Government Services
How to Apply for Passport Online in India – Complete Step by Step Guide
A Passport is the most important travel document issued by the Government of India. It is required for international travel and also serves as a valid proof of Indian citizenship and identity. Getting a passport used to involve long waits and multiple office visits — but today, the entire application process can be done online from home.
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know — who needs a passport, what documents are required, how to apply online step by step, and what to expect after submitting your application.
Who Needs a Passport?
You need a passport in the following situations:
- Travelling to any foreign country for tourism, work, or study
- Applying for a visa to visit another country
- Working abroad or going on an international assignment
- Studying in a foreign university or college
- Using it as a valid photo identity proof in India
- Opening certain bank accounts or investments that require KYC
Types of Indian Passport
| Type | Cover Color | Issued To |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport (Type P) | Navy Blue | General citizens for personal travel |
| Official Passport (Type S) | White | Government officials on official duty |
| Diplomatic Passport (Type D) | Maroon | Diplomats and senior government officers |
💡 Note: As a regular Indian citizen, you will apply for the Ordinary Passport (Navy Blue). The other types are only for government officials and diplomats.
Documents Required
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving Licence |
| Proof of Address | Aadhar Card, Electricity Bill, Bank Statement, Ration Card |
| Date of Birth Proof | Birth Certificate, 10th Marksheet, Aadhar Card |
| Photograph | Recent passport size photo (white background, colour) |
💡 Easy Option: Aadhar Card is accepted as identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof all at once. If you have Aadhar, you are ready to apply.
Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Pages | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Passport (Normal) | 36 pages | ₹1,500 |
| Fresh Passport (Normal) | 60 pages | ₹2,000 |
| Fresh Passport (Tatkaal) | 36 pages | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh Passport (Tatkaal) | 60 pages | ₹4,000 |
| Passport for Minors (below 18) | 36 pages | ₹1,000 |
How to Apply for Passport Online – Step by Step
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal — Open your browser and go to passportindia.gov.in. This is the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs for passport applications.
- Register for a New Account — Click on New User Registration and create a free account using your email address. Select the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in your city.
- Log In and Select Application Type — After registration, log in to your account. Click on Apply for Fresh Passport if you are applying for the first time. Select the number of pages (36 or 60) and choose Normal or Tatkaal scheme.
- Fill the Online Application Form — Fill in all your personal details carefully — full name, date of birth, place of birth, father's name, mother's name, spouse name (if applicable), address, and emergency contact details. Make sure everything matches your official documents exactly.
- Upload Documents — Upload clear scanned copies of your identity proof, address proof, date of birth proof, and passport size photograph. All files must be in JPG or PDF format within the allowed size limit.
- Pay the Application Fee — Pay the applicable fee online using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. For a fresh 36-page passport, the fee is ₹1,500. For Tatkaal, it is ₹3,500.
- Book an Appointment — After payment, book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Choose a date and time slot that is convenient for you.
- Visit the PSK on Appointment Date — Visit the Passport Seva Kendra on your scheduled date and time. Carry your original documents and printed appointment confirmation. Your documents will be verified at the PSK counter.
- Police Verification — After your PSK visit, a police officer may visit your home for address verification. This is a standard background check step. Normal passport applications go through this step. Tatkaal applications may have post-police verification.
- Receive Your Passport — After successful police verification and processing, your passport will be dispatched by Speed Post to your registered address. Normal passport delivery takes 30 to 45 days. Tatkaal takes 7 to 14 days.
⚠️ Important: Always carry your original documents to the PSK appointment. Photocopies alone will not be accepted. Also make sure the name spelling and date of birth in your application form exactly match your Aadhar Card.
Normal vs Tatkaal Passport
| Feature | Normal Passport | Tatkaal Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Fee (36 pages) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Processing Time | 30 to 45 days | 7 to 14 days |
| Police Verification | Before dispatch | After dispatch (post) |
| Best For | No urgent travel plans | Urgent travel requirement |
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
After applying, you can track your passport status at any time using your Application Reference Number (ARN):
- Go to passportindia.gov.in and log in
- Click on Track Application Status
- Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN)
- Your current application status will be displayed on screen
- You can also track via SMS — send STATUS to 9704100100
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a passport if I am under 18 years old?
Yes. Minors can apply for a passport. However, the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. The passport issued to minors under 18 is valid for only 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes earlier.
How long is an Indian Passport valid?
An Indian Passport issued to adults (18 years and above) is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. After expiry, you need to apply for a renewal. Passports issued to minors are valid for 5 years or until age 18, whichever is earlier.
What is Tatkaal and should I choose it?
Tatkaal is an urgent passport scheme that processes your application faster — within 7 to 14 days. It costs more than a normal passport application. You should choose Tatkaal only if you have urgent international travel plans. For regular travel, the normal scheme is sufficient and more affordable.
What documents do I need to carry to the PSK appointment?
You must carry the original copies of all documents you uploaded during the application — identity proof, address proof, date of birth proof, and your appointment confirmation printout. Photocopies will not be accepted. Carry your Aadhar Card as it serves all three document purposes.
My address has changed since my last passport. What should I do?
If your address has changed, you need to apply for a passport reissue (renewal) with updated address details. Submit the new address proof documents during the application. Your old passport should be carried to the PSK appointment along with the new address proof.
📋 Quick Summary
- Visit passportindia.gov.in to apply online
- Register, log in, and fill the Fresh Passport application form
- Upload identity, address, and date of birth proof documents
- Pay ₹1,500 for normal or ₹3,500 for Tatkaal (36 pages)
- Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra
- Visit PSK with original documents on appointment date
- Normal delivery in 30 to 45 days, Tatkaal in 7 to 14 days