You generally need four main things for a passport: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of address (in some countries), and a compliant passport photo.

Below is a friendly, general guide (requirements vary by country, so always double‑check your government’s official website).

Quick Scoop

Think of a passport application like a security checkpoint: you’re proving who you are, where you belong (citizenship), where you live, and that the photo is really you.

Core documents almost everyone needs

In most countries, first‑time adult applicants will usually need:

  1. Proof of citizenship
    • Government birth certificate (with official seal, parents listed, not a hospital souvenir).
 * Or: naturalization certificate / citizenship certificate / previous full‑valid passport (if allowed as proof where you live).
  1. Proof of identity (photo ID)
    • National ID card, driver’s license, or other government photo ID.
 * Some places accept things like:
   * Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN (India).

   * State ID / driver’s license (U.S. and similar).

 * Often you must bring both:
   * The **original** ID, and
   * A **photocopy** of the front and back.
  1. Proof of address (if your country requires it)
    • Common options:
   * Utility bill (electricity, water, gas, phone) in your name.
   * Bank statement or passbook.
   * Rental agreement or property papers.
   * Some IDs (like Aadhaar or driver’s license) if they show your current address.
  1. Proof of date of birth
    • Often the same document as your birth certificate, but some countries accept alternatives such as:
      • School leaving / transfer certificate (India).
   * Government DOB certificate or official affidavit from a gazetted officer, orphanage, etc.
  1. Passport photo(s)
    • Recent (usually taken within the last 6 months).
 * Colored, clear, with a white or off‑white background.

 * No filters, no shadows, correct size (for many places, around 2×2 inches or local equivalent).

 * Neutral expression, usually no glasses or headwear unless allowed for religious/medical reasons.
  1. Completed application form + fees
    • Official passport application form (often filled online, then printed; or done at the passport office).
 * Application fee, usually paid by card, bank draft, or as specified by your authority.

Example: India vs U.S. (typical first‑time adult)

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Aspect India (typical) U.S. (typical)
Citizenship proof Birth certificate, or approved DOB document plus nationality proofs as per Passport Seva guidelines.Certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or full‑term undamaged U.S. passport.
Identity proof Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, driving license, government ID, etc. (any one accepted list).Driver’s license, state ID, or similar government photo ID, with photocopy.
Address proof Utility bills, Aadhaar, bank statements, rent agreement, IT assessment order, etc.Often built into ID or separate proof depending on acceptance facility; check local rules.
Date of birth proof Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, DOB certificate by authority, Aadhaar in some cases.Usually the certified birth certificate used as both DOB and citizenship proof.
Photos Recent passport‑size photos with white background; quantity and size per Passport Seva.One passport photo, recent, color, white background, no glasses.
Special types Extra documents for Tatkaal, minors, diplomatic/official passports, renewals.Extra requirements for minors, damaged/lost passports, renewals.

Extra situations (minors, renewals, urgent)

  • Minors (children)
    • Usually need:
      • Child’s birth certificate and photos.
  * Both parents/guardians present or consent letter/affidavit if one is absent.

  * Parents’ IDs and, in some countries, their passports.
  • Renewal / reissue
    • Old passport (original) plus copies of info pages and any observation/endorsement pages.
* Fresh photos and updated address/ID documents if anything changed.
  • Fast‑track / Tatkal / urgent
    • Many authorities ask for extra supporting documents (extra IDs, employer letters, prior passports, etc.).
* Fees are usually higher and slots limited.

Common mistakes that delay approval

  • Mismatched names or addresses between your ID, forms, and bills.
  • Submitting hospital birth cards, simple photocopies, or “fancy” souvenir certificates instead of official ones with seals.
  • Low‑quality or non‑standard photos (wrong size, background, or filters).
  • Expired IDs or missing photocopies.

Quick checklist you can adapt

Use this like a packing list before your appointment (adapt to your country):

  1. Original birth certificate / citizenship document.
  2. Main photo ID (driver’s license / national ID / Aadhaar etc.).
  1. Proof of address (bill, bank statement, or ID with address).
  1. Required passport photos (correct size, white background, recent).
  1. Filled‑out passport application form.
  1. Old passport (if renewing).
  1. For minors: both parents’ IDs and any required consent forms.
  1. Payment method for the fee.

Important: Exact requirements change over time and differ by country and even by application type. For the most accurate and current list, always check your government’s official passport website or local passport office page.

TL;DR:
You’ll almost always need a citizenship document (like a certified birth certificate or old passport), a government photo ID, proof of address, a recent passport‑style photo, a completed application form, and the fee, plus extra documents for children, renewals, or urgent services.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.