An Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Passport Seva system. The entire application now starts online, and an applicant only needs to visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) once for document checks, photograph and fingerprints. This guide explains how to apply for passport online in a clear, step by step way.
Who can apply
Any Indian citizen can apply for an ordinary passport. Adults usually get a passport valid for 10 years. For minors, the validity is generally five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first. The same portal is used for a fresh passport and for reissue after expiry, damage or a change in personal details.
Steps to apply for passport online
- Go to the official portal passportindia.gov.in or use the mPassport Seva app. Avoid look alike websites that charge extra “service fees”.
- Click on New User Registration, choose your nearest Regional Passport Office and create a login ID.
- Log in and select Apply for Fresh Passport or Re-issue of Passport.
- Fill in the form online carefully. Your name, date of birth and address must match your documents exactly.
- Click Pay and Schedule Appointment, pay the fee online and pick a slot at a PSK or POPSK.
- Print or save the application receipt (ARN) and the appointment SMS.
Documents you should carry
You need one proof of present address and one proof of date of birth. Commonly accepted documents include the Aadhaar card, a recent bank passbook with photo, electricity or water bills, a voter ID card and a birth certificate issued by the municipal authority. School leaving certificates are also accepted for date of birth in many cases. Always check the latest document list on the Passport Seva portal, because the MEA updates it from time to time. Carry original documents along with self attested photocopies.
Also Read: DigiLocker Guide: How to Download Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence and Marksheets Legally Valid Online
Fees
As per the fee table on Passport Seva, a fresh 36 page passport with 10 year validity costs Rs 1,500 under the normal scheme. A 60 page booklet costs more, and the Tatkal scheme carries an additional charge. The final amount is shown on the portal before you pay, so always confirm the fee there.
What happens at the Passport Seva Kendra
At the PSK, your documents are verified, your photograph is taken and your fingerprints are recorded. You do not need to bring photographs. Reach the centre a little before your slot and carry the appointment receipt.
Police verification and delivery
After the PSK visit, the local police verify your address and background. In many states this is done through the mPassport Police app, which has helped cut down the waiting time. Once the verification report is cleared, the passport is printed and sent by Speed Post. You can track the status on the portal using your file number.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spelling differences between your form and your documents.
- Booking through unofficial agents or websites.
- Giving a wrong address for police verification.
- Missing the appointment without rescheduling it on the portal.
Bottom line
To apply for passport online, use only the official Passport Seva portal or app, keep your documents ready and make sure all details match. Most delays happen because of small errors in the form, so a careful check before submission saves time later.
Source / स्रोत: Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs, mPassport Seva app information
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