Applying for a passport for a minor in India can involve additional requirements when only one parent is available or willing to provide consent. Whether you are a single parent, a divorced parent, a separated parent, or a guardian applying on behalf of a child, understanding the applicable passport rules can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
One-parent consent for a child’s passport generally refers to a situation where one parent submits the passport application or provides the required declaration because the other parent’s consent is unavailable. However, the process depends on the family’s circumstances, custody arrangements, supporting documents, and any applicable court orders.
The Ministry of External Affairs provides specific declarations for minor passport applications, including Annexure C and Annexure D. These forms serve different purposes and must be submitted according to the applicable requirements.
In this guide, we explain what one-parent consent means, when Annexure C may be required, which documents you need, and the latest position on one-parent consent for Indian passports in 2026.
What Is One-Parent Consent for a Child’s Passport?
One-parent consent means that a child’s passport application is supported by one parent’s declaration when the other parent has not provided consent. This situation may arise because the other parent lives abroad, refuses to cooperate, is unavailable, or is involved in a divorce or custody dispute.
For Indian minor passport applications, the relevant document is generally Annexure C, officially titled Specimen Declaration by Applicant’s Parent or Guardian for Issue of Passport to Minor When One Parent Has Not Given Consent.
Annexure C is a prescribed declaration on plain paper. It requires the applying parent or guardian to explain why the other parent’s consent has not been obtained and provide supporting evidence where applicable.
It is important to understand that one-parent consent is not an automatic exemption from the other parent’s consent in every case. The Passport Issuing Authority may review the circumstances, request additional documents, and determine whether the application can proceed.
Is One Parent’s Presence Enough?
There is a difference between one parent attending the passport appointment and only one parent providing consent.
In a regular minor passport application, both parents may provide the required declaration through Annexure D even if only one parent accompanies the child to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
If the other parent has not consented, the application may need to follow the applicable special-case procedure instead.
Annexure C vs Annexure D: What Is the Difference?
Annexure C and Annexure D are important documents for Indian minor passport applications, but they are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Annexure C | Annexure D |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Used when one parent has not provided consent | Standard declaration by parents or a legal guardian |
| Typical situation | Consent from the other parent is unavailable or has not been obtained | Normal minor passport application |
| Supporting evidence | Evidence explaining the absence of consent, where applicable | Documents required for the standard application |
| Who signs | Applying parent or guardian, as applicable | Parents or the applicable legal guardian |
| Court documents | May be necessary depending on custody or legal circumstances | A legal guardian must attach the court order appointing them |
Both declarations specify that they are to be provided on plain paper. Applicants should use the official forms and follow the requirements applicable to their particular case.
When Can You Apply for a Child’s Passport With One-Parent Consent?
The circumstances surrounding the missing consent determine which declaration and supporting documents may be required.
1. When the Other Parent Lives Abroad
If one parent lives or travels abroad and cannot provide consent, Annexure C may be applicable.
The applying parent may need to submit evidence relating to the other parent’s passport and overseas residence or travel, depending on the circumstances.
Applicants should check the specific document requirements before attending their passport appointment.
2. When Parents Are Divorced
A divorced parent may apply for a child’s passport, but the custody arrangement and court orders are important.
If one parent has exclusive custody and the other parent has no visitation rights, the other parent’s consent would normally not be required, subject to the applicable declaration and submission of the certified custody order.
However, if the other parent has visitation rights, the relevant provision of Annexure C requires the court order and the other parent’s consent.
Applicants should carefully review their custody documents before proceeding.
3. When Divorce or Custody Proceedings Are Pending
If divorce or custody proceedings are ongoing, the application may require relevant court documents, such as the petition or applicable orders.
A pending divorce does not automatically mean that one parent can apply without the other parent’s consent. The Passport Issuing Authority may assess the actual circumstances, the custody position, and any court restrictions.
If the court has prohibited passport issuance without the other parent’s consent, the applicable requirement for both parents’ consent or court permission must be addressed.
4. When the Other Parent Refuses to Give Consent
Sometimes, one parent refuses to cooperate with the passport application.
In such cases, Annexure C may be relevant. The applying parent should provide an explanation and supporting evidence, such as communications or other documents demonstrating the refusal, as appropriate.
The authority will determine whether the circumstances and evidence are sufficient to process the application.
5. When the Other Parent Has Abandoned the Family
If the other parent has deserted the family or their whereabouts are unknown, the applying parent may be able to use Annexure C, depending on the circumstances.
Supporting evidence should explain the situation and help establish why the other parent’s consent cannot be obtained.
The application is assessed according to the applicable rules and evidence; abandonment does not automatically guarantee approval.
6. When the Other Parent Has Passed Away
If the other parent is deceased, the applying parent should provide the death certificate along with the applicable minor passport documents and declaration.
The exact requirements should be checked against the current Passport Seva document guidance.
7. When an Unwed Mother Applies for a Child’s Passport
Passport Seva’s special-case guidance includes provisions for an unwed mother applying for her child’s passport.
The guidance specifies Annexures C and D for this situation and states that the father’s name should be left blank in the described scenario.
Applicants should follow the official instructions applicable to their circumstances rather than assuming that the same process applies to every single-parent household.
Documents Required for One-Parent Consent
The documents required depend on why the other parent’s consent is unavailable and the child’s legal custody arrangements.
The following checklist covers the principal documents that may be relevant.
- Completed passport application for the minor and the Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Applicable Annexure C and/or Annexure D.
- Child’s birth certificate and other documents required under the applicable Passport Seva checklist.
- Proof of address and any additional identity or supporting documents requested.
- Divorce decree or certified custody order, where applicable.
- Court orders or relevant petitions for pending divorce or custody proceedings.
- Evidence explaining why the other parent’s consent is unavailable, where applicable.
- Death certificate if the other parent is deceased.
- Court order appointing a legal guardian, if the application is being made by a court-appointed guardian.
- Additional documents requested by the Passport Issuing Authority.
This is a general checklist, not a universal list for every case. Applicants should use the official Passport Seva Document Advisor and check the requirements for their specific circumstances.
How to Apply for a Child’s Passport With One-Parent Consent
Follow these steps to prepare the application and reduce the risk of document-related delays.
Step 1: Complete the passport application
Fill in the minor’s passport application through the Passport Seva system and obtain the Application Reference Number (ARN).
Ensure that the child’s personal details and the parents’ information are entered accurately.
Step 2: Identify the applicable declaration
Determine whether the circumstances require the standard parental declaration, Annexure D, or the special declaration, Annexure C.
Do not assume that Annexure C is required simply because only one parent will attend the appointment.
Step 3: Gather supporting documents
Collect the documents relevant to the family’s situation. These may include custody orders, divorce documents, a death certificate, evidence of the other parent’s overseas residence, or records explaining refusal of consent.
Step 4: Review court orders
If there is a custody dispute or an existing court order, check whether it restricts passport issuance or requires the other parent’s consent.
Where the legal position is unclear, obtain appropriate legal advice or clarification from the relevant Passport Office before proceeding.
Step 5: Book the appointment
Book an appointment at the appropriate PSK or POPSK, following the official application procedure.
Carry the completed declaration and all supporting documents required for the case.
Step 6: Attend document verification
Submit the application and documents for verification. The passport authorities may request further information or additional evidence before deciding whether the application can proceed.
Step 7: Respond to any additional requirements
If the authority asks for more documents or court permission, respond according to the instructions provided. The application’s outcome depends on the applicable rules and the authority’s assessment.
One-Parent Consent for a Visa Application: Is It the Same?
No. One-parent consent for an Indian passport and parental consent for a visa application are separate requirements.
A passport declaration concerns the issuance of the child’s passport. A visa consent letter may authorise the child’s visa application, international travel, accommodation, and care arrangements abroad.
The requirements for visa consent vary by destination country and visa category.
For example, a UK Child Student visa requires written consent from both parents, or from one parent who has sole responsibility, or from the legal guardian, covering the visa application, travel to the UK, and the child’s living and care arrangements.
Similarly, the requirements for a minor travelling to another country with only one parent may include a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the non-travelling parent or evidence of sole custody, depending on the destination’s rules.
Therefore, having an Indian passport issued with one parent’s declaration does not automatically satisfy a foreign visa authority’s parental-consent requirements.
Before applying for a visa or planning international travel, check the official requirements of the destination country and the relevant embassy or consulate.
Latest Update on One-Parent Consent for Indian Passports in 2026
As of October 2026, the official Annexure C and Annexure D forms remain the relevant declarations for the circumstances described in the current Passport Seva guidance.
Annexure C applies to cases where one parent has not provided consent, while Annexure D is the standard parental or guardian declaration for a minor’s passport application.
There is no basis in these forms for treating 2026 as the introduction of a blanket rule allowing every parent to obtain a child’s passport with only one parent’s consent.
The applicable procedure continues to depend on the reason consent is unavailable, the evidence submitted, custody arrangements, and any court orders.
Applicants should also remember the following points:
- Only one parent attending the appointment does not necessarily mean that the other parent’s consent is unnecessary.
- A custody order may affect whether the other parent’s consent is required.
- A court restriction on passport issuance must be addressed.
- The Passport Issuing Authority may request additional documents or clarification.
- A passport declaration does not settle custody disputes or automatically meet foreign visa and travel-consent requirements.
For the latest forms and instructions, consult the official Passport Seva website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for a child’s passport with one-parent consent, avoid these common errors:
1. Using a self-written letter instead of the prescribed declaration: Use the applicable official Annexure C or Annexure D rather than assuming that a general consent letter will be accepted.
2. Failing to explain the missing consent: If Annexure C applies, clearly state the relevant circumstances and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
3. Ignoring court orders: Divorce, custody, visitation, and other court orders can affect the application. Review them carefully before submitting documents.
4. Assuming one-parent consent guarantees approval: The authority may ask for further evidence or court permission, depending on the case.
5. Confusing passport consent with visa consent: A declaration accepted for passport issuance may not meet another country’s visa or travel requirements.
6. Assuming notarisation is always mandatory: The official Annexure C and Annexure D forms specify plain paper. Do not assume that stamp paper or notarisation is universally required for these Indian passport declarations. Separate requirements may apply to overseas missions or visa authorities.
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How Legion India Can Help With a Minor Passport Application
Preparing a passport application for a child can become complicated when one parent is unavailable, refuses consent, or has a different custody arrangement. Selecting the correct declaration and organising the supporting documents are important steps in the process.
Legion India assists applicants with passport-related services, including guidance on minor passport applications, document preparation, application procedures, and other passport requirements.
Its team can help you understand the documents relevant to your situation, identify potential gaps in your application, and prepare for the appointment process.
Whether you need assistance with a minor’s passport, a Tatkal passport, passport renewal, or other passport and visa services, Legion India can help you navigate the process with dedicated support from experienced professionals.
The final decision on passport issuance rests with the competent passport authorities, and additional documents or permissions may be required depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for my child’s passport with only one parent’s consent?
Yes, it may be possible, depending on the circumstances. Annexure C may apply when the other parent has not provided consent. The authority will consider the reason, supporting documents, custody arrangements, and any applicable court orders.
2. What is Annexure C for a minor passport?
Annexure C is the prescribed declaration used when one parent has not given consent for a minor’s passport. It requires the applying parent or guardian to explain the circumstances and provide supporting evidence where applicable.
3. Is Annexure D required if only one parent attends the appointment?
The number of parents attending the appointment and the number of parents providing consent are different issues. In a normal application, both parents may sign Annexure D even if only one accompanies the child, subject to the applicable document requirements.
4. Can a divorced mother apply for her child’s passport without the father’s consent?
It depends on the custody arrangement and court orders. Where the mother has exclusive custody and the father has no visitation rights, his consent would normally not be required under the relevant guidance, subject to the applicable declaration and certified custody order.
5. Is the other parent’s consent required if they live abroad?
The applicable procedure depends on the circumstances. Annexure C may be relevant if the other parent is abroad and unable to provide consent. Supporting evidence may be required.
6. Do I need a notarised affidavit for one-parent consent?
The official Annexure C and Annexure D forms specify plain paper. A notarised affidavit or stamp paper should not be assumed to be universally required for these Indian passport declarations. Check the requirements applicable to your case.
7. Does one-parent consent apply to a child’s visa as well?
Not automatically. Visa consent requirements depend on the destination country and visa category. You may need a separate consent letter, NOC, or custody evidence.
8. What is the latest rule for one-parent consent in 2026?
The current official guidance retains Annexure C for cases where one parent has not provided consent and Annexure D for the standard parental or guardian declaration. There is no blanket exemption covering every one-parent application.
9. Can a legal guardian apply for a minor’s passport?
A legal guardian may apply subject to the applicable requirements. The official Annexure D instructions specify that the guardian must attach the court order appointing them.
10. Where can I check the official requirements?
Visit the Passport Seva website to review the prescribed declarations, document guidance, and application procedures.
Conclusion
One-parent consent for a child’s passport in India depends on the reason the other parent’s consent is unavailable and the family’s legal circumstances. Annexure C may be applicable when one parent has not provided consent, while Annexure D is used for the standard parental or guardian declaration.
Before submitting an application, review the applicable Passport Seva guidance, prepare the relevant supporting documents, and check any custody or court orders that may affect the case. Remember that passport consent, visa consent, and permission to travel internationally are separate matters.
If you need professional assistance with your child’s passport application, Legion India can help you understand the documentation and application process. With dedicated support and experience in passport and visa services, the team can help you prepare your application more confidently and avoid common documentation mistakes.
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