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How to Apply for Passport Online in India – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Team AckoDec 12, 2024

Gone are the days when applying for a passport meant waiting in long lines and filling out piles of forms. Today, you can apply for passport online from anywhere. The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website makes it super easy to complete your application, book appointments, and track your status—all online!

So, let’s get started and learn how to apply online for passport in just a few simple steps!

How

Contents

Process to Apply for a Passport Online
Documents Required for Passport Application
Passport Application Fees
Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application
Validity of Passport
Processing Time for Passport Application
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
Additional Tips for Applying for Passport Online
Why Should You Apply for Passport Online?
Conclusion

Process to Apply for a Passport Online

Here are different steps to apply online for a passport in India.

1. Register on the Passport Seva Website

Before you can apply for passport online in India, you need to create an account. Here’s how:

Visit the Passport Seva Portal: Head to the official website of the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on ‘Register Now’: You’ll see this button on the homepage. Go ahead and click it.
Fill in Your Details: Provide some basic info like your name, contact number, and email.
Create a Login ID & Password: This is your username and password for logging into the portal later.

2. Select the Type of Passport Application

Once you’re logged in, you’ll need to select your type of application:

Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport
Official Passport or Diplomatic Passport (if applicable)

3. Fill Out the Online Application

Step 1: Choose the appropriate passport type you’re applying for.
Step 2: Fill out the necessary details accurately in the application form.
Step 3: Review all the information and submit the application.

4. Pay Fees & Schedule an Appointment

After submitting the application, follow these steps:

Step 1: On the home page, click on "View Saved/Submitted Applications".
Step 2: Choose "Pay and Schedule Appointment".
Step 3: Select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) location and schedule your appointment.
Step 4: Pay the application fee through your preferred payment method.
Step 5: Print the receipt or note your Application Reference Number (ARN).

5. Attend the Appointment with Required Documents

On the scheduled date and time, visit the selected PSK with the original documents for verification. Make sure you bring all required documents (listed below).

Documents Required for Passport Application

Make sure to have the following documents ready:

Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, utility bill, rent agreement, etc.
Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, etc.
Non-ECR Proof (if applicable): For Emigration Check Required (ECR) status, this is needed.

Passport Application Fees

Here are the passport application fees for different services:

Type of Service	Fee (₹)	Tatkaal Fee (₹)
Fresh Passport (36 pages, 10 years)	1,500	2,000
Re-issuance of Passport (36 pages, 10 years)	1,500	2,000
Fresh Passport (60 pages, 10 years)	2,000	2,000
Re-issuance of Passport (60 pages, 10 years)	2,000	2,000
Fresh/ Re-issuance for minors (below 18)	1,000	2,000
Passport Replacement (36 pages, damaged/stolen)	3,000	2,000
Passport Replacement (60 pages, damaged/stolen)	3,500	2,000
Passport Replacement (36 pages, for personal details change)	1,500	2,000
Passport Replacement (60 pages, for personal details change)	2,000	2,000

Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application

To apply for a passport in India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Indian Citizenship: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
Adults (18 years or older): Eligible to apply for a passport.
Minors (under 18 years): Can apply with parent/guardian consent. Minors between 15-18 years can get a passport with a 10-year validity.

Validity of Passport

In case you want to know about the expiry or validity of your passport, here’s an overview.

Regular Passport (36/60 pages): Valid for 10 years.
Minor Passport: Valid for 5 years or until the applicant turns 18.
Minors Aged 15-18: May apply for a passport valid for 10 years.

Processing Time for Passport Application

The processing time for a passport depends on the type of application and associated complexities.

Normal Passport: 3 working days or more (depends on police verification).
Tatkaal Passport: 1-3 working days (depends on verification).
Complex Cases (e.g., adoption): May take 30+ working days.

How to Track Your Passport Application Status

To track your application status:

Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on "Track Application Status".
Enter your Application Type, File Number, and Date of Birth.
Click "Track Status".

Additional Tips for Applying for Passport Online

Apply Early: Make sure to apply online for passport at least 2-3 months before your travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
Double-Check Your Details: It’s easy to make a mistake while filling out the application. So, make sure you double-check everything before hitting submit.
Tatkaal Service: If you need your passport urgently, you can opt for the Tatkaal service. This will speed up the processing, but it comes with an extra fee.

Why Should You Apply for Passport Online?

The online process is faster, more convenient, and less time-consuming. Instead of running around to different offices, you can handle everything from your phone or computer. Plus, you can easily track your passport’s progress and get real-time updates on when it will be ready for delivery.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can easily apply for passport online in India. Ensure you have all the required documents, fill out the form accurately, and schedule your appointment on time. For the latest information, always refer to the official Passport Seva portal.

The following are some of the common questions about applying for a passport online in India.

What are the benefits of the online Passport Seva platform?

The official Passport Seva website helps with the online submission of fresh passport applications. Moreover, you can apply for re-issuance of a passport in case of expiration, damages, change of details, loss, theft, etc. After application submission, you can track its status during the processing period.

Can I apply for a Police Clearance Certificate online?

Yes, you can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate via the Passport Seva portal.

Can I use the Passport Seva portal for my Identity Certificate application?

Yes, you can submit an application for the Identity Certificate via the Passport Seva portal.

How can I apply for a passport offline?

Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with a filled application form and required documents.

Can I make changes to my passport application after submission?

Yes, you can visit the PSK to make changes before the application is processed.

How can I cancel my passport application?

You can cancel your application up to 3 days before your appointment via the Parivahan Seva Portal.

How to book an appointment for a passport application?

You can visit the Passport Seva portal and book an appointment under the option “Pay and Schedule Appointment”. Paying the requested fees is mandatory in order to select a PSK and schedule an appointment.

Can I reschedule my passport appointment date?

Yes, you can reschedule your appointment twice in a year.

What kind of payment modes are available at the Passport Seva portal?

To submit your application and book an appointment at Passport Seva, you can pay the fees via one of the following payment methods.

Credit or Debit card (MasterCard or Visa)
SBI Bank Challan
SBI Internet Banking
Internet Banking using other banks

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any passport-related decisions.

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