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Are you planning your international trip for the first time? If yes, then you must apply for a passport.
A passport is one of the most important documents for international travel. It proves your identity and nationality when you travel outside India. Without a valid passport, you cannot apply for a visa or travel to another country.
The good news is that you can apply for a passport online through the Passport Seva Portal. In this article, we will explain the passport application process in India, including the required documents, fees, processing times, and other important details for first-time applicants.
Who Can Apply for a Passport in India?
Any Indian citizen can apply for a passport. You can apply if you are an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation.
The following people are eligible to apply:
- Adults (18 years and above): Apply for a passport with a validity of 10 years.
- Minors (Below 18 years): Can apply for a passport valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.
- Minors (15 - 18 years): Can also apply for a 10-year validity passport by paying the applicable fee.
To apply for a passport, you must have valid identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof. You also need to complete the online application process through the Passport Seva Portal.
Types of Passports in India
India issues different types of passports based on the purpose of travel and the applicant's profile. The four main types of passports are:
| Passport Type | Who Can Apply? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Passport (Ordinary) | Regular Indian citizens | For personal travel, tourism, education, business trips, and employment abroad. |
| White Passport (Official) | Government officials travelling on official duty | For official government work outside India. |
| Maroon Passport (Diplomatic) | Diplomats and senior government officials | For diplomatic travel and representing India abroad. |
Documents Required to Apply for a Passport
The documents required for a passport depend on your category and the type of application. However, first-time applicants usually need the following documents.
1Proof of Identity
You can submit any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
2Proof of Address
You can submit any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- Electricity, water, gas, or landline bill
- Bank Passbook
- Registered Rent Agreement
3Proof of Date of Birth
You can submit any one of the following:
- Birth Certificate
- 10th Marksheet or School Leaving Certificate
- Aadhaar Card (with full date of birth)
- PAN Card (with full date of birth)
4Additional Documents for Minors
If the applicant is below 18 years of age, the following documents are generally required:
- Parents' or guardians' consent
- Parents' passports (if available)
- Annexure D
5Additional Documents for Tatkaal Passport
If you are applying under the Tatkaal scheme, you must submit the required supporting documents as specified by the Passport Seva Portal.
Note: Always check the required document list from the Passport Seva Portal, as it differs based on the type of passport you apply for.
How to Apply for a Passport Online in India
Follow these simple steps to apply for a passport online:
- 1.Register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal or the mPassport Seva app.
- 2.Select "Apply for Fresh Passport" and fill out the application form with the required details.
- 3.Pay the application fee online.
- 4.Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- 5.Visit the selected centre with your original documents and self-attested photocopies.
- 6.Complete document verification and biometrics. Your photograph and fingerprints will be taken at the centre.
- 7.Wait for passport dispatch. Police verification may be conducted before or after passport issuance depending on the applicant's category and the Passport Authority's assessment.
- Collect your token.
- Submit your documents for verification.
- Complete your photograph and fingerprint registration.
- Meet the passport officer for final verification.
- Leave after your application is approved.
Passport Application Fees in India
The passport application fee depends on the passport booklet, the applicant's age, and the type of service selected. From 1 July 2026, the following fee structure applies.
Normal Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 2,500 |
| 60-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 3,500 |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | Rs 1,750 |
Tatkaal Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 5,000 |
| 60-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 6,000 |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | Rs 4,250 |
Passport Processing Time
The processing time for a passport depends on the type of application. A Normal passport application usually takes up to 30 working days, while a Tatkaal application is generally processed within 1–7 working days. The time can increase if police verification or additional document checks are required.
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
To track the passport application status, you have to follow the given steps:
Though Portal- 1.Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
- 2.Click on "Track Application Status."
- 3.Enter your Passport File Number and Date of Birth.
- 4.Click "Track Status" to view the latest update on your passport application.
Send STATUS <15-digit File Number> (for example, STATUS BNG123456789101) to 9704100100 from your registered mobile number. You will receive the latest update on your passport application.
Track Passport Status Using the mPassport Seva AppDownload the mPassport Seva App, open the Status Tracker, and enter your Application Type, 15-digit File Number, and Date of Birth to check your application status.
Contact the Passport Seva HelplineIf you need assistance, you can call the National Call Centre on the toll-free number 1800-258-1800 for help with your passport application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for a Passport
There are some mistakes that one should avoid while applying for a passport:
- Entering incorrect personal details.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Uploading unclear or unreadable document copies.
- Missing your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment.
- Not carrying the original documents during verification.
- Applying too close to your travel date.
Tips for First-Time Passport Applicants
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep all the required documents ready before filling out the application.
- Check all the details carefully before submitting the form.
- Book your PSK appointment early to get your preferred date.
- Carry the original documents along with self-attested photocopies.
- Reach the Passport Seva Kendra on time for your appointment.
- Apply well before your travel date to avoid last-minute delays.
- Check your passport validity. Many countries require at least 6 months of validity from your travel date.
- Apply for a visa early if your destination country requires one.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your passport and visa.
- Carry your passport safely and avoid keeping it in checked baggage.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country before travelling.
- Keep emergency contact numbers and the address of the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate with you.
Common Reasons Why Passport Applications Get Rejected
This is different from delays. It means that your passport application is ineligible or incomplete as per the authorities. Here are some reasons for the same:
- False information
- Fake documents
- Failed police verification
- Incorrect DOB
- Duplicate applications
Conclusion
To sum up, applying for a passport in India is a simple process if you follow the correct steps. Keep your documents ready, fill out the application carefully, and book your appointment on time.
Once your application is verified, your passport will be sent to your registered address. Applying early can help you avoid delays and plan your international travel without any last-minute stress.
FAQs
To apply for a passport online, register on the Passport Seva Portal, fill out the application form, pay the fee, and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for document verification.
To get a passport in India, you need to apply through the Passport Seva Portal, submit the required documents, complete the verification process, and attend your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra. After approval, your passport is sent to your registered address.
Yes. Police verification is required in most cases before your passport is issued.
Yes. You can use other valid documents, such as a Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving Licence, as per the Passport Seva requirements.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointment through the Passport Seva Portal, subject to the allowed number of reschedules.
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