How to Apply for a Passport in India?

A passport in India is an official government-issued travel document that certifies an individual’s identity and Indian citizenship. It serves as proof of nationality and is required for international travel, as well as for accessing consular services abroad. Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a passport allows Indian citizens to enter and exit the country, and provides the holder with diplomatic and legal protection while overseas. The Indian passport is an essential document for those wishing to travel, work, or study abroad. It is also used for various official purposes such as visa applications and government services.

In India, a passport is an essential document for international travel, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and other authorized centers. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you apply for a passport in India.

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Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying for a passport, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria:

• Indian Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen.
• Age Requirements: Adults (18 years and above) can apply for a 10-year validity passport. Children (under 18 years) can apply for a 5-year validity passport.
• Previous Passports: If you have a prior passport, ensure it is not lost or stolen. If it is, you will need to report it to the police.

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Step 2: Register on the Passport Seva Portal

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Passport Seva Portal of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
2. Create an Account:
   • Click on ‘Register’ under the New User section.
   • Fill in the required personal details such as your name, address, email, phone number, etc.
   • After submitting, you will receive an OTP to your registered mobile number for verification.

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Step 3: Fill Out the Passport Application Form

1. Login to the Portal: Use your registered credentials (username and password) to log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Choose the Correct Application Type:
   • Fresh Passport: If this is your first passport.
   • Reissue of Passport: If you are renewing an expired passport.
   • Reissue for Minor: If applying for a child under 18 years.
   • Tatkaal Application: If you need the passport urgently.
3. Fill Out the Form: Complete the application form with your personal, family, and contact details. Ensure all the details are accurate.
4. Submit and Generate Application Reference Number (ARN): After filling out the form, submit it and take note of the Application Reference Number (ARN) for future tracking.

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Step 4: Pay the Passport Fees

1. Payment Options:
   • Online Payment: You can pay the fees using debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
   • Offline Payment: You can also pay the fees via a bank challan at designated banks (e.g., Axis Bank, HDFC Bank).
2. Fee Structure (as of 2023):
   • Normal (10-year): ₹1,500 for adults and ₹1,000 for minors.
   • Reissue (10-year): ₹1,000 for adults and ₹600 for minors.
   • Tatkaal (urgent service): Additional ₹1,500 for adults and ₹1,000 for minors.

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Step 5: Book an Appointment

1. Log in to the Portal: After payment, log in again to the Passport Seva Portal and choose the ‘Schedule Appointment’ option.
2. Choose the Nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): Select your preferred passport office location (Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office).
3. Select Appointment Date and Time: Choose an available slot and book your appointment. Once done, download and print the Appointment Confirmation Slip.

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Step 6: Prepare Required Documents

Depending on the type of application, the following documents may be required:

• Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card, etc.)
• Proof of Address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, etc.)
• Date of Birth Proof (e.g., birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
• Citizenship Proof (e.g., Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.)
• Old Passport (for reissue cases).
• Passport-sized Photographs: Typically, 2-3 recent passport-sized photos.

For Tatkaal applicants, additional documents like the Self-Declaration form may be required.

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Step 7: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

1. Reach the PSK: On the day of your appointment, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with all required documents and the printed Appointment Confirmation Slip.
2. Document Verification: Submit your original documents and their copies. A Passport Seva Kendra official will verify your documents.
3. Biometric Data: Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken at the PSK as part of the passport application process.
4. Fee Payment (if not done earlier): If you opted for offline payment, you will be required to pay the fees at the PSK.

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Step 8: Police Verification (If Applicable)

• Police Verification is generally required for first-time applicants and certain reissue cases.
• After your application is submitted, the police will conduct a verification process at your residential address. This may take up to 7-10 days. You’ll be notified when the process is complete.

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Step 9: Track Your Passport Application Status

• Online Tracking: You can track your application status using the Application Reference Number (ARN) on the Passport Seva Portal.
• SMS/Email Updates: You will receive notifications via SMS or email regarding the status of your application and when it is ready for dispatch.

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Step 10: Receive Your Passport

1. Delivery: Once processed, your passport will be dispatched to the address you provided in your application. It typically takes around 7-10 working days for a passport to be delivered.
2. Passport Collection (for Tatkaal or urgent cases): You may be asked to collect your passport in person from the PSK if you applied under the Tatkaal scheme.

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Additional Tips:

• For Minors: Parents/guardians must sign the application form for children under 18 years old.
• Tatkaal Scheme: Use this scheme if you need your passport urgently, but ensure that you provide all necessary documents (like an urgent request letter) to avoid delays.
• Mistakes in Application: Ensure all details are correct to avoid delays. Incorrect details may require you to submit a new application.

For detailed and updated information, visit the official Passport Seva Website.