Applying for a Passport in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a passport in India can be a straightforward process if you’re well-informed about the steps involved and the documents required. This guide will help you understand the process in an organized and detailed way so that you can successfully apply for a passport online without any confusion.

 

Step-by-step passport application process

 

1. Create an Account on the Passport Seva Portal

• Website: Passport Seva Portal

• Start by registering on the official Passport Seva website. The details required are:

• Passport Office (as per residential address)

• Full name,

• Date of birth,

• Email ID,

• Enter a login ID along with a password and click ‘Register’.

   

2. Fill Out the Passport Application Form

• Log in to your account and select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”.

• Be careful while filling out the details; verify it with documents to ensure the accuracy of the information and avoid future details.

   

3. Submit the Application and Pay Fees

• Review your application once before making the final payment.

• The amount you pay online depends on your passport type. The table below depicts the types of passports and the amount:

Passport	Normal Application Fee	Tatkal Application Fee
Fresh/Reissue of Passport (36 pages)	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 2,000
Fresh/Reissue of Passport (60 pages)	Rs. 2,000	Rs. 2,000
Fresh/Reissue of Passport for Minors (36 pages)	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 2,000

• Make payments online using credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Note that online payment is mandatory to schedule an appointment at any of the Passport Seva Kendras.

 

4. Schedule an Appointment

• Schedule an appointment as per your preference and nearby passport office. The portal will display the availability of slots and dates at the time of booking.

• Book your appointment early to secure a convenient time slot, especially during peak travel seasons.

 

5. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

• You need to visit the Passport office to verify all the documents and complete further steps of the process.

• List of Documents needed for:

Adults-

• Proof of Address

  (Aadhar Card/Water Bill/Electricity Bill/Voter ID Card)

• Proof of Date of Birth

  (Birth Certificate/Class 10th Certificate or Matriculation Certificate/PAN Card/Driving License)

• Proof of Non-ECR

  (Matriculation Certificate)

 

Minors-

• Proof of Address in Parents Name

  (Aadhar Card/Water Bill/Electricity Bill/Voter ID Card)

• Proof of Date of Birth

  (Birth Certificate/Class 10th Certificate or Matriculation Certificate/PAN Card/Driving License)

• Copy of Parents Passport(if available)

• Duly signed Annexure D

• Passport-size photo

  (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm with a white background)

 

6. Police Verification

• A police official will visit your residential address for a background check.

• Updates regarding the police verification will be sent to your mobile number.

• Keep documents ready for verification at the registered address.

 

7. Track Your Application Status

• Track your application status through the Passport Seva website.

• Once your passport is dispatched, an update will be sent to your registered mobile number.

   

Important Points to Remember

• Validity of Passport for Minors:

  A passport issued to a minor has a 5-year validity or until the minor reaches 18 years, whichever is earlier.

• Regular Passport:

  Stipulated time of issuance is within 30 days of application, with the entire process including police verification.

• Tatkal Passport:

  If you need a passport early, a Tatkal passport can be issued in 1-3 days with faster processing.

• International Travel Insurance:

  While a passport is an essential document for international travel, you must also consider a travel insurance policy to secure your trip from unexpected mishaps. A good travel insurance plan provides coverage for trip cancellation, loss of passport, or medical emergencies and lets you enjoy your travel worry-free.

 

Conclusion

The application process for an Indian passport can be completed very easily by following the above-mentioned steps. With easy access to online services, acquiring a passport today is convenient and hassle-free. Along with that, make sure to secure your travel abroad with a travel insurance plan. With increasing tourism worldwide, many countries have made travel insurance an important document to obtain a visa, as it is becoming a necessary document to acquire a visa in many countries.

 

Disclaimer

This guide is intended to provide an overview of the passport application process in India and can be used as a reference. However, it is advised that for specific and up-to-date information regarding the passport application process, documents, or fees, you must refer to the official Passport Seva Portal.