If you want to travel abroad for studying, visiting your family, on a tourist trip, or be it a religious pilgrimage you need a document called a passport.
In recent years, the demand for passports has increased as a result, the Indian Ministry of External receives a large volume of passport applications on a regular basis.
To cater to the increasing demand for passports, the Indian government has launched the Passport Seva portal. The portal aims to help in the online passport application process.
This user-friendly platform enables citizens nationwide to conveniently submit their passport applications online, make fee payments, and schedule appointments.
This article aims to tell you about the procedure that will help you to apply for a passport online in India.
Table of Contents
How to Apply for a Passport Online in India?
The process of applying for a passport is simple and convenient, interested persons can follow the below-mentioned steps to get a passport online:
- Go to the official Passport Seva website and register or log in to your existing account.
- Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport” unless you already have an Indian passport.
- Fill in the online passport application form with accurate details and click “Submit.”
- Go back to the home page and select “View Saved/Submitted Applications.”
- Click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment” from the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” page.
- Choose a Passport Seva Kendra for your appointment, and make the payment online or offline.
When you complete the steps mentioned above you can download a receipt of your application with the reference number by clicking on “Print Application Receipt.”
You will receive an SMS with your appointment details, which you should bring as proof when you visit the Passport Seva Kendra on the scheduled date. Remember to bring all the original documents as proof of your eligibility.
Documents Required to Apply For a Passport
Proof of present address (any one of the following)
- Any utility bill
- Income tax assessment order
- Election Commission photo ID
- Aadhaar card
- Rent Agreement
- Parent’s passport copy (first and last page) for minors
Proof of Date of Birth (any one of the following)
- Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths or Municipal Corporation
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department
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Passport Application Fees Structure
| Service | Normal Application Fee | Tatkaal Application Fee |
|
New or renewal of passport with an extra booklet running out of visa pages. The new passport will have 36 pages with a validity of 10 years. |
Rs. 1,500 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| New or renewal of passport with an extra booklet running out of visa pages. The passport will have 60 pages with a validity of 10 years. |
Rs. 2,000 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| If you are below 18 years, you can get a new passport or renew your passport. Its validity will be 5 years or until you turn 18, whichever comes earlier. The passport will have 36 pages. |
Rs. 1,000 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| In case a passport is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can replace it with a new one. The replacement passport will have 36 pages. |
Rs. 3,000 |
Rs. 2000 |
| Replacing a damaged, or stolen one with a new one. The replacement passport will have 60 pages. |
Rs. 3,500 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| If you need to remove the Emigration Check Required (ECR) stamp from your passport or make changes to your personal details, you can replace your passport. The new passport will have 36 pages with a validity of 10 years. | Rs. 1, 500 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| If you need to remove the Emigration Check Required (ECR) stamp from your passport or make changes to your personal details, you can replace your passport. The new passport will have 60 pages and will be valid for 10 years. |
Rs. 2,000 |
Rs. 2,000 |
| If you are below 18 years old and need to remove the Emigration Check Required (ECR) stamp from your passport or make changes to your personal details, you can replace your passport. The validity of a new passport will be 5 years or until you turn 18, whichever comes earlier, and will have 36 pages. |
Rs. 1,000 |
Rs. 2,000 |
You can calculate the fee charges by the calculator provided by the Passport Seva Portal at passportindia.
Passport Application Processing Time
The processing time for general passport applicants is 30 to 45 days. For applications made under the Tatkal mode (Fast Processing), the processing time is 7 to 14 days.
You can track the delivery status of your passport through the India Post’s Speed Post portal.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Passport
- Indian citizens who are 18 years and above can apply for a passport.
- Children below 18 can apply for a passport valid for 5 years or until they turn 18.
- Children aged between 15 and 18 years can get a 10-year valid passport. Parents can also apply for a passport for their children, valid until they turn 18.
Now that you are aware of the steps and things needed to apply for a passport online, you can go ahead with the application if you wish to obtain a passport.
Passport Validity and Expiry Date
The validity of a normal passport is 10 years from the date of issue, and it usually has 36 or 60 pages. For citizens below 18, the validity is 5 years. Minors aged 15-18 can choose a 10-year valid passport or one that is valid until they turn 18.
Needing Your Passport Urgently?
If you find yourself in a situation where you require your passport urgently, there are expedited services available called Taktal. These services aim to expedite the processing time and ensure you receive your passport within a shorter timeframe.
However, it’s important to note that expedited services may come with additional fees.
Conclusion
The online passport application process in India has revolutionized the way individuals obtain this essential travel document.
By embracing technology and digitization, the Indian government has streamlined the once cumbersome and time-consuming process.
Online applications have made it more convenient, efficient, and accessible for citizens to apply for a passport from the comfort of their homes.
Digital transformation has not only reduced administrative burden but has also paved the way for a smoother and more inclusive passport application experience, ensuring hassle-free international travel for millions of Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some frequently asked questions about the online passport application.
How can I apply for a passport online in India?
To apply for a passport online in India, visit the official website of the Passport Seva Portal (www.passportindia.gov.in) and register an account. Fill out the online application form, upload the required documents, and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
What documents are required for an online passport application in India?
The documents required for an online passport application in India include an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, utility bills, a birth certificate or school leaving certificate, and passport-sized photographs. Additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant.
Can I pay the passport application fees online in India?
Yes, passport application fees can be paid online through various payment methods such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or online wallets.
How long does it take to process an online passport application in India?
The processing time for an online passport application in India is generally within 30 days, excluding the time taken for police verification if required. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the location and the workload of the Passport Seva Kendra
Can I schedule an appointment for the document verification process online?
Yes, after submitting the online passport application, you can schedule an appointment for document verification at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) through the Passport Seva Portal.
Is it necessary to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for an online passport application in India?
Yes, it is mandatory to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for the document verification process after submitting the online application.
Can I track the status of my online passport application in India?
Yes, the Passport Seva Portal allows applicants to track the status of their passport application online. Using the application reference number or file number, applicants can check the progress of their application, including the stage it is currently in.
