Passport may not be a valid address proof soon; here’s why!!

While passports were considered to be one of the most authentic address proofs until now, this may not be the case soon if the Ministry of External Affairs has its way. The MEA is considering keeping the last page of the passport, which currently contains many details of the holder including the address, blank.

Surendera Kumar, under-secretary of policy and legal matters at the consular, passport and visa division of MEA said that the ministry was thinking over the plan and it could be implemented when the “next series” of passports are issued.

He also revealed that “the decision to keep the last page of the passport blank has been taken” to protect the details of the passport holder. However, this change will not make a difference to the immigration department as all the required details of the holder are printed on the first page. The passport now also comes with a barcode, which when scanned pulls out all the details of the individual.

Echoing Kumar’s thoughts, JD Vaishampayan at the regional passport office in Pune said that there are a few changes in the pipeline and they “may happen soon.”