How to Apply for Passport in India: Full Guide

Introduction

Planning an international trip? Dreaming of studying abroad? Or just want a valid government ID proof? In all these cases, your first essential step is to get a passport.

Your passport is’nt a document of travel , it is your identity proof for world. Issued by the Government of India, it enables you to travel outside the country and serves as a verified ID for many official purposes.

Types of Passports in India

India issues three type of passports every have their specific uses :-

Ordinary Passport (Blue Cover)

This is the most common type, used by general citizens for travel and identity purposes.

Diplomatic Passport (Maroon Cover)

Issued to Indian diplomats and top government officials. It comes with international privileges and immunities.

Official Passport (White Cover)

Issued to government employees when they travel abroad for official duties.

Who Can Apply for an Indian Passport?

Age Criteria

Anyone aged 18 or above can apply for a standard adult passport.
Minors (below 18 years) can also get passports with a validity of 5 years or until they turn 18.

Eligibility

Must be a citizen of India.
Should not have any criminal cases or pending police investigations (or should declare it).

Documents Required for Passport Application

You don’t need a whole file cabinet! Just a few key documents:

Proof of Address (any one)

Aadhaar Card
Electricity Bill (last 3 months)
Bank Passbook
Voter ID
Rent Agreement

Proof of Date of Birth (any one)

Birth Certificate
Matriculation Certificate (10th Marksheet)
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card (accepted conditionally)

Photo Identity Proof (any one)

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Voter ID

Additional Documents for Minors or Government Employees

Declaration by parents (Annexure D)
No Objection Certificate (for govt. employees)

How to Apply for Passport Online

The easiest and most popular way is online. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Online Application

Visit Passport Seva Portal.
Register for a new user ID.
Login and click ‘Apply for Fresh Passport’.
Fill in personal details like name, Date of Birth, Present & Permanent address, family info.
Choose between Normal or Tatkal.
Submit the form and download receipt.

Create Account on Seva Portal

Use a valid email and phone number — you’ll get all updates here.

Choose Appointment Slot

After form submission, the system will show you available dates and locations for Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

How to Apply for Passport Offline

Still prefer pen and paper?

Download the passport form from Passport Seva site.
Fill it carefully and attach Xerox of required documents.
Submit at the nearest PSK or POPSK.
Book appointment manually at the center.

Booking an Appointment

Appointments are mandatory.

Login to your Passport Seva account.
Go to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” → “Schedule Appointment”.
Pay fees via credit/debit/UPI.
Confirm date/time and download the confirmation receipt.

What Happens on Appointment Day?

Document Check

A clerk verifies your originals and photocopies.

Biometrics

Your fingerprints and photo are captured digitally.

Interview

Some applicants may have a brief interview with a verification officer.

Don’t forget to carry:

Printed appointment receipt
Original documents + photocopies
Passport-size photos (optional for backup)

Police Verification Process

Is Police Verification Needed?

Yes, in most cases. For Tatkal, it’s post-issuance.

How It Works

Local police will visit your given address within 5–15 days. They will cross check your documents and ask your neighbours for charcter verification.

Tips for Smooth Verification

Be present at home
Keep photocopies ready
Inform neighbors in advance

Passport Fee Structure

Normal Passport Fees (36 Pages)

Adults: ₹1500
Minors: ₹1000

Tatkal Charges

Additional ₹2000 (over normal fee)

Payment Modes

Net Banking
UPI
Credit/Debit Card

Tatkal Passport (Urgent Processing)

Need your passport quickly?

Who Can Apply?

People with emergency travel, job offers, or education abroad.

Documents Needed

Annexure F and I
Employer ID card (if applicable)

Delivery Time

Usually 1–3 working days after verification.

Track Your Passport Status

Track your application easily:

Visit Track Application Status.
Enter your ARN and DOB.
You’ll see live status like “Under Review”, “Dispatched”, etc.

You can also opt for SMS alerts.

How Long Does It Take?

Normal Application:

10 to 30 days (depending on location and police clearance)

Tatkal Application:

1 to 7 working days

What If Your Passport Gets Delayed or Rejected?

Common Rejection Reasons

Wrong documents
Incomplete police verification
False info in form

Solution?

Re-apply after correcting errors
Use grievance section on Passport Seva website

Tips for Smooth Passport Application

Double-check your documents
Don’t give false information
Keep your phone active for calls/SMS
Be present at the address for police visit

Conclusion

Getting a passport in India isn’t rocket science — but yes, it’s a process that needs care and attention. Whether you’re applying for your first one or renewing an old passport, following the steps we covered can make your journey smoother.

So now that you know how to make a passport, are you ready to take your first international flight? ✈️

FAQ

Can I apply for a passport without a birth certificate?

Yes, if you have matriculation certificate, PAN card, or Aadhaar with correct DOB, it can be used instead.

Is Aadhaar card enough for passport application?

Yes, for both address and identity proof. But sometimes additional proof may be asked.

How to apply passport for a baby?

Both parents’ documents and Annexure D declaration are needed. One parent must accompany the child.

Can I get a passport without police verification?

Only for certain cases like government employees with NOC. Otherwise, it’s mandatory.

What is the validity of Indian passport?

Adults: 10 years
Minors: 5 years or till they turn 18