How To Apply For Passport in India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Ravi Kumar, a 26-year-old engineer from Patna, applied for his first passport in March 2024. He needed it for a job interview in Germany. He paid ₹1,500, uploaded 6 documents, and got an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) within 3 days. His police verification was completed in 7 days, and he received his passport by speed post in just 14 days.

Like Ravi, more than 1 crore Indians apply for passports every year. However, many first-time applicants feel confused about the process. They worry about online forms, documents, and long queues.

People often ask:

• “Which form should I fill?”
• “What documents are required?”
• “How much fee should I pay?”
• “Where do I go for the appointment?”

This blog gives a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Indian passport using simple English. It covers everything from choosing the right type of passport, filling the online form, booking an appointment, 

attending the interview, and completing police verification. Real-life examples, tables, and tips are included to make each step clear and easy to follow.

Whether you are applying for the first time or want a reissue, this guide will help you complete the process without confusion.

Step 1: Know the Types of Passports

Before applying, you must understand which type of passport you need. In India, there are three types of 

passports:

1. Ordinary Passport (Blue Cover)

• For the general public.
• Used for tourism, study, business, or work.
• Valid for 10 years.
• Can be reissued after expiry.

2. Official Passport (White Cover)

• Given to government employees going abroad for official work.

3. Diplomatic Passport (Maroon Cover)

• Given to diplomats or high-ranking government officers.

For most people, the Ordinary Passport is enough.

Also, there are two types of application modes:

• Fresh Application: If you are applying for the first time.
• Reissue: If your passport is about to expire, damaged, or lost.

Lastly, you must choose between:

• Normal Scheme: Regular processing. Takes around 10–15 days.
• Tatkal Scheme: Faster processing. A passport comes in 1–3 days (extra charges apply).

Example: Ramesh is going to the UK to study higher. He needs to apply for an Ordinary Passport under the Normal Scheme.

Step 2: Register on the Passport Seva Website 

To apply online, you must first register on the official website.

Website: https://passportindia.gov.in

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the website and click on “New User Registration.”
   
   
2. Fill details like:
   • Name (as per documents)
   • Date of birth
   • Email ID and mobile number
   • Login ID and password
     
     
3. Choose your Passport Office (based on your current city).
   
   
4. Enter the captcha code and click Register.
   
   
5. You will receive a verification email. Click the link in the email to activate your account.

Tip: Use your active email and phone number. All updates will come through them.

What do You need to Register?

Once you register, login to the website with your username and password.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

There are two ways to fill the form:

Option 1: Online Form Submission

1. After login, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue.”
   
   
2. Select the correct type of passport and scheme (Normal/Tatkal).
   
   
3. Fill all the sections:
   • Personal details
   • Family details
   • Present and permanent address
   • Emergency contact
   • Passport details (if reissuing)
     
     
4. Review and submit.

Option 2: Download PDF Form

1. Download the e-form (PDF) from the website.
2. Fill it offline using Adobe Reader.
3. Upload the filled form back on the website.

Most people choose online form because it is faster and easier.

Tips for Filling the Form:

• Write names exactly as in Aadhaar or school certificate.
• Do not make spelling mistakes.
• Do not give wrong address or information.
• Keep address proof and ID proof ready.

Example: If Priya lives in Mumbai and her Aadhaar has Mumbai address, she must select the same address in the form.

Once you complete the form, click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”

Step 4: Pay Fees and Book Appointment

You must pay the fees online to book a date at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Payment Options:

• Debit Card / Credit Card
• Internet Banking
• UPI

Fee Chart:

Fees may change. Check latest prices on the website.

After payment, the system will allow you to choose:

• Your PSK location
• Date and time for appointment

Choose the nearest centre and convenient time.

Example: Priya pays ₹1,500 online and selects the Mumbai PSK for 10:30 AM on 10th May.

You will get an appointment confirmation. Download and print the Application Receipt.

Step 5: Visit Passport Seva Kendra

Go to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on the chosen date. Be on time.

What to Carry:

• Printed Application Receipt
• Original and self-attested copies of:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Proof of Address (Aadhaar, electricity bill, etc.)
  • Proof of Date of Birth (Birth certificate, school certificate)
  • Education proof (if asked)
  • Annexures or Affidavit (if applying under special category)

Note: For Tatkal, extra documents like Verification Certificate (Annexure F) may be needed.

Process at PSK:

1. Token Counter:
   • Show appointment receipt.
   • Get a token number.
     
     
2. Counter A (Data Entry):
   • Photo is taken.
   • Fingerprints are scanned.
   • Your form is verified.
     
     
3. Counter B (Document Check):
   • Officials check your original documents and photocopies.
     
     
4. Counter C (Granting Officer):
   • Final approval is given.
   • Sometimes, they ask extra questions.

You will get an Acknowledgement Letter after successful verification.

Example: Priya carries her Aadhaar, PAN card, electricity bill, and birth certificate. All documents are approved, and she finishes the PSK process in 2 hours.

Step 6: Police Verification

After the PSK visit, police verification will be done.

What happens:

• Your local police station will get a request.
• A policeman will come to your house.
• He will ask you to sign some documents and show originals again.
• He may ask your neighbours for confirmation.

How to Prepare:

• Be at home on the expected date.
• Keep original documents ready.
• Keep 2 recent passport-size photos.

Example: Priya’s local police officer visits her flat in Mumbai and completes verification in 2 days.

Important:

• If the police give a positive report, your passport is printed.
• If the report is negative (wrong address or missing documents), the application is delayed or rejected.

You can track police status on the Passport Seva website.

Step 7: Get Your Passport Delivered

If everything is fine, the passport is printed and dispatched.

You will get:

• SMS update with Speed Post tracking number
• Delivery by India Post within 7–10 days (Normal)
• Tatkal applicants get a passport in 1–3 days

You must show proof of ID when receiving the passport.

If you are not at home, the postman will try again. If undelivered, you must collect it from the post office.

Example: Priya gets an SMS on 15th May and receives her passport at home on 17th May.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving the wrong date of birth or name
• Spelling errors in the form
• Wrong address or phone number
• Missing documents on PSK day
• Not being home during a police visit
• Ignoring SMS or email updates

Always double-check all details before submitting.

Conclusion

Getting a passport in India is simple if you follow the steps carefully. From choosing the correct type to visiting the Passport Seva Kendra and handling police verification, each step is essential. Always prepare 

your documents, be honest in your application, and check updates regularly.

With the passport, you can explore new countries, study abroad, attend business events, or meet loved ones anywhere in the world. Start the process today and get ready to travel the world.

We hope this guide has helped you. Share it with your friends or family members who need help applying for a passport.

FAQs

• How many days does it take to get a passport?
  It usually takes 10 to 30 days after the police verification is done.
  
  
• What documents are needed for a new passport?
  You need ID proof, address proof, and birth proof like Aadhaar, PAN, or 10th certificate.
  
  
• Can I apply for a passport without police verification?
  No, police verification is compulsory for most first-time applicants.
  
  

• What is the fee for a normal passport?
  The fee is ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport and ₹2,000 for a 60-page one.

   

• Can I reschedule my passport appointment?
  Yes, you can reschedule it twice for free from the Passport Seva website.

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