𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕: How to Apply, Eligibility & Documents

With a large population of boomer or silver generation, the Indian Government has provided special provisions that entail a smooth process for any procedures. This is applicable when applying for passports for senior citizens and Aadhaar cards.

It is way easier to apply as the senior citizen passport requirements are basic like for any other regular passport application. However, for senior citizens, there is no need to take appointments to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office for the application procedure. To apply for passports for senior citizens, the primary requirements are the suitable age of the applicant and the necessary documents.

This article gives a detailed overview of what is required to apply for a passport for senior citizens – eligibility, documents required, fees, and more. Learn more about how to apply for a passport renewal for senior citizens as well.

Eligibility Criteria for Passport for Senior Citizens

A senior citizen is defined as an individual above 65 years of age under the rules of India’s passport laws. The age requirement is different for men and women and comes with a few exceptions. According to the following scenarios, applicants will be qualified for senior citizen passports:

Jammu and Kashmir –  if the applicant is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, the age of the male must be 65 years or older, and the age of the female senior citizen is 60 years old.

This restriction solely applies to Jammu and Kashmir inhabitants; who have permanent and present addresses in J&K; it does not apply to citizens of other states. Even for government employees who are merely stationed in this area, this restriction will not apply.

For the rest of India – the age to apply for a passport for senior citizens is 65 years and above.

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Passport

To avail of a passport for senior citizens, one must refer to the document checklist to complete the passport application for senior citizens. The first and main criterion is to ensure the eligibility of the applicant. The most common documents needed for a passport for senior citizens are the necessary KYC details and documents. The checklist of documents is available on the official passport application website. The online portal also has information on passport renewal for senior citizens.

Numerous documents are required for the Senior Citizen Passport to be effectively verified and issued. The applicant must select any three of the following documents listed below and present them when asked for verification. The required documents for a passport for senior citizens are:

• Aadhar card
• Birth Certificate
• Voter ID
• Driver’s licence
• Electricity, Water, Telephone, or Gas connection bill
• PAN Card
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• Rent Agreement
• Registered Property documents
• Certificate from Employer from reputed companies (on company’s letterhead)
• A copy of the applicant’s bank passbook along with their passport-size photo
• Kisan or Office Passbook
• Leaving Certificate of Secondary School
• Freedom Fighter Identity Card
• Railway Identity Card
• ST, SC, or OBC Certificate
• Arms licence (if any)

How to Apply Passport for Senior Citizen?

There are no special passports for senior citizens. A regular passport with a 10-year validity will be issued. The issuance of the passport will be contingent upon police verification. At the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), the applicant with all the necessary paperwork must be present at the passport office. There is no provision for a senior citizen’s representative to attend on their behalf. Senior citizens can visit the PSK office without making an appointment. Thus, reserving a time slot is not necessary.

The following details need to be kept in mind when applying for a passport for senior citizens. They are:

• The applicant must complete the online application before visiting the PSK office.
•  Submit the required fees to apply for a passport.
• After applying, the applicant must provide their biometrics, which is essential for the procedure.
• When you visit the Passport Seva Kendra, you must obtain an Application Reference Number (ARN), which is necessary. 
• The next step for passport approval is police verification, which is crucial for the application process.
• After the procedure is completed, the passport will be issued and sent to the applicant’s present address within 

Type of Form for Senior Citizen Passport

The passport application for senior citizens is the same as for any regular passport. On the PSK portal, you can find the passport application form. It is easier to fill out and submit the application online. However, senior citizens can obtain the form from the PSK office directly and submit the same as well. 

What are the Timings of Passport Seva Kendra for a Walk-in Appointment?

Senior citizens can visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office without booking an appointment.

To submit all the documents at the Passport Seva Kendra office, you should be aware of the PSK office timings if you plan to drop by without an appointment.

Fees Charges for Senior Citizen Passport

Senior citizens will be required to pay the same fees as any other adult to obtain a new passport. The costs vary depending on how many pages you need for your passport booklet. The passport fee will vary depending on whether you select the standard plan or the Tatkal passport plan. When you need to travel abroad in an emergency, the Tatkal passport is processed faster than the usual passport.

The passport payment fee is applicable for passport renewal for senior citizens. When applying for passports for citizens, the application process and rules are the same as any other passport application. However, the government offers special provisions for senior citizens, such as avoiding the long queue or waiting while applying for a passport for a simple application process.

Passport Renewal for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens can renew their passports, one year before the expiration date and five years after the passport’s validity has passed. There is no penalty for late application. The process is straightforward and is the same as for a regular passport. 

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Documents Required for Passport Renewal for Senior Citizens

The following documents are required for passport renewal for senior citizens –

1. Photocopies of the first 2 and last 2 pages of the old passport.
2. Address Proof (any one of these documents is required.

• Water/Electricity Bill
• Telephone Bill (Landline or Postpaid mobile)
• Gas Connection Bill
• Voter’s Id
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• eAadhaar Card
• Rent Agreement
• Bank Passbook

Fees Charges for Senior Citizen Passport Renewal

The fee for passport renewal for senior citizens may vary depending on the number of pages in the passport booklet, and the plan you choose – standard or tatkal scheme. 

Conclusion

Passport application procedures are hassle-free and straightforward. All you need is the required documents to be in place and to know how to apply for a passport. The same applies to the passport for senior citizens. It is easy. With walk-in appointments and without waiting in line, the application process is complete. 

If you are struggling with applying for a passport for senior citizens in your family, we hope this article will be the right guide.  

FAQ’s about Passport for Senior Citizen