How to Apply for Passport Online in India ā Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to apply for Indian passport online via Passport Seva. Documents, fees, appointment booking, and tracking.
Official Links
What is a Passport?
An Indian Passport is an official travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It proves your citizenship and identity, and is required for international travel. It's also one of the strongest ID proofs accepted across India.
Types of Passport
| Type | Colour | For Whom |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport (Type P) | Blue | General citizens |
| Official Passport (Type S) | White | Government officials on duty |
| Diplomatic Passport (Type D) | Maroon | Diplomats and senior officials |
Who is Eligible?
- Any Indian citizen can apply for a passport
- Minors (below 18): Can get passport valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier
- Senior citizens (60+): Get priority appointment slots
Documents Required
For Fresh Passport (Adults)
Proof of Address (any one):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Electricity Bill (in applicant's name, last 3 months)
- Water Bill
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Rent Agreement with utility bill
- Bank Account Statement with address (last 6 months)
Proof of Date of Birth (any one):
- Birth Certificate (mandatory if born on or after 26/01/1989)
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 10 Marksheet
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
Additional for Minors:
- Birth Certificate (mandatory)
- Parents' passport copies (if available)
- School bonafide certificate
Aadhaar holders: Aadhaar simplifies the process significantly. It serves as both address and DOB proof.
Step-by-Step Online Process
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva
Visit passportindia.gov.in ā Click "New User Registration"
Create account with email and set a login ID and password.
Step 2: Login and Select Service
- Login to your account
- Choose "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport"
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Select the e-Form option:
- Type: Fresh / Re-issue
- Booklet: 36 pages (standard) or 60 pages (frequent traveler)
- Fill personal details, family details, address, emergency contact
- Answer the additional questions (criminal cases, etc.)
Step 4: Upload Photo & Signature
- Photograph: Recent, passport-size, white background
- Signature: Black ink on white paper
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay online via credit/debit card, net banking, or SBI challan.
Step 6: Book Appointment
- Select Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
- Choose a convenient date and time slot
- POPSK is usually easier to get early appointments
Step 7: Visit PSK/POPSK on Appointment Date
Carry:
- Printed application receipt
- Original documents + self-attested photocopies
- Appointment confirmation
At the center:
- Token Counter ā Get token
- Counter A ā Document verification
- Counter B ā Biometric capture (photo, fingerprints)
- Counter C ā Final verification by granting officer
Step 8: Police Verification
- Police verification happens after PSK visit (for most applicants)
- A constable will visit your address
- Keep original documents ready
- This takes 1-3 weeks
Step 9: Passport Dispatched
After successful police verification, passport is printed and dispatched via Speed Post.
Fees
| Type | 36 Pages | 60 Pages |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Passport (Normal) | ā¹1,500 | ā¹2,000 |
| Fresh Passport (Tatkal) | ā¹3,500 | ā¹4,000 |
| Re-issue (Normal) | ā¹1,500 | ā¹2,000 |
| Re-issue (Tatkal) | ā¹3,500 | ā¹4,000 |
| Minor Passport (below 18) | ā¹1,000 | N/A |
Tatkal: Urgent processing. Passport typically issued within 1-3 days of PSK visit, but requires additional documentation (Annexure F, verified identity proof).
Processing Time
- Normal: 30-45 days (including police verification)
- Tatkal: 1-3 working days after PSK visit (police verification may happen post-issue)
- Tatkaal with prior police verification: 1-3 days
How to Track Passport Status
- Visit passportindia.gov.in
- Click "Track Application Status"
- Enter Application/File Number
- Enter Date of Birth
- View current status
SMS: Send STATUS to 9704100100
mPassport Seva App
Download the mPassport Seva app (Android/iOS) to:
- Apply for passport
- Book appointment
- Track status
- Locate nearest PSK
- Check document requirements
Important Tips
- Book appointment at POPSK (Post Office PSK) ā Less crowded, faster processing
- Aadhaar makes everything easier ā Use it as primary document
- Reach PSK 15 minutes early ā Late arrivals may lose their slot
- For Tatkal: You need Annexure F (identity certificate from a gazetted officer) + one of the listed urgent reasons
- Address mismatch is the #1 rejection reason ā Ensure address on application matches your proof documents exactly
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for passport completely online? A: The application is online, but you must visit a Passport Seva Kendra in person for document verification and biometrics.
Q: What is the passport fee in 2026? A: ā¹1,500 for 36-page booklet (normal), ā¹2,000 for 60-page booklet. Tatkal costs an additional ā¹2,000.
Q: How long does it take to get a passport? A: Normal processing takes 30-45 days. Tatkal takes 1-3 working days after PSK visit.
Q: Can I apply for passport without Aadhaar? A: Yes, but you'll need other valid address and DOB proof. Aadhaar significantly simplifies and speeds up the process.
Q: What happens during police verification? A: A police officer visits your residential address to verify you live there. Keep original documents ready. Cooperate and provide honest information.
Q: Can I apply for a minor's passport? A: Yes. One parent must apply on behalf of the minor. Birth certificate is mandatory. Passport is valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18.