Introduction
Obtaining a passport has become significantly more streamlined and accessible, owing to the advanced digital infrastructure introduced by the Government of India. The Passport Seva portal offers a seamless and efficient way for citizens to initiate and complete their passport application online. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing one, the process is designed to save time, reduce paperwork, and bring greater transparency to passport issuance.
The online application not only eliminates the need for multiple visits and long queues, but it also guides applicants through a structured process where they can register, fill in their details, make payments, and schedule an appointment at a nearby Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), all from the comfort of their home. With this system, you can ensure that your application is complete, your documents are in order, and your process is smooth.
This article provides a complete guide on how to apply passport online in India, including the eligibility criteria, step-by-step instructions, required documents, and other crucial information you need to know.
Eligibility Criteria for Online Passport Application
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen: This is the most important requirement, as the Passport Seva system only lets Indian citizens apply for a passport.
- Must be 18 years or older to apply independently: Adult applicants can submit their applications without any consent or guardianship requirements.
- Minors can apply with parental or guardian consent: A child below the age of 18 can apply for a passport, but the process must be handled by a parent or legal guardian. Their identification and consent are mandatory.
- Children between 15-18 years of age are eligible for a passport with 10-year validity. This is subject to the submission of additional documents and a fee. Otherwise, the default validity for minors is 5 years or until the age of 18, whichever is earlier.
Step-by-Step Guide for Online Passport Application
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Register on the Passport Seva Website
- Go to the official Passport Seva website: https://passportindia.gov.in
- Click the “Register Now” option in the New User section on the homepage.
- Provide critical details like your full name, phone number, email address, and date of birth on the registration form.
- Pick a login ID and password, then submit the form.
- A confirmation link will be sent to your registered email. Click on it to activate your account.
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Log in and Select the Type of Application
- Go back to the Passport Seva website once you have activated your account.
- Use your credentials to log in.
- Go to the “Apply for Passport” section.
- Choose “Apply for Fresh Passport” if this is your first passport.
- If you are renewing, choose the appropriate reissue option.
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Fill Out the Online Application
- Step 1: Select the type of passport you need—standard or jumbo booklet (36 or 60 pages).
- Step 2: Fill out all of the required fields, such as your name, family information, current and permanent address, emergency contact, and educational qualifications.
- Step 3: Double-check all the details to avoid errors and submit the form once you are confident that all information is accurate.
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Fee Payment and Appointment Scheduling
After submission, click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ option.
- Pick the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) that is nearest to you.
- Select an available time slot that suits you.
- Make the payment using any of the accepted methods:
- Debit/Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
- Net Banking (State Bank of India and its associate banks)
- SBI Bank Challan (Offline payment at SBI branches)
Visit the Nearest PSK with the Required Documents
On the scheduled date, visit the selected Passport Seva Kendra. Carry the originals and self-attested photocopies of all required documents.
- Proof of Address: Aadhar Card, utility bill, rent agreement, etc.
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, PAN card, Aadhar card, or Voter ID.
- Non-ECR Proof (if applicable):
- If you have passed the 10th standard or above, you are eligible for non-ECR status.
- While filling the form, select “Yes” if you meet these criteria.
Police Clearance Certificate
Since a passport is an important government-issued document that also serves as an international identification, police verification is a mandatory step in many cases. The purpose of this verification is to ensure that the applicant has no criminal background or pending cases.
- For fresh applications, in most cases, post-police verification is conducted. However, in certain cases, pre-police verification may be required.
- For reissues: Police verification may or may not be required depending on the category of application and changes in personal details.
- e-Form Submission on the Passport Seva Portal
- Online Form Submission
- In-person submission at the PSK or police station
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Passport Application Fee
The cost of applying for a passport varies depending on the type of service you select:
- Normal Passport: ₹3500 for a standard 36-page passport.
- Tatkal Passport: ₹2000 additional fee on top of the normal fee.
Documents Needed for Online Passport Application
If you want to know how to apply passport online effectively, preparing the right documents is pivotal. These documents serve as proof of identity, residence, and age.- Proof of Address:
- Aadhar Card
- Utility Bill (Electricity, Water, etc.)
- Rent Agreement
- Proof of Age:
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Non-ECR Proof (if applicable):
- Educational certificates (10th or above)
- Choosing the correct ECR/Non-ECR option is necessary, as it affects travel permissions to certain countries.
Conclusion
The process of applying for a passport in India has become remarkably efficient and user-centric, all thanks to the Passport Seva online portal. By following the above-mentioned steps, from registering on the portal to attending your PSK appointment with the necessary documents, you can easily complete your application without unnecessary delays.
Moreover, understanding how to apply passport online not only helps streamline your process but also allows you to avoid errors that may cause rejection. Always remember to double-check your eligibility, provide correct and complete information, and be prepared with all the required documents to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Whether you are applying for yourself, a minor, or a renewal, this digitised process makes it possible to secure your passport with ease and transparency. Once submitted and verified, your passport will be dispatched promptly, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The application fee depends on the type of passport service and age of the applicant:
- Normal Passport: ₹1500
- Tatkal Passport: ₹2000 (in addition to the regular fee)
- The Tatkal option is ideal for applicants who need their passports urgently and are willing to pay a premium for faster service.
The processing time varies depending on the application type:
- Normal Passport: Usually takes 30 to 45 working days, subject to police verification results.
- Tatkal Passport: Delivered within 1–3 working days (excluding the day of submission), assuming document verification is complete and clear.
- Complex Cases: Applications related to adoption, name change, or special cases may take more than 30 working days.
The validity of a passport depends on the applicant’s age:
- Regular Passport (36 or 60 pages): It is valid for 10 years.
- Minor Passport: It is valid for 5 years or until the minor turns 18.
- Minors aged 15–18: They can apply for a 10-year passport, depending on the documents provided and parental consent.