How to Apply for a Passport Online in India

By
Abhishree Sharma
-
Person holding an Indian passport while using a laptop, representing the process of applying for a passport online in India.

In the digital world, the process to apply for a passport in India is really easy and can be done in a jiffy at the Passport Seva portal of the Ministry of External Affairs. This can also be said concerning the whole exercise of getting or updating the old passport online, it is more open and convenient than before. This guide will walk you through everything you will need to know in order to apply for an online passport in India in case you are not sure where to start the procedure.

Why Apply Online?

There are a number of benefits that come with application of online passport:

  • Conserves time and energy.
  • Reduces paperwork.
  • Helps with the scheduling of appointments at your most convenient.
  • Allows you to monitor your application.

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Website

The first step will be to go to the site the official Passport Seva (www.passportindia.gov.in) and get yourself registered. Here’s how:

  1. Move to the home page.
  2. Click Register Now at the bottom of the New User section.
  3. Choose the location of the Passport Office according to the present residence.
  4. Input simple information such as name, date of birth, email ID and user name and password.
  5. Make a complex password and a security question in case of forgetting account information.
  6. Once you have done it, an email will arrive with the link to activate the account.

After the activation, you can log in with the help of the registered credentials.

Step 2: Choose the Application Type

Once you log in:

  1. Select “Apply Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport”.
  2. Select Fresh or Re-issue.
  • New Passport: This is when you are applying for a passport for the first time.
  • Re-issue: In the event that you possess some active passport, which is expired or about to expire.
  1. Then decide which passport booklet (36 pages or 60 pages booklet).
  2. Select the scheme: Normal or Tatkaal.
  • Normal: Ordinary treatment.
  • Tatkaal: faster processing (requires an extra fee).

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

The form is to be filled in two ways:

Option A: Fill Online

  1. Click on Filling the application form online.
  2. Write in your personal information, the family you live with, address and job information.
  3. Contain emergency contact and references.
  4. Make sure to check all the Information before submitting.

Option B: Download and Upload

  1. Get the e-form (PDF).
  2. Fill it Offline.
  3. After a successful login, go to the upload e-form section and upload the filled form.

Note: Online filling is more convenient and error-free.

Step 4: Pay the Fee and then book an Appointment

After the form is filled out:

  1. Pay the fee and book an Appointment.
  2. Get a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) near you.
  3. Choose the most favourable date and time.
  4. Pay through online mode:
    • Credit/Debit Card
    • Net Banking
    • UPI or Wallets (depending on availability) 

Fee Structure (As of 2025):

By 2025, there will be three categories of the fee structure by which you can apply online to receive a passport in India: the category according to the kind of application, the number of pages in the booklet, and the service scheme you select. In a new application/ re-issue under the Normal scheme, it will be charged at 1500 rupees (36-page passport) and 2000 rupees (60-page passport) to renew. In case of people who decide to use the Tatkaal scheme, which has faster processing, they pay the same amount of 3,500 regardless of having a 36-page passport or a 60-page passport. It should be mentioned that these are the current fees, and they can be changed, so the applicant should check the current rates on the official Passport Seva site, being ready to pay the money. Once, the online payment procedure is accomplished, the system checks your appointment and you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN), this is a requirement, which will be used to monitor and also report on your scheduled appointment.

Step 5: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

On its scheduled day:

  1. Go to the chosen PSK with authentic documents.
  2. Be there before time (at least 15 to 30 minutes).
  3. Bring a printout of the appointment confirmation and ARN.

Documents Required:

  • Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bills, Rent Agreement, etc.
  • Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate, PAN Card, Matriculation Certificate, etc.
  • ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License.
  • Annexures (if applicable): For Tatkaal, name change, minors, etc.

Note: All originals and self-attested photocopies must be carried.

Step 6: Biometrics and Document Verification

In the PSK, your visit will pass through the following steps:

  1. Token Counter: Checking of the appointment.
  2. Counter A: Biometrics, photograph, and document scanning.
  3. Counter B: The confirmation of documents by the authorities.
  4. Counter C: Final approval of Passport Officer.

The whole procedure takes about 1-2 hours, as per the audience.

Step 7: Police Verification

Once you have been to your PSK visit, a police verification process will be initiated (in some Tatkaal cases, this would not be needed).

  • An officer of the police will come to your address.
  • Carry copies of your papers.
  • Be present when it is necessary to sign and file the verification form.

When it passes through the process of verification successfully, then your application gets printed out and dispatched.

Step 8: Track Your Passport Status

It is possible to monitor the status of the passport application online:

  1. Access the www.passportindia.gov.in.
  2. Select the link for Tracking Application Status.
  3. Add your ARN and date of birth.
  4. It will provide you with on-time progress.

Furthermore, provision of SMS updates and email notifications will be done at important stages.

Step 9: Passport Delivery

After it has been printed and sent, your passport will arrive through India Post (Speed Post).

  • Shipment time: normal: 7-14 working days.
  • Delivery time (Tatkaal): 3-7 working days.

Ensure that there is a person present to accept it; the postman might need identification as well.

Tips for a Smooth Passport Application

  • Make sure you fill in the form again.
  • Have scanned copies of documents prepared.
  • Write the same address on every document, which takes a shorter time to be confirmed by the police.
  • To get your desired time, you should pre-book in time.
  • Keep your ARN and scheduled appointment ticket safely.

Conclusion

Obtaining a passport in India is no longer a tedious job to be done online. Using a friendly portal, online payment systems and an intuitive approach, you will be able to start your application process at home. Living and working abroad are now much easier than before, be it in travel, education or functions requiring a passport, but then there has never been an easy time in getting a passport.

Apply now and make that leap to your next foreign destination!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR