How To Apply for a Passport Online?

In India, anyone can easily apply for a passport through the government portal of “Passport Seva” where they need to provide their essential details. Completing the application on the portal, providing relevant documents, and finalizing the application with payment are the most essential steps for applying for a passport.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing your passport, this article provides you with step-by-step instructions to successfully apply for the passport.

How to Apply for a Passport Online in India?

Here are the steps to apply for a passport online in India:

Step 1: Log in to your Passport Seva website account by visiting the Passport Seva platform online. Click on either “New User Registration” or “Existing User Login” depending on your registration status.

Step 2: If you are a new user, follow the registration process. Existing users can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Use your login ID and password to log in. Complete the captcha verification.

Step 4: Once logged in, select the type of passport application you want to apply for. You can choose between a fresh passport or reissue of passport, official passport, or diplomatic passport.

Step 5: Fill in all the required details accurately in the online application form.

Step 6: Double-check all the information you have provided and click on the “Submit” button.

Step 7: After submitting the application, go back to the home page and select “View Saved/Submitted Applications“.

Step 8: Choose the option “Pay and Schedule Appointment” from the available choices.

Step 9: Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) where you want to schedule an appointment.

Step 10: Make the payment for the application fees using your preferred online payment method.

Step 11: Take a printout of the application receipt or refer to the SMS sent to your mobile phone. This will contain your Application Reference Number (ARN).

Step 12: On the scheduled date and time of your appointment, visit the selected PSK. Make sure to bring all the original documents for verification.

Documents Required for Online Passport Application

The completed passport application, along with all the necessary documents and fees, must be submitted. However, it is important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee the issuance of a passport. It is merely a request or requisition for a passport, which may be rejected if there are deficiencies in the supporting documents, failure to follow the prescribed procedures, or any other reason. The essential supporting documents required for a passport application include:

• Proof of date of birth: Birth certificate, Aadhar card
• Identity proof with a photograph: 10th or 12th grade marksheet, Aadhar card
• Proof of residence: Aadhaar card, utility bill, rent agreement
• Proof of nationality: Aadhar card, Election Card, Indian Passport

Fees Charged for Passport Application

The passport fee in India is an essential aspect of the passport application or renewal process. It is the amount imposed by the passport-issuing authority, which is the Ministry of External Affairs, for the issuance or renewal of a passport. This fee is determined based on various factors, including the type of passport, whether it is a new application or a renewal, the age of the applicant, and the number of pages required in the passport booklet.

• In India, the passport charges can vary significantly, ranging from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5500.
• The fee for a new passport with a standard 36-page booklet is Rs. 1500. This fee covers the processing and administrative costs associated with issuing a new passport.

Individuals who require a larger passport booklet with 60 pages will have to pay an increased fee of Rs. 2000. This option is suitable for frequent travelers or those who require more pages for visa stamps and endorsements.

• For those who need their passport urgently, the Tatkaal scheme offers expedited processing. Under this scheme, the fee for a 36-page booklet is Rs. 3500, while for a 60-page booklet, it is Rs. 4000.
• This higher fee reflects the additional resources and efforts required to process the passport application on an expedited basis.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and individuals should refer to the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs or consult with the passport office for the most up-to-date information on passport fees in India.

Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application

In India, the eligibility criteria for passport application differ based on the age of the individual. For those who are 18 years old or older, they are eligible to submit an application for a passport. This means that once an individual reaches the age of 18, they can apply for a passport without any restrictions.

However, for minors, there are certain limitations on the validity of their passports. A minor’s passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until they reach the age of 18, whichever comes first. This means that if a minor applies for a passport at the age of 16, their passport will be valid for 2 years until they turn 18.

Validity of a Passport

Validity of an Indian passport is affected by the age of the passport holder and the number of pages in the passport. Minors below the age of 18 have passport validity of a lesser number of years than minors of age 18 and above.

• A standard passport, which can have either 36 or 60 pages, remains valid for a period of 10 years starting from the date of its issuance.
• For minors, their passport remains valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.
• Minors aged between 15 to 18 years can also obtain a passport with the full validity of 10 years.

Processing Time After Passport Application Submission

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the standard processing time for a passport is 30 days from the date of application. However, the actual duration may vary depending on the completion of police verification. If all the necessary procedures are carried out promptly, you can expect to receive your passport sooner.

• After completing your application online, you need to visit your nearest passport seva kendra appointed to you. Your application will not move forward if you do not go for your document verification at the appointed date and time.
• After verifying your documents at the passport seva kendra, you will get SMS regarding the update on your passport application.
• In order to physically verify your residential address, the government sends local police servants at your provided address for final verification. Once you have your final police verification, your passport will be delivered to you via india post within a week.

This whole process takes about a month and usually takes longer due to the high backlog in the previous application. In order to get your passport on time, you need to fill your application 2-3 months in advance.

How to Track the Status of Your Passport Application?

The Passport Seva portal offers a tracking feature for passport applicants, allowing them to monitor the progress of their passport application at different stages of the approval process. This feature provides them with precise information about the ongoing process and the time required to complete each stage before proceeding to the next.

Stage 1: “Application status,” informs the applicant about the initial status of their passport application. It could indicate whether the application has been received and is under review, or if any additional documents or information are required.

Stage 2: “Application under review,” lets the applicant know that their application is being assessed by the passport authorities. It may also indicate if any further action is needed from the applicant’s end, such as providing additional documents or attending an interview.

Stage 3: “Police verification status,” is crucial for passport applications. It informs the applicant about the status of the police verification process, which is conducted to verify the applicant’s identity and address. This stage may indicate whether the police verification has been initiated, completed, or if any issues have arisen during the process.

Stage 4: “Submission of police verification report,” informs the applicant about the successful submission of the report to the passport authorities. It indicates that the verification process has been completed and the report has been forwarded for further processing.

Stage 5: “Passport granted/printed/dispatched/returned undelivered,” provides information about the final outcome of the passport application. It indicates whether the passport has been granted, printed, and dispatched for delivery to the applicant’s address. In case the passport is returned undelivered, this stage will also provide details on the reason for the return and any necessary actions to be taken by the applicant.

The tracking feature on the Passport Seva portal offers applicants an overall view of their passport application’s progress.

How to Apply for a Passport Online? – FAQs

1. What are the steps to apply for a passport online?

• Step 1: Begin by accessing the official Passport Seva website and navigate to the ‘APPLY’ section.
• Step 2: For those who already have an account, simply log in using your user ID and password.
• Step 3: For first time users, you will need to complete the registration process and establish an account.
• Step 4: To initiate the registration, click on the ‘Register Now’ button.

2. How can I get a passport online?

• Step 1: Schedule an appointment through the online platform.
• Step 2: Complete the application form by providing all the necessary information.
• Step 3: Submit the payment for the processing fee of your passport.

3. How many days will it take to get a passport?

Number of days can vary according to your location and application type. On average iit takes about 30 days to receive your passport after filing your application.

4. How much money is required for a passport?

The amount of money required for a passport varies according to factors such as the changes requires, number of pages and if your application is tatkal or not.