By offering post-police verification, the Ministry of External Affairs has considerably streamlined the passport application procedure. Previously, only applicants who met the requirements of the Tatkaal system could use the service. Regular candidates can now use this feature without paying a fee. This programme is only open to applicants who are 18 years of age or older, according to an MEA announcement that was released earlier this month.
On the Passport Seva website, Indian citizens can submit an online passport application. The Ministry of External Affairs processes every passport online. The process for renewing a visa is also completed online. This has made it easier for the citizens of India. Learn how to apply for passport online.
How to Apply for Passport Online?
Here are the points for the steps to log in to the Passport Seva website:
- Visit the official Passport Seva website and click on the ‘APPLY’ section.
- Existing users can log in with their user ID and password.
- First-time users need to register and create an account:
- Click on ‘Register Now’ and enter login ID, password, and captcha code.
- Choose the desired service/application type:
- Fresh passport/passport reissue
- Diplomatic passport/official passport
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Identity Certificate
For Filling out the Application Form:
- Download the application form from the provided link.
- Select the relevant form based on the application type.
- Fill in the application e-form and upload the filled-in form.
- Alternatively, complete and submit the application form online.
To Schedule, Pay, and Book an Appointment:
- Go to the ‘Applicant Home’ page and click on ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’.
- Select the submitted application form by its ARN (Application Reference Number).
- Choose the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ option.
- Select the payment mode (online or challan).
- Pay the required fee online or at an SBI branch (valid after three hours of challan generation).
- Track the payment status on the website and receive a confirmation email.
Note: For Tatkaal appointments, the online fee is the same as the regular passport fee. The remaining amount is paid at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) during the appointment.
How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport/Official Passport Online?
Here are the few points you should follow to get a diplomatic passport/ official passport:
- Visit the official Passport Seva Kendra website and click on ‘Register Now’ to create an account.
- Use the provided ID to log in to the Passport Seva Online Portal.
- Click on ‘Apply for Diplomatic Passport’ in the portal.
- Download, fill, and submit the required form along with supporting documents.
- Print the completed application from the ‘View/Print Submitted Form’ link.
- Send the printed application form and original documents to the Consular Passport and Visa Division at Patiala House in New Delhi Passport Office.
Documents Required for Apply for Passport Online
1. Proof of Present Address (Choose one):
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook (Scheduled Public Sector Banks, Scheduled Private Sector Indian Banks, and Regional Rural Banks only)
- Election Commission Photo ID (Voter ID)
- Driving License
- Electricity bill (not older than 3 months)
- Landline or postpaid mobile bill (not older than 3 months)
- Water bill (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of Gas Connection
- Valid Rent Agreement (notarised copy of the main page of the lease with address or signature page)
- Ration Card
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Certificate from Employer on letterhead of reputed company
- Birth certificate of child along with Parent’s passport copy (for minors)
- Spouse’s passport copy (first and last page including family details, if present address matches)
- For college/university students: Letter from the institution on letterhead explaining the exact present address
2. Proof of Date of Birth (choose one):
- Birth Certificate
- School leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate (issued by the last attended school)
- Pension book/Pension payment order (for retired government officials) or extract of the service record (for government officials) with the precise date of birth
- Election Commission Photo ID (Voter ID)
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License (with the precise date of birth)
- PAN Card
- Declaration from the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home on their official letterhead confirming the applicant’s date of birth
3. Photographs:
Size: 51mm x 51mm with a white background
4. Please Note:
- The address proof must match the present address in the application.
- Providing the Aadhaar card will expedite the application process.
- For minor applicants, carry original and self-attested copies of parents’ passports if parents possess passports, and documents can be attested by parents.
Types of Passport
1. Ordinary Passport:
- Issued for ordinary travel purposes like leisure, business, or study trips.
- Valid for 10 years with 36/60 pages.
- Minors’ passport is valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.
2. Diplomatic Passport:
- Issued to Indian diplomats, MPs, and high-ranking government officials on official duty.
- Maroon in color and valid for 5 years or less based on designation and type of visit.
- Identified as Type D for diplomats.
3. Official Passport:
- Issued to individuals representing the Indian Government on official assignments.
- White in color and valid for 5 years or less based on designation and type of visit.
- Identified as Type S for service.
- Diplomatic and Official passports indicate official business travel to destination country officials.
4. Emergency Certificate (EC):
- Issued when the current passport is lost, stolen, mutilated, or expired.
- Allows entry into India under emergency circumstances.
Passport Processing Time
The processing period for a typical application can last eight to eleven weeks. Passports issued through the Tatkal system must be delivered precisely within 3 business days. If more information is required or your application needs to be corrected, it can take longer.
Remember to include everything you need in your application to cut down on the time it takes to process your passport. Always plan for a buffer period of time and give the process enough time.
Tatkal Passport / Express Passport
- Remember to include everything you need in your application to cut down on the time it takes to process your passport. Always plan for a buffer period of time and give the process enough time.
- The Tatkal passport service can be a lifesaver if you require a passport immediately. In addition to the regular processing expenses, you can get your passport expedited in around three days.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) offers the Tatkal Passport service as a fast-track passport issuance option for the prompt issuing of passports under the Tatkal scheme. The Tatkal plan for passport applications ensures that applicants will have an early appointment, prompt verification, and speedier verification via a distinct queue.
- A traveler can apply for and acquire a passport within 1-3* days if they need to leave immediately. Applications that don’t need police verification will be completed in one working day; applications that need will take longer to process.
- Passport Application Process Online 2023
Eligibility Requirement for Passport Application
There are a set of documents that need to be carried, out according to what you opt to submit while applying online. Other than that, regarding the general eligibility criteria, the applicant;
- Should be an Indian citizen
- Should be 18 years of age
- No criminal records
What is Validity and Expiry of a Passport?
A passport is a document given by your home country that lets you travel to other countries. It usually lasts for 5 to 10 years. Many people forget to check when their passports will expire. But if it has less than 3 or 6 months left before it expires, many countries won’t let you travel
Process of Visiting the Passport Office to Renew Passport:
Visiting the passport office to renew your passport involves a straightforward process. You need to gather the required documents, such as the application form, photographs, proof of identity and address, and an expired passport. Then, you visit the passport office, submit your application, pay the fees, and have your biometric data collected. After the verification process, your renewed passport will be sent to your address.
Difference Between Renewal and Reissue of Passports:
The key difference between passport renewal and reissue is their purpose. Passport renewal is for expired or near-expiry passports, while reissue is for lost, damaged, or exhausted visa pages. Passport renewal simply involves getting a new passport to replace your old one, while reissue includes additional processes like police verification and filing a report in case of a lost passport.
Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP):
Renewing a short validity passport (SVP) is a simple process. You need to fill out the renewal form, gather required documents, and submit them to the passport office. Once the application is processed, you will receive your renewed SVP by mail. It’s important to note that the renewal of an SVP typically extends its validity to a regular passport’s duration.
Passport for Minors
- Online Indian passports are issued to applicants who are at least 18 years old.
- A minor’s passport is valid for five years from the date of issue or until the age of 18, whichever occurs first.
- For children, obtaining an Indian passport has specific requirements and costs compared to adults.
- Both parents must be present in person and provide a jointly signed Annexure-D during the application process.
- If one parent is absent, the present parent should obtain the other parent’s agreement in Annexure-D.
- In cases where both parents’ approval is not available, a declaration in the form of Annexure-C must be included with the passport application in India.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
The Indian Government requires a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to ensure morally upright and responsible applicants.
- The PCC serves as proof of your moral conduct during the background investigation.
- Having a criminal record may lead to the rejection of your passport application.
- The Passport Office (PO) determines the need for police verification based on whether it is a new passport or a renewal.
Passport Renewal Process in India
Here are the simple steps you must keep in mind:
- Collect required documents.
- Fill out the online application.
- Book an appointment for document verification.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- Verify documents and provide biometrics.
- Application processing.
- Receive new passport.
Difference Between Renewal and Reissue of Passport
- Passport renewal refers to getting a new passport to replace an expired or soon-to-expire passport, while reissue involves getting a new passport due to changes in personal details or validity.
- Renewal is applicable when the passport has expired or is expiring soon, while reissue is necessary when there are changes in name, address, appearance, or validity extension.
- The documentation and procedures may vary for renewal and reissue, so it is important to understand the specific requirements for each.
Reasons for Reissuing Indian Passport
Indian Passport can be reissued for the following reasons:
- Expired passport.
- Damaged or mutilated passport.
- Exhaustion of visa pages.
- Change in personal details.
- Lost or stolen passport.
Passport Seva Project:
- A project initiated by the Indian government to improve the passport application and issuance process.
- Aims to provide efficient, transparent, and user-friendly services to Indian citizens.
- Involves the modernization of passport offices and the introduction of online services.
Passport Services
- New passport issuance, reissue, renewal, and miscellaneous services.
- Application for passports, personal details changes, and additional pages request.
Online Application and Appointment
- Enables online passport application from anywhere for convenience.
- Involves filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and making online payments.
- An online portal allows booking appointments for document verification and biometrics at a preferred date and time.
Fee for Passport
| S.No. | Description | Fees (In ₹) |
| 1. | Fresh Passport (36 pages) of 10 years validity (including minors between 15 to 18 years of age, who wish to get a 10 years full validity passport). |
1,500/- |
| 2. | Fresh Passport (60 pages) of 10 years validity. | 2,000/- |
| 3. | Fresh Passport for Minors -below 15 years of Age | 1,000/- |
| 4. | Duplicate Passport (36 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport. | 3,000/- |
| 5. | Duplicate Passport (60 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport. | 3,500/- |
| 6. | Police Clearance Certificate/ECNR/Additional Endorsements. | 500/- |
| 7. | In case of Change of Address, Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Appearance, Spouse Name, Name of Parents/Legal Guardian-Delete Ecr/Change in personal particular | 1,500/- [Fresh passport booklet will be issued] |
Online NRI Passport Application
NRI individuals can utilize this service to conveniently apply for a passport online through various Indian Missions or Posts. It offers a range of services, including new passport applications, passport reissues, replacement of damaged or lost passports, and children’s passports. Users can easily fill out the online form by providing essential details such as the mission’s name, personal information, family details, and previous passport information. For registered users, there is an option to reprint the application form as well, ensuring a smooth application process.
Conclusion
Filling out applications and other related documents took a long time before the online system was introduced. Furthermore, commission-based agents made it expensive. Online application procedures have reduced passport issuing times and expenses as they eliminate middlemen. So, you would have understood the benefits of applying for a passport via online in India.
FAQs
How to apply for passport online in India?
Through the official website of Passport Seva.
Can I apply passport online myself?
Yes.
How much does it cost to apply for passport online in India?
The cost varies depending on the type of passport and services chosen.
What documents are required for passport in India?
Proof of address, proof of identity, and date of birth proof are required.
How many documents required for passport?
Multiple documents are required as per the prescribed list.
What is the minimum qualification for passport in India?
There is no specific minimum qualification required for a passport online.
Can I get passport in 3 days in India?
Expedited passport services are available for faster processing, but it may vary.
How many days it will take to get passport in India?
The processing time for a passport can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks (8 to 11).
Is Aadhaar proof enough for passport?
Aadhaar card can be used as an address proof or identity proof, but additional documents may be required.
Is birth certificate mandatory for applying passport in India?
Birth certificate is one of the accepted documents for proof of date of birth, but there are other options available as well.
What ID is required for passport?
Proof of identity documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc., can be used.
Is 10th Marksheet required for passport?
Educational documents like the 10th mark sheet are not mandatory for a passport online.
Is PAN card mandatory for passport?
PAN card can be used as an identity proof, but other options are also available.
How many self-attested copies required for passport?
Self-attested copies may be required for supporting documents, but the number can vary based on requirements.
How can I get passport in 24 hours in India?
Expedited or Tatkal passport services are available for faster processing, but additional fees and requirements apply.
What is the process of getting a passport?
The process involves online application, document submission, payment, and appointment for biometrics and document verification.
Is it better to apply passport online or offline?
Online application offers convenience and faster processing compared to offline methods.
What is the validity of passport fee?
The validity of the passport fee can vary and is subject to change. Check the official website for the latest information.
Is passport fee refundable?
Passport fees are generally non-refundable, except in specific cases like the rejection of an application.
What is the minimum age for a passport?
Children between the ages of 15 and 18 have the choice of applying for a minor passport, which is valid until they turn 18, or a full-validity passport online, which is valid for ten years.
Is an Aadhaar card enough for a passport?
No! There are documents, a minimum of 4, you must submit in the passport seva Kendra.
What is tatkal in a passport?
Tatkal passports can be received in even 3 days after applying. Tatkal passports are for emergencies.
