If the signature on your existing Indian Passport is significantly different from your current one, you must update it to ensure legal consistency, especially for banking, property, and official international documents.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requires you to apply for a Re-issue of Passport under the category of ‘Change in Existing Personal Particulars’ to record your new signature.Here is the complete and simplified checklist of documents you need to prepare for a seamless passport reissue for change in signature.
- ReIssue of Passport – Change in signature
- Mandatory Documents for Changing Your Signature
- 1. Old Passport (Original and Copies)
- 2. Observation & Validity Extension Pages
- 3. Affidavit for Change of Signature (Crucial Step)
- 4. Documentary Proof for Non-ECR Category
- The Step-by-Step Application Process
- ECR and Non-ECR Clarification
ReIssue of Passport – Change in signature
- Mandatory Documents for Changing Your Signature
- The Step-by-Step Application Process
- ECR and Non-ECR Clarification
Mandatory Documents for Changing Your Signature
1. Old Passport (Original and Copies)
The existing passport is the primary document required to verify your identity before the change is recorded.
- Original Passport: You must carry your old passport in original for cancellation upon issue of the new booklet.
- Self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages.
2. Observation & Validity Extension Pages
You must ensure that all official endorsements from your previous passport are transferred correctly.
- Page of observation (if any): Include a copy of any observation or endorsement made by the Passport Issuing Authority.
- Validity Extension Page: If your previous passport was a Short Validity Passport (SVP) with an extension, include a copy of that page.Note: These pages are not needed if your current passport does not have any such observations or extensions.
3. Affidavit for Change of Signature (Crucial Step)
While not explicitly listed in the document snippet, most significant changes in personal particulars require an accompanying affidavit or declaration to confirm the change.
- Affidavit for Change in Signature: You may be required to submit a declaration (often on a non-judicial stamp paper or in a prescribed Annexure format, like Annexure ‘D’ or a combination form depending on your application center) where you officially declare and confirm that the old and new signatures belong to the same person.
4. Documentary Proof for Non-ECR Category
The government mandates the submission of proof to confirm your status as Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required, previously ECNR). This prevents the ECR endorsement from appearing on your new passport.
- Documentary Proof for Non-ECR: You must provide proof for any one of the Non-ECR categories you qualify under. Common proofs include:
- Educational Qualification Certificate: Matriculation (10th Standard) Pass Certificate or any higher educational qualification (Degree, Diploma, etc.).
- Other accepted documents include proof of being an Income Tax Payer, being above 50 years of age, or being a child under 18. (See full list below).
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow the official procedure through the Passport Seva portal:
- Online Application: Go to the official Passport Seva website and log in.
- Select Service: Choose “Apply for Re-issue of Passport.”
- Specify Change: Under the reason for re-issue, select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” and specify “Signature.”
- Form Filling: Accurately fill out the online application form, ensuring you use your new signature where prompted.
- Payment & Appointment: Pay the required fee online and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- PSK Visit: Carry all original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies to the PSK for verification on your appointment date. Your new signature will be scanned and recorded there.
ECR and Non-ECR Clarification
Understanding your Emigration Check status is key to submitting the correct paperwork:
- ECR (Emigration Check Required): Applies mainly to citizens who have not passed the 10th grade and are taking up non-professional employment in certain countries (the 18 ECR-mandated countries).
- Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required): Applies to individuals who are matriculates (10th Pass) or above, income taxpayers, government employees, and certain professionals. If you are Non-ECR, you do not need emigration clearance.
👉 If you have doubts about ECR and Non-ECR Category read here!
Official Source: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp/docAdvisor/reissuePassport