Your passport is not just your ticket to global adventures, but it also serves as an important identity proof that you may need at different points in your life. Applying for a passport may seem like a daunting task to many. However, gone are the days when you had to fill long physical documents and stand in queue to submit your application.
Table of Contents Show
Applying for passport has become a cake walk with digitization. In this guide, we help you understand the entire process to apply for passport in easy steps.
How to Apply for Passport Online in India?
Step 1: Start by registering on the Passport Seva Online Portal by clicking on the “New User Registration” button on the Home Page.
Step 2: You will be redirected to a page where you have to create an account on Passport Seva portal. Fill the mandatory details and click on register.
Step 3: Click “Apply for Background Verification for GEP” link.
Step 4: Fill in the required details in the application form and submit.
Step 5: Click the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” link on the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” screen to schedule an appointment.
- Online Payment has been made mandatory for booking appointments at all PSK/POPSK/PO. Online Payment can be made using any one of the following modes:
- Credit/Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa)
- Internet Banking (State Bank of India (SBI) and Other Banks)
- UPI Payment
Step 6: Click the “Print Application Receipt” link to print the application receipt containing Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number.
Note: Carrying printout of Application Receipt is no longer required. An SMS with your appointment details is also accepted as proof of appointment during your visit to Passport Office.
Important Information:
- Appointment Requirement: Note that only individuals with emergency/medical cases and those falling under preapproved categories may visit the Passport Seva Kendra without a prior appointment. The provision of services in such cases will be subject to the discretion of the Passport Seva Kendra in-charge/Passport Officer.
- Photograph for Minors: If you are applying for a passport for a minor who is below 4 years of age, make sure to bring a recent passport size photograph (4.5 X 3.5 cm) with a white background.
- Application Resubmission: If the applicant does not visit the Passport Seva Kendra within 90 days from the submission of the online application form, it will be necessary to resubmit the application.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for Passport in India?
| Document Type | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Current Address |
|
| Proof of Date of Birth |
|
| Documentary Proof for Non-ECR Category | As required, provide the necessary documentary proof for Non-ECR (formerly ECNR) categories. |
Also Read: List of Documents Required for Passport Application in India
What is the Fees Charged for Passport Application?
| Type of Service | Fee (in Rs.) | Additional fee for Tatkaal service (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh passport (containing 36 pages) | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Re-issuance of passport (containing 36 pages) | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Fresh passport (containing 60 pages) | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Re-issuance of passport (containing 60 pages) | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Fresh/re-issuance of passport for applicants below the age of 18 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (Containing 36 pages) due to stolen/damaged passport | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (Containing 60 pages) due to stolen/damaged passport | 3,500 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (Containing 36 pages) to change personal details | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (Containing 60 pages) to change personal details | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (Containing 36 pages) for minors to change personal details | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Also Read: Passport Application Fees in India
How Long Does It Take After Completing the Passport Application Process?
| Service Type | Estimated Dispatch Duration |
|---|---|
| Normal Passport Application | Typically 3 or more working days, contingent on the extent of required police verification. |
| Tatkaal Passport Application | Generally processed within 1 to 3 working days, subject to the nature of police verification. |
| Applications Involving Complexity | Approximately 30 working days, such as cases related to adoption or doubtful documentation. |
How to Track the Status of Your Indian Passport Application?
- Begin by visiting the main page of the Passport Seva platform.
- Locate and click on the “Track Application Status” button.
- On the subsequent page, provide the necessary details such as your “Application Type,” “File Number,” and “Date of Birth.”
- Click the “Track Status” button to access the current status of your application.
We hope this blog made it easy for you to take the first step towards getting your passport. Make sure you follow the instructions step by step to complete your application in an error-free way.
Also Read: How to Track Your Passport Via Speed Post?
