Know Everything About Passport

A passport is a secure form of identification that is issued by the government of India. A passport is generally required for international travel, subject to specific exemptions and alternative travel-document rules. In a passport, your signature, pictures, and other personal details are present. It can also be used as valid identity and address proof in India. 

Key Takeaways:  

1. A passport is a Government of India-issued certificate.
2. This certificate proves that the certificate holder is who he says he is on the certificate.
3. The certificate proves the identity of a person and their Indian citizenship abroad; it is mandatory to carry a passport for overseas travel to apply for a visa.
4. In addition, a passport can also be used as an address and identity proof in India.

What Is A Passport? 

A passport is a government-certified document that is also used as proof of the applicant's identity and nationality. A passport proves the holder’s identity and nationality, but entry is subject to the destination country’s immigration rules. A passport is one of the most reliable identity cards in the country; a passport may be accepted as identity and address proof by banks and other institutions.

How To Get a Passport?

Acquiring a passport requires undergoing a few steps with the right documents and information. It is possible to apply online, schedule appointments, provide information verification, and, after approval and the applicable police-verification process, the passport is printed and dispatched to the applicant.

1. Go to the official Passport Seva portal online. You need to choose the “Fresh/Reissue ordinary passport” option, and you will be directed to a new page.
2. Click “Register”, fill out your details, and click “Sign Up”. Verify your email ID and log in by entering your registered login ID and password. Note that your password is valid for 3 months and needs to be changed.
3. From the homepage, click on “Services”, followed by “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”
4. Choose the RPO on the basis of your place of residence because the RPO will indicate which PSK you should visit for an appointment. You may apply to any PSK/RPO across India.
5. In order to re-issue a passport through an RPO other than that of the passport-issuing authority, a new login ID must be created. The same email ID may be entered again, followed by choosing “Passport Office” and selecting a PSK/RPO.

• Passport Type,
• Applicant Details,
• Family Details,
• Address Details,
• Emergency Contact,
• Previous Passport,
• Other Details,

7. Click on “Submit” and enter your Application Reference Number (ARN). The application may be saved, and the process continued later. Check all details carefully. Necessary corrections can be requested at Counter A before final submission.
8. Click “View > Pay and Schedule Appointment” and pay the demanded fee before scheduling an appointment.
9. Select Online Payment, Normal/Tatkaal, followed by selecting a PSK/POPSK. Click “Pay and Book Appointment” and make the payment.
10. After the payment, details about the appointment will appear on your screen. An appointment can generally be rescheduled twice, giving three total appointment chances.
11. Bring all of the required documents to the PSK. All applicants under 4 years of age must bring along a 4.5 × 3.5 cm photograph with a white background. In the case of an applicant not being present on the day of the appointment, the new application has to be submitted. This is due to the fact that the application has an expiry date of 90 days from the day it was filed. An applicant will be sent an SMS informing them of the day of the appointment.

Disclaimer: Make sure to go to the passport office on the day indicated by the receipt for biometrics. Carry an original copy of the documents you have submitted online along with the fee payment receipt. 

Applying for a passport is a straightforward process as long as the application provides all of the correct information and documents. Besides this, completing the process correctly saves time due to having to wait for documents and ensures that a traveller has a valid passport.

2026 Revised Passport Fee

As per the new fee structure, you will need to pay the amount mentioned below if you are applying for a passport after 1 July 2026: 

₹2,500 

Fresh Passport/Re-issue of passport, including additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages (60 pages) of 10 years' validity (including minors between 15 and 18 years of age, who wish to get a 10-year full-validity passport) 

₹3,500

Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport for Minors (below 18 years of age) of 5 years' validity or till the minor attains the age of 18, whichever is earlier (36 pages) 

₹1,750

Replacement of a passport (36 pages) (5-year validity)