How to Apply for a Passport Online in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Step-by-Step Guide How to Apply for a Passport Online

Wondering how to apply for a passport online in India? The passport online application procedure (or re-issue of) starts with an e-Form Submission registration, done using the Passport Seva Portal. Although an E-passport download is unavailable right now, you can keep a digital copy by scanning the original passport and storing it as a PDF on your phone, Google Drive, or via DigiLocker.

The Passport Seva portal provides an easy navigation guide on how to apply for a passport online. The reliable and effective services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs enable easy delivery of passport services in India. An online application removes the hassle of visiting several offices where you must drop off the original documents required for passport verification. The online application lets you upload documents and then mail the original documents to the address provided. Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) also has a biometric record of individuals to prevent/avoid fraudulent applications.

While travel agents and agencies in India can help you with the passport application process, applying online is easy and quick. You also avoid any additional fees charged by agents by applying online.

Learn more about the process of applying for a lost passport for Indians.

Let’s look at the step-by-step procedure to apply for a passport online in India.

Step 1: Registration

• Log in to the [Passport Seva portal](https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink

).

• Locate the “apply” section and click “register now” to create a new account.
• Select a passport office as per your current residence. You must select a city or town close to your residence; for instance, individuals living in Tamil Nadu may apply for a passport online in Chennai, Coimbatore or any other city or town with a passport office near their residence.
• Enter a login ID, strong password, name, and other required details.
• Enter the captcha code and enable registration.
• Log in with a user ID and password, which will allow access. The passport website provides details regarding how to apply for a passport online.

Application Form: Passport Verification, Fees for Indian Passport & More

When applying for an online passport in India, you need to first enter personal details.

• Check for a passport verification link, which will be sent to the registered email ID after the passport office approves. You must click the passport verification link and enter your login ID for confirmation.
• Once the account has been verified, you must refresh (or relaunch the app) page to generate existing ID access.
• Log in using the earlier details, select “Apply for a new passport”, and then fill out the form based on the instructions provided.
• Pay the required fees for an Indian passport, and make an appointment for document verification at your desired passport centre.

Step 3: Submitting Your Paperwork: Documents Required for Passport Verification

Now we know how to apply for a passport online and register on the website, let’s look at the documents required for passport verification. A new passport application requires the following documents:

• Address Proof: Electricity bill, Aadhar Card, Telephone bill, Water bill, Rent agreement, proof of gas connection, Bank passbook, and Spouse’s passport – any of these to be submitted for address proof.
• Date of Birth Proof: =birth certificate, Transfer Certificate (TC) of school last visited (should be approved by the institutional board), Aadhar card, PAN card, driver’s license, voter ID, life insurance policy – any of these to be submitted as proof.

For applicants seeking re-issue of passports, the following documents are to be submitted:

• Original passport
• Copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Observation page
• ECR or non-ECR page

ECR, which stands for Emigration Check Required, entails the addition of an ECR page for individuals falling within this category. Those who haven’t completed 10th grade are subject to ECR verification. This verification process is for individuals intending to work as unskilled labourers in foreign countries. The extra scrutiny at border control during departures from India primarily aims to confirm travellers’ awareness of their destination and prevent human trafficking without specific consideration for Non-ECR or NECR individuals.

While applying for a passport online, an important point to note is that documents are to be uploaded only on the XML link download provided via the Passport Seva portal, as it does not support PDF format for uploading files.

Step 4: Payment: Fees for Indian Passport

No fee for an Indian passport is required for Diplomatic/Official passports, although ordinary passports require a certain fee to be paid. This can be checked via the ‘Fee Calculator.’

The most important step when learning how to apply for a passport online is the fee payment. Online payment has been made mandatory for booking all appointments and can be made using any one of the following modes of payment:

• Credit/Debit Card (MasterCard, Visa)
• Internet Banking (State Bank of India (SBI), other banks)
• SBI Bank Challan
• SBI Wallet Payment

For those applying under the Tatkaal category, the initial payment when applying online should follow the standard fee structure. The remaining Tatkaal fee will be settled in cash at the Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Office after Passport Officials approve the Tatkaal application.

Step 5: Appointment Booking for Old & New Passport Application

Mandatory biometric checks, apart from document verification, will be done at Passport Seva Kendra. You can check the availability of slots online.

• Visit the official passport website and select “Check Appointment Availability.”
• Then, select the desired “Passport Office” and enter the verification code to check for availability based on passport type.
• Details regarding location, address and date of appointment will be provided.
• In the case of a regular application, the fee for an Indian passport with 36 pages and 10 years of validity is INR 1,500, and for a Tatkaal application, the fee is INR 2,000. The fee for an Indian passport with 60 pages with a 10-year validity is INR 2,000 for a regular or Tatkaal application.
• An automated SMS/email confirmation will be generated.

Applicants can also check the PSP portal to prepone already booked appointments in slots freed due to cancellation or rescheduling, whose information will be released based on availability, daily. In case you want to cancel your application and are wondering how to delete your passport application, follow these steps:

• Visit the official passport website
• Click on the ‘view saved applications’ tab
• Select the option to cancel
• You will be directed to a confirmation page and receive an email for the same.

Step 6: Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

On visiting the Passport Seva Kendra, you will be issued a token based on submitting the appointment token (online copy valid) and original documents to the passport official. In case there is an error in your passport application, and you are wondering how to edit passport application, you can reach out to an officer at counter A, who will help you make the required changes.

Counter A administers the biometric data test and additionally takes care of verifying and uploading all documents. Counter B, handled by a passport official, checks verified official documents and administers stamps on documents and passports. Finally, counter C, headed by a senior officer, holds a short interview upon verification and determines whether the passport application is successful.

Submitting the token at the exit counter enables PSK personnel to issue a passport application receipt – this contains the passport file number, which allows you to track application status online.

Step 7: Police Verification

The last step in your passport application is police verification. In most cases, police verification is required after submitting your passport application. The police verification process can take up to 30 working days.

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In a Nutshell

The steps for an online passport application in India are:

Step 1: Registration Step 2: Fill out the application form and pay the fees Step 3: Submit Paperwork. Step 4: Pay the fees via card or Internet banking. Step 5: Book an appointment. Step 6: Visit passport Seva Kendra. Step 7: Wait for and complete police Verification

Read more on whatdocumentation to prepare for a passport application process.

Key Takeways

Now that you know how to apply for a passport online, it is important not to make errors while entering details. Therefore, reviewing all details provided and including documents to be uploaded is highly recommended. Following the instructions on the official passport website allows for a practical and convenient new passport application, saving time and making the whole experience less stressful and hassle-free. Timely assistance is also provided via the passport website portal in emergencies (or otherwise). Furthermore, it can guide you while applying for a passport, procedures and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of a new passport in India?

If you’re applying for a new 36-page passport booklet (regular), the authorities charge a fee of INR 1500, while opting for a 60-page booklet (regular) incurs a fee of INR 2000 on the Passport Seva Portal.

1. How long does it take to get a passport?

As per government regulations, the typical processing time for an Indian passport is 30 to 45 days starting from the application date. However, many applicants have indicated online that they received their passports successfully within a week, while police verification happens in parallel.

1. Do I need my birth certificate when applying for an Indian passport?

While applying for an Indian Passport, providing a birth certificate as proof of age is not obligatory. If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can submit a school leaving certificate or a declaration issued by a magistrate or notary as an alternative.

1. What are the fees for a Tatkal passport in India?

If you’re applying for a new 36-page passport booklet (Tatkal), the authorities charge a fee of INR 3500, while opting for a 60-page booklet (Tatkal) incurs a fee of INR 4000 on the Passport Seva Portal. This includes the Tatkal fee of INR 2,000

5.If my passport is damaged, can I apply for a Tatkal passport?

You can apply for a Tatkal passport re-issue if your passport hasn’t been damaged to the extent of being unrecognisable. However, the Tatkal scheme is not applicable for completely damaged passports.