Applying for a passport in India involves a systematic process that you can complete online or offline, depending on your preference. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for a passport in India:
Step 1: Determine Your Passport Type
Before applying, you need to know which type of passport you need:
- Normal Passport: For general travel purposes.
- Tatkal Passport: For urgent cases (additional charges apply).
- Reissue: If you already have a passport and need a new one due to expiration, lost passport, or changes in details.
Step 2: Register and Fill the Passport Application Form
You can apply for a passport either online or offline.
Online Application (Recommended)
- Visit the Official Passport Website:
Go to the Passport Seva website. - Create an Account:
- Click on the “Register” button if you don’t have an account.
- Enter the required details like name, email, phone number, etc.
- After registering, log in to your account.
- Fill out the Application Form:
- After logging in, select the “Apply for a New Passport” option.
- Fill in the details in the application form, including personal information, address, contact details, and documents needed.
- Choose between Normal or Tatkal service based on your requirement.
- Select the passport office based on your jurisdiction (this is typically the city you live in).
- Once done, submit the form.
- Download and Print the Application:
- After submitting, download and print the filled application form.
- The printed form will have a unique reference number (ARN), which you will need for tracking your application.
Offline Application
If you prefer applying offline, you can visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to collect the physical form and submit the required documents.
Step 3: Pay the Passport Fee
- Fee for Normal Passport:
The fee varies depending on the type and validity of the passport (typically ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport valid for 10 years). - Tatkal Passport Fee:
Higher than the normal fee (typically ₹3,500). - Reissue Fee:
Varies based on the circumstances (generally ₹1,000 – ₹2,000).
You can pay the application fee through:
- Online Payment: Via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- Bank Challan: If applying offline, you can pay at the bank using the generated challan.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
Once you complete the application and payment:
- Online Appointment:
- Log in to your Passport Seva account.
- Under the “Schedule Appointment” tab, select the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- Choose the date and time slot for your appointment.
- Download and print the appointment confirmation.
- Offline Appointment:
If applying offline, visit the Passport Seva Kendra to submit your documents and collect a token number for processing.
Step 5: Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide certain documents when attending the appointment. These may include:
Mandatory Documents:
- Proof of Address (Any one):
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- Bank passbook or statement
- Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
- Proof of Date of Birth (Any one):
- Birth certificate
- Educational certificate
- PAN card (for age verification)
- Proof of Identity (Any one):
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- PAN card
- Driving license
- Passport size photographs: Typically 2-3 recent passport-sized color photos as per specifications.
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Marriage Certificate: If applying for a passport after marriage, for name change.
- Annexure E: If applying for a reissue due to changes in details (e.g., address change).
- Annexure D: If applying for a minor’s passport, both parents must sign.
- Loss of Passport: If the passport is lost or stolen, provide a police report.
Step 6: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
On the day of your appointment, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or POPSK with the following:
- Printed Application Form: The one you filled online or offline.
- Appointment Confirmation: A printout of your scheduled appointment.
- Required Documents: The original and photocopies of documents (address proof, identity proof, date of birth proof, etc.).
- Photographs: Passport-sized photographs as per the required specifications.
At the PSK, you will go through the following steps:
- Document Verification: Your documents will be verified by the officials.
- Biometric Data Collection: Your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be collected.
- Fee Payment: If not already done, you will pay any remaining balance in the PSK.
- Interview (if applicable): In some cases, a brief interview may be conducted.
Step 7: Wait for Police Verification
Once your documents are processed, the passport office will initiate police verification as part of the security procedure. The police will visit your address for verification.
- If the police verification is completed successfully, your passport will be approved.
- If there are discrepancies or issues with the verification, it may cause delays.
Step 8: Receive Your Passport
After the police verification is complete, your passport will be sent to your address via post, typically within 7-15 working days for normal cases, or 1-3 working days for Tatkal passports (after successful police verification).
You can also track the status of your application online through the Passport Seva website using your application reference number (ARN).
Important Notes
- Tatkal Passport: If you need your passport urgently, you can opt for the Tatkal service, but it comes with additional charges and faster processing times.
- Minors: Minors need to apply for a passport with the consent of both parents or guardians, and additional documents like birth certificates and parental consent forms are required.
- Reissue of Passport: If your passport is about to expire or if you’ve lost it, you will need to apply for a reissue. Depending on the circumstances, additional documents might be required.
By following these steps, you can apply for a passport in India. It’s advisable to double-check the official website or local PSK for any updates, document changes, or special requirements that may apply in your case.