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How to Apply for Passport Offline: A Simple Guide

TeamAckoOct 22, 2024

If you're wondering how to apply for passport offline, you're in the right place! While many people are turning to the online route, some still prefer the traditional way of applying for their passport offline. This blog will guide you through the how to apply for passport offline process in India, making it easy and straightforward. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Contents

Can we Apply for Passport Offline in India?
Required Documents to Apply for Passport Offline
Steps to Apply for Passport Offline
Apply for Passport at the Speed Post Centre (SPC)
Apply for Passport at the Citizen Service Centre (CSC)
Apply for Passport at the Passport Seva Website (PSK)
Passport Application at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Important Notes
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Apply for Passport Offline

Required Documents: Know what documents you'll need.
Steps to Apply: Follow a simple step-by-step guide.
Where to Submit: Find out where to go for your application.

Can we Apply for Passport Offline in India?

Yes, you can apply for a passport offline. The Indian government still offers the option to apply via physical submission for those who are not comfortable with online processes. Applying offline is simple and available to everyone across the country.

Required Documents to Apply for Passport Offline

To ensure the application process goes smoothly, make sure to bring the following documents:

Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.
Proof of Address: Utility bills, rental agreements, etc.
Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificate or school leaving certificate.
Passport Size Photographs: Typically 2-4 recent photos.

Steps to Apply for Passport Offline

You can apply for a passport at various locations:

Passport Seva Kendras (PSK): These are dedicated offices for passport services.
District Passport Cells (DPC): Available in many districts across India.
Common Service Centers (CSCs): Some rural areas may have CSCs offering passport services.

You can apply for a passport offline in India by submitting the form at any of the below centres.

District Passport Cell (DPC)
Speed Post Centre (SPC)
Citizen Service Centre (CSC)

Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the process.

Apply for Passport at the District Passport Cell (DPC)

Get the Form: Download from the Passport Seva website or buy it at the DPC for Rs. 10.
Fill Out the Form: Complete the application carefully.
Prepare Documents: Collect self-attested photocopies and original documents.
Submit Your Application: Go to the DPC, and submit your form and photographs.
Pay the Fee: Pay via Demand Draft (DD) made out to PAO-MEA.
Get Acknowledgment: Receive an acknowledgment letter with a file number to track your application.

Apply for Passport at the Speed Post Centre (SPC)

Buy the Form: Purchase the form at the SPC for Rs. 20 (includes an envelope).
Fill Out the Form: Complete your application form.
Gather Documents: Prepare self-attested photocopies and originals.
Submit Your Application: Hand in your filled-out form and documents at the SPC.
Pay the Fee: Pay in cash or via Demand Draft.
Receive Key Number: Get a key number to track your application status.

Apply for Passport at the Citizen Service Centre (CSC)

Get the Form: Buy or download the passport application form from the CSC.
Complete the Form: Fill it out carefully.
Collect Documents: Gather self-attested photocopies and originals.
Submit Your Application: Present your filled-out form and documents at the CSC.
Pay Your Fee: Pay using cash or credit/debit card.
Get Reference Number: Receive a reference number to track your application online.

Apply for Passport at the Passport Seva Website (PSK)

Visit the Passport Seva Website: Go to the official Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in).
Register: Click on the "Register Now" link to create an account.
Login: Use your new ID to log in to the portal.
Fill Application Form: Click on "Apply for Fresh Passport" and complete the application form.
Submit Documents: After filling out the form, print it and gather the required documents.
Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for document submission.

Passport Application at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

At PSKs, you can submit both new passport applications and other services like renewals or reissues. You don’t always need an appointment to apply at a PSK if you're in the following categories:

Tatkaal (urgent) cases
Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
Senior Citizens
Minors
Handicapped persons

Walk-ins are also allowed if tokens were not issued due to document issues. To apply here, you need to first complete the online application and get an ARN (Application Reference Number). Then, visit the PSK with the ARN and your documents.

Important Notes

Only new passport applications can be submitted at DPCs, SPCs, and CSCs; renewals or other services must go through PSKs.
Biometrics are collected at PSKs during the appointment, not at these centers.

Following these steps will help streamline your passport application process, whether you choose to apply online or offline.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Apply for Passport Offline

Here are some frequently asked questions and their responses about the offline passport application process.

Which is better, PSK or POPSK?

If you live in a rural area or find it difficult to access a PSK, a POPSK might be more convenient. However, if you prefer a more comprehensive service with potentially quicker processing times and direct assistance, a PSK would likely be the better choice.

How many days does it take to get a passport through offline application?

On average, after you apply for a passport offline, it takes around 30 days for a standard passport to be processed and delivered to your address, provided all documents are in order, and police verification goes smoothly.

How much time does it take to apply for a passport offline?

The entire process at the Passport Seva Kendra, from form submission to payment, typically takes a couple of hours. However, depending on the workload, the actual passport processing may take 3-4 weeks.

Is a birth certificate mandatory for a passport?

A birth certificate is not mandatory for obtaining a passport. You can apply for a passport using alternative documents such as an Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card, or driving license.