Reissuance of Passport to Minor
Overview : This service is meant for Indian nationals residing in South Korea who are below 18 years of age and need to renew or reissue their Indian passports due to expiry, exhaustion of pages, or change in particulars. The renewed passport is generally issued with a validity of 5 years or until the minor turns 18, whichever is earlier.
The service ensures that minor Indian citizens abroad continue to hold valid travel documents in compliance with Indian law and international travel requirements. Parental consent is mandatory for all applications, and specific forms (such as Annexure-D) must be submitted to affirm the identity and guardianship of the child.
The Embassy processes these applications both in person and via post (if eligible), with an emphasis on proper documentation, including identity verification of the minor and both parents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. When can I apply for reissuance of my child’s passport?
You can apply for a minor’s passport reissue if the current passport is due to expire within one year, if there are changes in personal details, or if all pages have been used.
2. Can I apply for a passport for my newborn child immediately after birth?
Yes. You must register the child’s birth at Du Digital ICAC (as per jurisdiction) ideally within one year of birth. Both parents must visit in person (with prior appointment) for the birth registration. Passport application can be submitted at the same time.
3. What documents are required for reissuing a minor’s passport?
Key documents include the child’s birth certificate, parents’ passports and visas, and proof of address. Please refer to the “Documents Checklist” section on the Du Digital ICAC website for the complete list.
4. Do both parents need to be physically present for the application?
Yes. Both parents must visit Du Digital ICAC in person with a prior appointment to submit the application for either birth registration or passport services for a minor.
5. My child was born in South Korea. What is the process?
You must register the birth with Du Digital ICAC. After registration, a birth certificate will be issued by the Embassy/Consulate. Passport application can be submitted together with the birth registration. The child will be registered as an Indian citizen by descent under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
6. Can I submit my child’s passport application by post?
Yes. Passport applications for minors can be submitted by post, except in cases of lost or damaged passports, which require a personal visit to Du Digital ICAC with an appointment.
7. What is the validity period of a minor’s passport?
Passports issued to minors are typically valid for 5 years or until the age of 18, whichever is earlier.
8. Is a child’s signature or thumb impression needed in the application?
Yes. If the child cannot sign, a left thumb impression must be provided in the designated box. A parent should sign the declaration section, but not the box for the applicant’s signature.
9. What happens if I delay the birth registration of my newborn beyond one year?
It is strongly advised to complete birth registration within one year. Delays may lead to additional documentation requirements and could complicate the passport issuance process.
10. How long does it take to process a minor’s passport application?
Processing can take up to seven weeks. Applicants will receive SMS updates during the process and can track the application status online via the “Track Application” page.
