What is a Passport?
An Indian Passport is an international travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It certifies your identity and nationality and allows you to travel internationally. A passport is required for:
- International travel to any country
- Visa application for foreign countries
- Proof of Indian citizenship
- Valid identity & address proof within India
- Foreign exchange transactions
- NRI banking and property transactions
Official Government Websites for Passport
Quick Passport Services — All Available Links
नीचे पासपोर्ट से संबंधित सभी महत्वपूर्ण ऑनलाइन सेवाओं के लिंक उपलब्ध हैं। नया पासपोर्ट, रिन्यूअल, तत्काल, स्टेटस चेक करें — सभी सेवाएं एक जगह।
Documents Required for Passport
Proof of Identity (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Government-issued photo ID
Proof of Address (any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity / Water / Gas Bill
- Bank Account Statement
- Rent Agreement + Utility Bill
Proof of Date of Birth (any one)
- Birth Certificate (mandatory if born after 26/01/1989)
- Matriculation Certificate
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving License
Other Requirements
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Old passport (for renewal/reissue)
- Marriage certificate (if name changed)
- NOC/Identity certificate (for govt employees)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Passport Online
Register on Passport Seva Portal
Visit passportindia.gov.in, click "Register Now", and create an account with your email ID and password.
Login & Start Application
Login and click "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport". Choose between Normal and Tatkal.
Fill Online Application Form
Fill in all details — personal information, family details, present and permanent address, emergency contact, and previous passport details (if any).
Upload Documents & Photo
Upload scanned copies of identity proof, address proof, DOB proof, and passport-size photograph as per specifications.
Pay Application Fee
Pay online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. Fee: ₹1,500 (36 pages) or ₹2,000 (60 pages).
Book Appointment at PSK
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO). Choose a convenient date and time.
Visit PSK on Appointment Date
Visit the PSK with all original documents, printout of application form, and appointment confirmation. Go through Token, Document Verification, and Biometric counters.
Police Verification
After PSK visit, police verification will be conducted at your residential address. Keep your original documents handy.
Passport Dispatched
After successful verification, your passport is printed and dispatched via Speed Post within 7-15 working days.
Tatkal (Urgent) Passport
Need your passport urgently? The Tatkal scheme provides faster processing:
- Additional fee of ₹2,000 over normal charges
- Passport can be issued within 1-3 working days after PSK visit
- Apply through the same portal, select "Tatkal" instead of "Normal"
- Requires a verified identity proof (Aadhaar recommended)
- Police verification is done post-issuance (passport given first)
Passport Fees & Charges
| Service | Normal Fee | Tatkal Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Passport (36 pages, 10 years) | ₹1,500 | + ₹2,000 |
| Fresh Passport (60 pages, 10 years) | ₹2,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Minor Passport (under 18, 5 years) | ₹1,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Re-issue / Renewal | ₹1,500 | + ₹2,000 |
| Damaged/Lost Passport Reissue | ₹3,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | ₹500 | N/A |
Track Passport Application Status
Passport Renewal / Reissue
You can apply for passport renewal (reissue) in these cases:
- Passport expired or expiring within 1 year
- All pages used up
- Change of name, address, or personal details
- Damaged passport
- Lost or stolen passport
The process is the same as fresh application — apply on Passport Seva Portal and select "Re-issue of Passport". Carry your old passport to the PSK.
Types of Indian Passport
Ordinary Passport (Blue)
- Issued to regular Indian citizens
- For personal travel & tourism
- 36 or 60 pages
- Valid for 10 years (5 years for minors)
Official Passport (White)
- For government officials on duty
- Issued by MEA through ministries
- Not for personal travel
Diplomatic Passport (Maroon)
- For diplomats and senior officials
- Provides diplomatic immunity
- Issued by MEA only
Frequently Asked Questions About Passport
Normal passport (36 pages): ₹1,500. Jumbo (60 pages): ₹2,000. Tatkal has additional ₹2,000. Minor passport: ₹1,000.
Normal: 7-15 working days after PSK visit and police verification. Tatkal: 1-3 working days after PSK visit.
Yes, for all fresh passport applications. For reissue, post-police verification may apply (passport issued first, verification happens later).
Yes, Aadhaar is not mandatory. You can use Voter ID, utility bills, bank statements, or other address proofs. However, Aadhaar speeds up the process significantly.
Yes. Apply for "Re-issue" on Passport Seva Portal. Carry your expired passport to the PSK. You'll get a new passport with a new number. All valid visas can be transferred.