Introduction: Changing the Place of Birth in Indian Passport
Many of us might be wondering if it is easy to change the place of birth in our Indian passport. As an Indian passport holder, I have encountered this question multiple times and decided to share my knowledge and experiences regarding the process. In this article, I will discuss the major aspects of changing the place of birth in an Indian passport and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Reasons for Changing the Place of Birth in Passport
There can be various reasons for wanting to change the place of birth in your Indian passport. Some of the most common reasons include incorrect information, mistakes made during the application process, or simply a personal preference. It is essential to rectify such errors as the place of birth has significant importance in legal documents and may lead to complications while traveling, applying for visas, or even during job applications.
Understanding the Legalities and Restrictions
Before attempting to change the place of birth in your Indian passport, it is crucial to understand the legalities and restrictions associated with it. According to the Indian Passport Act, it is prohibited to provide false information, and doing so may lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Therefore, make sure that the reason for changing your place of birth is genuine and supported by valid documents.
Documents Required for Changing Place of Birth
To change the place of birth in your Indian passport, you will need to provide certain documents to support your claim. These documents may vary depending on the reason for the change. Some of the most common documents required are:
- Birth Certificate: A valid birth certificate issued by the competent authority, showing the correct place of birth.
- Affidavit: A sworn affidavit stating the reason for the change and details of the correct place of birth.
- Supporting Documents: Any additional documents supporting the change, such as school records, hospital records, or other legal documents.
Ensure that all documents are authentic and attested by a gazetted officer or notary public.
Visiting the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you need to visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to submit your application for a change in the place of birth. You can locate the nearest PSK or RPO through the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs. It is advised to book an appointment online and carry a printout of the appointment receipt to avoid any hassle.
Filling out the Application Form
At the PSK or RPO, you will be required to fill out a fresh passport application form. Make sure to fill in the correct details, especially the place of birth, and double-check all the information before submitting the form. Additionally, attach all the necessary documents, including the birth certificate, affidavit, and supporting documents, to the application form.
Submitting the Application and Paying the Fees
After filling out the application form and attaching the required documents, you will need to submit the application at the designated counter. You will also be required to pay the applicable fees for the change in the place of birth in your Indian passport. The fee structure may vary depending on the type and validity of the passport. You can find the fee details on the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Tracking the Application Status and Collecting the New Passport
Once you have submitted the application and paid the fees, you can track the status of your application online through the Passport Seva Portal. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the new passport to be issued with the correct place of birth. You will receive a notification once your new passport is ready for collection. You can collect the new passport from the designated counter at the PSK or RPO or opt for postal delivery.
Conclusion: Is it Easy to Change the Place of Birth in My Indian Passport?
In conclusion, changing the place of birth in your Indian passport is not a difficult process if you have all the necessary documents and follow the proper procedure. The key is to ensure that your documents are authentic, and your reason for changing the place of birth is genuine. Although it may take some time and effort, rectifying the place of birth in your passport is essential to avoid any future complications.
