Change of appearance affidavit is require for passport renewal (Tatkal included). Notarization and one photograph is needed. Writing by hand is allowed but not computer typed is recommended.
AM22Tech Team
A change in appearance affidavit is a mandatory document for passport renewal. The affidavit is nothing but a confirmation of whether your appearance and signature have changed.
You can fill out the affidavit by hand or on a computer or use our app to create the whole affidavit in the format accepted by the Indian embassy.
On the affidavit, you have to mention if
If you are applying for renewal after 10 years, our suggestion is to always say ‘Appearance has changed‘ to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
There is no need to worry even if you have to agree to a change in appearance. Usually, when you age, your appearance does change, which you may not realize yourself. There is no need to worry and a passport will be issued to you.
For example, if you are applying for a child’s passport, you will say that his/her appearance has changed as it always does for a growing kid.
Similarly, if you have started keeping a beard or now wear a turban, and vice versa, your appearance will be considered as changed.
The sample affidavit provided by various passport renewal agencies is usually in PDF format. You can download it and fill it in by hand.
If you want it to be error-free and in typed format, you can use our app to create the affidavit. The app gives you the format based on the country where you are applying for passport renewal and comes with a full refund guarantee if rejected by the Indian embassy for affidavit errors.
Do we need to paste a photograph on the Affidavit?Yes, a photograph needs to be pasted (not stapled) on the change in appearance form.
Our app helps you print the photo if you upload one and save time from the hassle of getting the photo clicked and then printed.
Does the Change of appearance affidavit need to be notarized?Yes, the change of appearance affidavit needs to be notarized. You can use any local notary at the location of your residence.
The location can be outside India too.
Is Tatkal service allowed if appearance has changed?Usually, the service provider will set rules for the change of appearance affidavit and tatkal service in the country of your residence.
For example, in the USA, the VFS does allow you to renew your passport in Tatkal even if your appearance has changed. You will need to submit this affidavit though as a required document.
NOTE that the service provider or Indian embassy may not process your application in Tatkal (emergency) if your appearance has a drastic change and does not match the old picture on your existing passport.
A real-life example of a person who got his Passport renewed in the USA with the change of appearance in Tatkal service.
