Indian Passport: Application, Types, Fees, Processing Time, and More

• Visit passportindia.gov.in.
• Create an account using your email ID and mobile number.
• Log in to access the application form.

• Click on "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport" according to your requirement.
• Choose the application type, such as Fresh, Re-issue (e.g., expired, lost, damaged, exhausted pages), or Tatkaal.
• Fill in the personal details (name, date of birth, address), select booklet size (36/60 pages), and mention the police station for verification.
• If you are applying for re-issue, then mention your old passport number and reason (e.g., validity expired, change in particulars).

• Check the fee by using the Fee Calculator.
• Now pay the fee online via:
  • Credit/Debit Card (1.5% surcharge + tax).
  • Internet Banking (SBI or associate banks, no surcharge).
  • SBI Bank Challan (generate online, pay at SBI branch after 3 hours, valid for 85 days).
• Offline payment: It is available at PSKs and can be done through cash or a challan.
• Note: Also, remember that the fees are non-refundable, even if your passport application is rejected. Payment is only valid for a year.

• After payment, select "Pay and Schedule Appointment" on the portal.
• Choose PSK/RPO, date, and time slot according to your convenience.
• Check the confirmation via SMS/email along with the Application Reference Number (ARN).
• You can only reschedule twice within a year of the first appointment.

• Arrive at the scheduled PSK/RPO with:
  • Printed application receipt or SMS with ARN.
  • Original and photocopies of documents (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, birth certificate, address proof).
  • Recent passport-size photographs (if required; most PSKs capture photos on-site).
• Get your document verified, biometric capture, and interview (if required).
• Tatkaal applications might cost you a cash of ₹2,000 at the PSK.

• Police verification is mandatory for fresh passports and reissues if your passport has expired (over 3 years) or if you are changing your address.
• Enter the correct police station, district, and PIN code in the application.
• It will be completed within 1-2 weeks. Any delay in police verification will increase your overall processing time.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) costs you ₹500.

• After that, you can track the status on the Passport Seva Portal using the ARN or via SMS alerts (₹50 one-time fee).
• After the approval, your passport will be dispatched via India Post Speed Post to the registered address.
• It will be completed within 1-2 weeks. Any delay in police verification will increase your overall processing time.
• Then you can track delivery status on www.indiapost.gov.in.

• For the offline passport application, collect the form from an RPO or PSK, fill it manually, and submit it with the required documents at the PSK.
• Pay fees offline via cash or a challan.
• The offline passport application method is helpful for areas that do not have internet access or have limited access.

Note:

• Carry originals and self-attested photocopies of documents.
• Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.) should be recent, typically within 3 months.
• For minors, include parent's passport copy (first and last page).
• Check the official Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in) for specific regional requirements or Tatkal applications.

Discover more about the Required Documents to apply for an Indian Passport.

The applicant must qualify for the following criteria to apply for an indian passport:

• Citizenship: The applicant must be an indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization.
• Age: There is no minimum age requirement; parents/legal guardians can apply for minors under 18.
• Documents: Valid proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN), address (e.g., utility bill, rent agreement), and age (e.g., birth certificate, school certificate). No educational qualification is required.
• Special Cases:
  • Minors: They require their birth certificate and parental consent (Annexure D/C).
  • NRIs: Apply through Indian missions abroad with local address proof.
  • Tatkaal Restrictions: Not available for minors, applicants with lost/stolen passports, or residents of Nagaland/Jammu & Kashmir.

Note: Different passports, such as the diplomatic passport and red passport, have specific eligibility criteria or are issued to a special category of people and offer them special privileges and benefits.

To know more about the different categories, read Types of Passports in India.

It is mandatory to change your name on an Indian passport. Whether you need to fix a passport spelling mistake, because of marriage, or there is some other personal reason behind it. It can be done easily by filling out the passport correction form via the Passport Seva platform. Wrong name on passport can cause problems at Immigration, make it difficult to book hotel bookings, and make Reservations.

Click here to learn How to Change Name on Passport.

The mPassport Seva app is a lightweight and easy-to-use mobile application to help people in the passport application process. The mPassport Seva application is provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. By using this mobile app, users can apply for passports, track application status, locate Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), and access other services. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you log in to the mPassport Seva app:

• For Android Users:
  • Open the Google Play Store.
  • Search for mPassport Seva (developed by the Ministry of External Affairs, Consular, Passport and Visa Division).
  • Tap Get to download and install the app.
• For iOS Users:
  • Open the App Store.
  • Search for mPassport Seva.
  • Download and Install the app.

• Click on the mPassport Seva app icon on your phone's home screen or app drawer to launch the app.

• On the app's homepage, you will see options like Login, Register, Track Application, and others.
• Tap Login to proceed to the login screen.

• Login ID: Enter the Login ID, created at the time of registration on the Passport Seva Portal (usually your email address or a user ID).
• Password: Enter the password of your Passport Seva account.
• Captcha: Fill in the displayed captcha.
• You can also Register if you do not have an account already.

• After entering the correct credentials and captcha, tap Login or Submit.
• From the dashboard you can access services like:
  • Applying for a new passport or reissue.
  • Tracking application status.
  • Scheduling appointments at PSKs.
  • Locating nearby Passport Seva Kendras or Regional Passport Offices. Or many more

If you are a new user who do not have a passport Seva account:

• Click on Register from the app's login screen.
• Enter the following details:
  • Login ID: Choose a unique ID or use your email address.
  • Password: Create a strong password (use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters).
  • Personal Details: Enter your full name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number.
  • Security Question: Select a security question and provide an answer to recover the account in emergency situations.
• Submit the form and verify your email/mobile number (via OTP or email link, if required).
• After the registration, you can use your credentials for the mpassport seva mobile app login.

The Indian passport is a must-have document if you are planning to travel abroad. The Passport Seva Portal and the mPassport Seva app are great services are great initiative by the government to help the passport holders and new applicants. They have a very simple and user-friendly interface to register, apply for indian passport, pay fees, and track the passport application status with ease. There are many passport types available, such as official passport, diplomatic passport, and the red passport with their unique features and qualities.