Passport Apply - How to Apply for Passport Online & 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. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from what a passport is to how to apply online and more.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Passport Online

To apply for a passport, meeting the eligibility criteria is a must. Here are the essential criteria you should follow for an online passport application:

• Indian nationals who are at least eighteen years old can apply for a passport
• Children aged between 15 and 18 years can apply for a passport with a 10-year validity period
• For minors aged 18 years, the passport remains valid for 5 years, or until a child reaches 18 years, whichever is first
• Parents are also eligible for application of good passports until a child turns 18 years

How to Apply for Passport Online?

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to follow about how to apply for a passport online:

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Kendra website and complete the registration process.
• Step 2: Next, click on the option "Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport". 
• Step 3: Fill out the application form online with relevant details and click 'Submit'.
• Step 4: Return to the homepage and select 'View Saved or Submitted Applications'.
• Step 5: Click on the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" option from the options provided.
• Step 6: Book an appointment at your selected Passport Seva Kendra. Then, proceed to make payment either online or offline.

Following the above steps, you can complete an online passport application. After clicking on' Print Application Receipt, ' you can also download a copy of the receipt with an application reference number.

How to Apply for Passport Offline?

You can apply for a passport offline at different centres, including the District Passport Cells, Passport Seva Kendras, and Citizen Service Centres. Thus, submitting the passport application form at any of these centres will enable an easy offline application process. 

Passport Application at the District Passport Cell (DPC)

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Kendra website and obtain the application form at the District Passport Cell (DPC) for Rs. 10.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form and keep original as well as photocopies of relevant documents ready. 
• Step 3: Visit the DPC and submit your completed form and self-attested photographs.
• Step 5: Make the necessary payment through Demand Draft (DD) and collect an acknowledgement slip with a file number to track your application status.

Passport Application at the Passport Seva Website (PSK)

• Step 1: Navigate to the official Passport Seva Kendra website and click “Register Now” to create an account.
• Step 3: Click “Apply for Fresh Passport” and complete the application form with the required details.
• Step 4: Once the application form is complete, print the form and keep all necessary documents ready.
• Step 5: Confirm your appointment booking for document submission at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Passport Application at the Citizen Service Centre (CSC)

• Step 1: Visit the Citizen Service Centre (CSC) and obtain or download the passport application form online.
• Step 2: Complete the application form with all required details and keep self-attested photocopies along with the original documents ready.
• Step 3: Submit the duly filled application form and the required documents to the CSC.
• Step 4: Pay the application fees via cash or debit/credit card.
• Step 5: Collect a reference number to track your application online after submission.

Registration Process on the Passport Seva Website

• Step 1: Go to Passport Seva's official website and select “Register Now”
• Step 2: Once done, you will be redirected to an online registration form where you must fill in all relevant details.
• Step 3: Choose the 'Passport Office' option and select your nearest passport office from the dropdown menu.
• Step 4: Provide your details in the required fields.
• Step 5: Select your Login ID and Password, ensuring they meet the terms and conditions specified on the portal.
• Step 8: Your account will now be created, and you can log in using your credentials.

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.

Different Processes to Apply for Passport

Let’s explore the different processes to follow how to apply for a passport in India:

Application of Passport via e-Form Submission

• Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal to apply for a fresh passport. For re-issuance, apply via "e-Form submission".
• Step 2: Log in to the portal using your credentials. 
• Step 3: Download the e-Form for fresh or re-issuance of a passport.
• Step 4: Fill out the downloaded "e-Form" and click the ‘Validate and Save’ button.
• Step 5: An XML file will be generated, which needs to be uploaded later.
• Step 6: Click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ link to book an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) after uploading the form for re-issuance.
• Step 7: Search for the ‘Passport Seva Kendra’ for  location and choose your preferred PSK.
• Step 8: Select the PSK and make an online payment using  Internet banking, credit/debit card or a bank challan and print the receipt. 

Application for Passport via Online Form Submission

• Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal online and register yourself for issuing a fresh passport or re-issuing a passport.
• Step 2: Obtain the application form, fill it out with the required details, and submit the form.
• Step 3: Click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ link to schedule an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
• Step 4: Choose your preferred PSK and make the payment via Internet banking, credit/debit card, or bank challan.
• Step 5: Print the application receipt which consists of the appointment number and application Reference Number.

Application for Passport in Person

• Step 1: Print Application Form on Passport Seva Portal to apply for a fresh or reissue of passport in person 
• Step 2: Submit the duly-filled form with self-attested photocopies of supporting documents for verification. 
• Step 3: After Verification, pay the fees as a demand draft once verified.
• Step 4: After payment, make sure to collect the acknowledgement letter consisting of a file number to be used later to track the status of your file.

Documents Required for Passport Application

Here is a list of documents individuals should provide to apply for a new passport:

• Any utility bill
• Rent agreement
• Aadhaar card
• Photo ID of the election commission
• Income tax assessment order
• Passport copy of parents (only the first and last page), only for minors
• Voter ID card
• Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or another prescribed authority
• Issuance of PAN card by the Income Tax Department

Fees and Charges for Passport Application

The table below displays the fees and charges applicable for both online and offline applications for passports:

Validity of Passport

Go through the following to obtain an idea about your passport’s validity:

• A regular passport usually consists of 36 or 60 pages, and its validity period is 10 years from the date of issuance
• For citizens aged 18 years and below, the passport remains valid for 5 years
• Minors between the ages of 15 and 18 can apply for a passport with a validity of 10 years. Furthermore, they can apply for a passport that remains valid until they attain 18 years of age.

Processing Time for Passport Application

The processing time for a passport application usually takes 30 to 45 days. However, if you go for Tatkal, the passport application processing time takes 7 to 14 days. To track the passport delivery status, you can use the Tracking Utility feature located on the post portal of India Post’s Speed.

Overall, the application for a passport in India has become a streamlined process with options for both online and offline, meeting the needs of individuals. Regardless of the methods chosen, ensuring a smooth documentation process is essential. Carrying a valid passport enables Indian citizens to gain access to travel opportunities internationally, making it a valid document for growth and opportunity.

Related Other Articles:
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2. How to Renew Passport Online and Offline?
3. What is Tatkal Passport, Fees and How to Apply?