How To Apply Indian Passports for Senior Citizen ?

Senior citizens in need of a passport can apply through a quick and simpler process specifically designed for them. Instead of booking an appointment, walk-ins at the Passport Seva Kendra are allowed for senior citizens.  Moreover, there is a designated counter for senior citizens where the procedure can be completed much faster without having to wait in long queues. Though senior citizens might not always be fit to visit the PSK physically, yet it is obligatory for all applicants to be physically present at the PSK for providing their biometric information and photographs. The general procedure, rules, and regulations of passport applications and issuance stipulated in the Passports Act and Passports Rule apply to all applicants.

Who Is Eligible for a Senior Citizen Passport?

An individual who has attained the age of 65 years can avail of a senior citizen passport. However, residents of Jammu and Kashmir have a different set of rules. For residents of Jammu & Kashmir, men should be 65 years and above, and women should be 60 years and above to qualify for a senior citizen's passport. This applies to people who were born in J&K or has either of their present or their permanent address in J&K. This rule doesn't apply to Indian citizens from other states. It also doesn't apply to those who have been deployed on official duty in J&K by the Indian Government.

Application Procedure for Senior Citizen Passports

Senior citizens do not get special passports. An ordinary passport is issued on post police verification basis with a validity of 10 years. The applicant must be present at the Passport Seva Kendra, carrying all the necessary documents. There isn't any provision available for another person to represent a senior citizen.

These are the steps to be followed in order to apply for a senior citizen's passport:

• The applicant must first register the applicant at the official portal of Passport Seva.

• Every applicant will be allowed to set up a unique ID and password.

• One must log in with the ID and password.

• One must select from the two options - Fresh and Reissue.

• One must then select the 'Tatkal' option in the 'scheme type'.

• The application form has to be filled and submitted online.

• The payment process has to be completed.

• A senior citizen need not book an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

• The applicant has to print out the receipt of the online payment, a copy of the application form and then walk-in to the nearest PSK and avail the special procedure meant for senior citizens.

In order to walk in without a prior appointment, the applicant should know the timings of all PSKs:

Working Days	Monday to Friday
Holidays	Saturday and Sunday
Working Hours	9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lunch Break	1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Token Issuance	9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Type of Form Needed

The application form for the Senior citizens is the same as the form for an ordinary passport. The form is available on the official website of Passport Seva. One can fill in the form and submit the form online or download it as a pdf, fill it up and upload it back on the Passport Seva portal. All of these can be done from the comfort of one's own home. However, Senior citizens may also visit the PSK to procure a form, fill it up and submit it there.

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Passports

There are a few standard documents typically required for all passport applications such as ID proof, age proof, and address proof. However, this list is quite subjective as more documentation might be asked for by the Passport Office. The following documents are usually required for submission for obtaining a passport:

• Address proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

1. Passbook of an active bank account which contains a photograph.

2. Rental agreement.

3. Aadhaar card

4. Election Photo ID card.

5. Certificate from the Employer on the letterhead of reputed companies.

6. Proof of Gas Connection.

7. Electricity Bill.

8. Income Tax Assessment Order.

9. Water bill.

10. Landline or Postpaid mobile bill.

• Age proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

1. Birth certificate (from the Registrar of Births and Deaths).

2. Birth certificate (issued by the Municipal Corporation).

3. If the applicant is an orphan, the declaration from the Head of the Orphanage or Child Care Home on the official letterhead confirming his/her date of birth.

4. Driving license.

5. Election Photo Identity Card.

6. PAN Card.

7. Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar

8. Present or ex-government employees may provide the copies of their Service Record or Pay Pension Order (for retired government servants) duly attested by the officer or in-charge of the concerned Ministry or department.

9. Policy Bonds that are issued by the Public Life Insurance

10. School leaving certificate or Secondary certificate containing the date of birth.

• Applicants qualifying for ECNR status must submit the matriculation certificate or a proof pertaining to their graduation degree or highest attained degree in education.

• Verification Certificate as per Annexure I

• Verification Certificate as per Annexure F

Fee Payment Process

A fresh passport for senior citizens have the same fees as any other adult. The charges depend upon the number of pages required in the passport booklet. The fee also varies depending on the mode of application - tatkal passports have a higher charge than the normal ones.

Scheme	Booklet	Fee
Normal	36 pages	Rs.1500
	60 pages	Rs.2000
Tatkal	36 pages	Rs.3500
	60 pages	Rs.4000

Senior citizens need to follow the same procedures and rules as normal adults when it comes to filling up the application form. However, the Indian government has made special provisions to give preference to the aged population. Many facilities can speed up the passport procuring process for the older folk and ensure that they don't have to stand in long queues, wait for a long time and get delayed.