Indian Identity Certificate

An Indian Identity Certificate, simply known as Identity Certificate (IC), is a travel document issued by the Passport Seva (Passport Service), Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India to non-citizens of the Republic of India for foreign travel. It enables the bearer to travel internationally and serves as proof of identity as per the Passports Act (1967).[1] It is mostly issued to Tibetan refugees, along with other stateless people. Since 28 June 2016, Sweden is no longer accepting the Indian Identity Certificate as a travel document.[2] However, on 9 October 2018, Sweden started accepting the Indian Identify Certificate for Tibetan Refugees on the condition that they have no objection to returning to India.[3]

Indian Identity Certificate
TypeTravel document
Issued by India
PurposeIdentification
EligibilityNon Indian citizens
Expiration10 years after acquisition for those aged 18 or more; otherwise 5 years

Application

Applications for an IC can be made to a Passport Seva office.[1]

There are two cases where it is generally issued:[1]

IC issuance is subject to clearance by CPV. In addition, clearance by State Government (Department of Home Affairs / Police) / Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is also required for grant of a "No Objection to Return to India" (NORI) to be stamped on the Identity Certificate.[1]

Physical appearance

Indian Identity Certificates have a yellow cover with golden colored printing. The Emblem of India is emblazoned in the centre of the front cover. The words 'Identity Certificate' (English) are inscribed above the Emblem whereas 'भारत गणराज्य' (Hindi) and 'Republic of India' (English) are inscribed below the emblem. The standard book contains 36 pages.

Identity certificate note

This certificate is issued for the sole purpose of providing the holder with identity papers in lieu of a national passport. It is without prejudice to and in no way affects the national status of the holder. If the holder obtains any other travel document, this certificate ceases to be valid and must be surrendered to the nearest indian passport issuing authority This certificate is valid for travel to all countries.

The note bearing page is typically stamped and signed by the issuing authority.

See also

References
  1. "Identity Certificate Queries - Passport Seva Identity Certificate information". www.passportindia.gov.in. Government of India. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  2. "Identity Certificate is no longer accepted by Sweden as a valid travel document". Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  3. "Identity Certificate accepted for Tibetan Refugees under conditions". Embassy of Sweden. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
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