Applying for an Indian passport has become a streamlined process. You can fill out the form, pay the fees, and schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) entirely from your computer. The only in-person step is the PSK visit itself, where your documents are verified and biometrics (photo, fingerprints, iris scan) are captured.
This guide covers the entire process from registration to passport dispatch.
Choosing the Right Passport Type
Before starting the application, decide which type and scheme you need:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Fresh Passport | First-time applicants who have never held an Indian passport |
| Re-issue | Renewal, replacement of lost/damaged passport, or change in personal details |
| Normal Scheme | Standard processing. Takes 30-45 days after PSK appointment |
| Tatkaal Scheme | Expedited processing. Passport dispatched within 1-3 days after PSK appointment. Costs Rs 2,000 extra |
| 36-page booklet | Standard size. Sufficient for most travellers |
| 60-page booklet | Recommended for frequent international travellers |
What You Need Before You Start
Before visiting the PSK, ensure you have the correct documents. Only one from each category is required:
| Document Type | Accepted Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar, utility bill (water/electricity/gas, not older than 3 months), bank passbook with updated address, rent agreement |
| Proof of Date of Birth | Birth Certificate, Aadhaar, PAN, School Transfer Certificate, Class 10 marksheet |
| Non-ECR Proof | Class 10 certificate or higher degree. If you have a Class 10 pass certificate, your passport will be stamped "Non-ECR" (Emigration Check Not Required). Without it, you receive an "ECR" stamp, which means you must get emigration clearance when travelling to certain countries for work. |
TIP
ECR vs Non-ECR matters. If you plan to work in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain), having an ECR passport adds an extra step when leaving India. Always submit your Class 10 certificate to get Non-ECR status, even if the portal does not specifically ask for it.
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva
Go to the Passport Seva portal and click on New User Registration.
- Select the Passport Office closest to your current address (this determines which PSK you can book an appointment at).
- Fill in your name, date of birth, email, and create a login ID and password.
- Check your email for an activation link and click it to activate your account.
Step 2: Log in and choose application type
- Click on Existing User Login and log in with your credentials.
- Click on the link that says Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.
- You can either download an offline form or fill it out online. Click on Click here to fill the application form online.
Step 3: Fill in the application form
- Select "Fresh Passport", "Normal" or "Tatkaal" scheme, and the booklet size (36 or 60 pages).
- Enter your Applicant Details exactly as they appear on your proof documents. This includes your full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and marital status.
- Provide your Family Details (father's name, mother's name, and spouse's name if married).
- Enter your Present Residential Address and the Permanent Address (they can be the same).
- Fill in the Emergency Contact details.
- Answer the questions in the Other Details section (criminal offences, previous passport details, etc.). Answer these honestly because false declarations are a criminal offence under the Passports Act.
- Review the details carefully on the summary page and click Submit Application.
WARNING
Double-check your name spelling. If the name on your passport does not match the name on your visa application or air ticket, you will face problems at immigration counters. Corrections after passport issuance require a full re-issue application.
Step 4: Pay and schedule your appointment
- Go to the View Saved/Submitted Applications tab on your dashboard.
- Select your application and click Pay and Schedule Appointment.
- Choose the Online Payment option (mandatory for booking appointments).
- Select your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) from the list. Each PSK has different slot availability.
- Pick an available date and time slot.
- Complete the fee payment.
Fee Structure:
| Passport Type | Normal Fee | Tatkaal Fee (Normal + Extra) |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page booklet (adult) | Rs 1,500 | Rs 3,500 |
| 60-page booklet (adult) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 4,000 |
| Minor (under 18) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 3,000 |
NOTE
If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule it up to a maximum of 3 times within one year of the first appointment date. After that, your fee is forfeited, and you must apply again.
Normal vs Tatkaal Timelines
| Scheme Type | Processing Time (After Appointment) | Police Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 30 to 45 Days | Pre-Police Verification (Passport dispatched after police clears it) |
| Tatkaal | 1 to 5 Days | Post-Police Verification (Passport dispatched immediately; police visits later) |
Step 5: Visit the PSK with your documents
After payment, print your Application Receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN).
Passport appointment pack
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On the day of your appointment, arrive at the PSK at least 15 minutes early. The process at the PSK typically takes 2-4 hours and involves these counters:
- Counter A: Application verification and document check
- Counter B: Biometric capture (photo, fingerprints, iris scan)
- Counter C: Granting officer interview (they may ask a few verification questions)
After all counters, you will receive a receipt. Your passport will be printed and dispatched via India Post Speed Post.
Common Mistakes
- Selecting the wrong Passport Office: Your application is tied to the regional passport office nearest to your address. If you select the wrong one, you may not find PSK appointment slots near you.
- Address mismatch between form and proof: If your application says "Flat 204, ABC Apartments" but your Aadhaar says "204, ABC Apartments", the officer at the PSK may ask for clarification. Keep addresses consistent.
- Not carrying photocopies: PSKs do not provide photocopying facilities. If you forget your photocopies, you may need to leave the PSK, find a photocopy shop, and rejoin the queue (losing your time slot).
- Applying for Tatkaal without proper documents: Tatkaal applications require additional supporting documents (like an employer's letter or Annexure F). Check the Tatkaal document list on the portal before booking.
Troubleshooting
No appointment slots available at my preferred PSK: Check early in the morning (slots usually refresh around 6-8 AM). If your nearest PSK is perpetually full, try selecting a PSK in a neighbouring city or district. You can visit any PSK under the same Regional Passport Office jurisdiction.
My application status is stuck at "Pending Police Verification" for over 45 days: Contact your local police station and ask if the verification report has been submitted. In some cases, the police constable visited your address but no one was home. Give the station your passport file number and ask them to reschedule the visit. You can also file a grievance on the Passport Seva portal.
The granting officer rejected my application at the PSK: This is rare but can happen if there are inconsistencies in your documents. The officer will give you a reason in writing. Fix the issue (e.g., get a corrected document) and re-apply. You will need to pay the fee again.
After Your Passport Arrives
- Verify all details on the printed passport (name, DOB, address, photo). Report any errors immediately through the Passport Seva portal.
- Sign the last page of the passport in blue or black ink.
- Store it safely. If lost or stolen, file an FIR immediately and apply for a re-issue.
Related Guides
- Passport Appointment Not Available? How to Get a Slot
- Passport Police Verification Delayed? What to Do
- How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from India
Need more help?
For more information, check out our Identity & KYC guides or try our calculators. See also the Passport Help hub for related guides.