How to Change the Place of Birth in Your Indian Passport

Got a passport that shows the wrong city or state for where you were born? It happens more often than you think, and fixing it isn’t rocket science – but it does need the right paperwork and a bit of patience.

Required Documents

First, gather the proof that shows your correct birthplace. The passport office usually asks for one of these:

• Original birth certificate issued by the municipal authority
• School leaving certificate that mentions your place of birth
• Any government‑issued ID (Aadhaar, voter ID) that lists the correct location

Along with the proof, you’ll need a completed Passport Application Form (E‑form) / Form IX‑C, a recent passport‑size photo, and the fee receipt for the amendment. Keep copies of everything – the office will return the originals after verification.

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Fill the application: Log in to the Passport Seva portal, select “Apply for Re‑Issue”, and choose the option for “Correction of Personal Particulars”. Enter the correct place of birth exactly as it appears on your proof.

2. Upload documents: Scan your birth certificate and any supporting ID. The portal will ask for a PDF under 200 KB. If you prefer offline, you can submit the hard copies at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

3. Pay the fee: The amendment charge is usually ₹1,000 for a normal passport and ₹1,500 for a jumbo. You can pay online or at the center.

4. Book an appointment: Pick a convenient date and time. The appointment slot can be as soon as the next day, depending on the center’s load.

5. Visit the passport office: Bring all original documents, the printed acknowledgment receipt, and a valid ID. The officer will verify the birth certificate, compare it with the existing passport entry, and confirm the change.

6. Collect the updated passport: Processing time ranges from 3 to 7 working days if everything is in order. You’ll get an SMS/Email notification when it’s ready for pickup.

That’s the core workflow. If any document is missing or unclear, the officer will ask you to return with the correct version – that’s where delays happen.

Tips to speed things up:

• Make sure the name on the birth certificate matches the one in your passport. Any spelling difference can trigger a request for a name‑change form.
• Use a clear, color‑printed copy of the certificate. Faint scans are often rejected.
• Double‑check the address you enter while booking the appointment – an error can cause you to miss the slot.

If you’re traveling soon, request “Tatkal” service. It costs a bit more (about ₹3,500) but you can get the corrected passport in 1‑2 days, provided the documents are perfect.

Once you have the updated passport, update the details in your airline profiles, visa applications, and any other place that uses your passport number. That way you won’t run into surprise mismatches later.

Changing the place of birth isn’t impossible, but it does need you to stay organized and follow the steps exactly. Keep copies, be honest about the correct details, and you’ll have the right passport in hand without a nightmare.