and printed on plain paper.
Keep father’s details blank if unknown — never fill false data.
If the father’s name is absent on the birth certificate, it’s accepted as proof of sole guardianship.
In case of divorce, attach the decree copy and custody order, if applicable.
For adopted children, include adoption deed or court order.
Police verification usually focuses on address confirmation, not family status.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an unregistered birth certificate.
Using incorrect self-declarations (must match Annexure format).
Mentioning father’s details when consent is unavailable.
Not carrying original documents during PSK appointment.
Applying under the wrong category (choose “Minor”).
❓ FAQs – Passport for Child Without Father
Question
Answer
1. Can I apply for my child’s passport without the father’s consent?
Yes, if you’re the sole guardian, divorced, separated, or single mother. Use Annexure C or G.
2. What is Annexure C/G?
A self-declaration stating that the child is under your care and the father’s consent is unavailable.
3. Can a mother’s name alone be printed on the child’s passport?
Yes. The father’s name is not mandatory if you request exclusion and submit the proper declaration.
4. Is father’s death certificate compulsory?
Only if the father is deceased. Not required for separation or abandonment cases.
5. What if my child’s birth certificate includes the father’s name?
It’s still fine — just declare that you are the guardian and the father is unavailable.
6. Do I need to visit the PSK with the child?
Yes, the child must be present for photo and biometric capture.
7. Can I apply under Tatkal?
Yes, but approval depends on document verification and RPO discretion.
8. Will there be a police verification?
Usually yes, but it’s limited to address verification only.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Getting a passport for your child without the father being present is completely possible under Indian law.
The mother’s consent and declaration are sufficient, as long as you submit accurate and truthful documents.
Thousands of single mothers and guardians apply successfully every year — so don’t worry. Just ensure your documents are clear, Annexure C/G is attached, and details are consistent.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Passport rules may vary based on Regional Passport Office (RPO) or individual circumstances. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Passport Seva Portal or consult a certified passport agent before applying. The author is not responsible for any legal or administrative discrepancies.