Passport Apply - How To Apply For Passport Online And Offline?

A passport is a vital document for international travel and also serves as official proof of identity and citizenship. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issues passports through Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), offering both online and offline application options for convenience and accessibility. 

Key Highlights

• Eligibility: Adults get a 10-year passport; minors get 5 years or until age 18.
• Documents: Identity, address, and DOB proof; extra documents for minors/Tatkaal.
• Fees: Starts at ₹2,500 (Normal) and ₹5,000 (Tatkaal).
• Application: Apply online, book an appointment, and complete verification.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Passport Online

The following is the eligibility criteria to apply for Passport Online:

• Adults (18 years and above): Eligible for a passport with 10-year validity.
• Minors (15–18 years): Can choose a 10-year passport or one valid until they turn 18.
• Children below 15 years: Passport is valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.
• Parental consent: Required for all minor passport applications.

Documents Required for Passport Application

The following documents are required for a standard Adult:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, recent utility bill (not older than 3 months), registered rent agreement, or bank passbook.
• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, School Leaving/Transfer Certificate, or Class 10 marksheet.
• Photographs: Three recent colour photographs (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm) with a white background.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• For Minors: Birth certificate, parents' passport copies, and signed parental consent (Annexure E or H).
• For Tatkaal Applications: Any three approved identity documents and an Annexure E declaration.

Important Photograph Rule: Adults and children over 4 years old do not need to upload or bring physical photos, since it will be taken at the passport center.

Physical color photographs with a clean white background are only required for infants and children under 4 years old. 

Fees and Charges for Passport Application

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revised passport application fees under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, effective 1 July 2026. Applicants must pay the applicable fee through the online Passport Seva portal:

How to Apply for a Passport?

Note: The manual, offline paper application process has been entirely phased out. All applicants must submit their details and pay the fees online before booking a slot at a physical center.

The following are the steps to apply for passport online: 

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal or mPassport Seva app and activate the account.

Step 2: Log in and complete the passport application form.

Step 3: Pay the fee and book an appointment at a PSK or POPSK.

Step 4: Visit the centre with your original documents for verification and biometrics.

Step 5: Complete police verification. Once approved, your passport will be dispatched.

How to Apply for Diplomatic Passport/Official Passport Online?

Individuals sent for official business by the Indian government overseas are provided with a diplomatic or official passport, the applications for which are accepted only at New Delhi, Patiala House, Consular, and Passport and Visa Division. 

Follow the steps below to avail an easy and hassle-free guide for the application of a diplomatic passport online:

Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva Kendra website and click the ‘Register Now’ link.

Step 2: You will receive an ID to log into the Passport Seva online portal after registering.

Step 3: Login and click the ‘Apply for Diplomatic Passport’ link.

Step 4: Download and fill out the application form and submit it with the necessary documentation.

Step 5: Go to the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ page and click ‘View/Print submitted form’ to print your completed application.

Step 6: Send the printed copy of the online application form and all original documents to the Visa Division, Patiala House, New Delhi Passport Office.

Processing Time and Tracking for Passport Application

The processing time depends on the type of application:

• Normal: 15–30 working days (police verification before passport dispatch).
• Tatkaal: 1–3 working days (passport dispatched first, police verification later).

Applicants can track their passport status online through the Passport Seva Portal or the mPassport Seva app.

What to Do If You’re Unable to Get a Passport Appointment?

If you’re unable to to get a passport appointment, do the following:

• Check nearby POPSKs: They often have more appointment availability than PSKs.
• Book when new slots open: Appointment slots are released daily at designated times (typically 12 PM or 4 PM, depending on your region).
• Review the updated fees: Refer to the Passport Fee Guide for the latest charges on 36-page and 60-page booklets.

Final Word

Applying for a passport in India is now a streamlined process with both online and offline application options. Submitting the required documents correctly and completing the verification process helps ensure timely passport issuance. A valid passport serves as an essential identity and travel document, enabling Indian citizens to travel internationally for education, employment, business, and tourism. 

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