₹1,500
Fresh passport fee (36 pages)
30 days
Normal processing time
10 years
Validity (adults)
passportindia.gov.in
Official portal
Applying for an Indian passport has become much simpler with the Passport Seva Online Portal. Most of the process is done from home — you only need to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) once for document verification and biometrics.
This guide covers both fresh passport applications (first-time) and passport renewal (re-issue) — the process is nearly identical.
Complete process
7 Steps to Apply for Passport Online in India
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1
Register on Passport Seva PortalGo to passportindia.gov.in → click "New User Registration". Enter your name, date of birth, login ID and email. Create a strong password. Verify your email with the OTP sent.💡 Use an email you actively monitor — all updates (appointment confirmation, dispatch notifications) come here.
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2
Login and Fill Application FormLogin → click "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport". Fill in all details: personal info, family details, address, emergency contact, and any criminal or citizenship-related questions. Double-check everything — errors cause delays.💡 Keep your Aadhaar, PAN and Class 10 certificate open for reference while filling the form. Ensure name spelling matches documents exactly.
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3
Upload DocumentsUpload scanned copies of: identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof. Files must be clear, legible JPG/PDF. Maximum file size is typically 1MB per document.💡 Use a good mobile camera scanner app like Adobe Scan or CamScanner. Blurry scans are a leading cause of rejection at PSK.
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4
Pay Application Fee OnlinePay via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee is automatically calculated based on your passport type and urgency. Payment is mandatory before booking an appointment.💡 Screenshot your payment confirmation — you'll need the Application Reference Number (ARN) to book appointments and track status.
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5
Book Appointment at Nearest PSKAfter payment, book a slot at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). In large cities, slots fill within 2–3 days. Check early morning for new slots — they're released periodically.💡 Try POPSKs (post office centres) — they often have more availability than PSKs in metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.
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6
Visit PSK on Appointment DateArrive 15 minutes early. Carry originals + 2 photocopies of all documents. Your biometrics (photo + fingerprints) will be taken. Documents are verified. You receive an acknowledgement receipt with a file number.💡 Wear plain-coloured clothes for the PSK photo — avoid white (matches the backdrop) and patterns. No glasses allowed.
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7
Police Verification → Receive PassportA police officer visits your registered address for a background check. Keep your original documents ready. After clearance, your passport is printed and dispatched via India Post Speed Post to your address. Track status at passportindia.gov.in or on the mPassport app.💡 If a police officer doesn't visit within 3 weeks, proactively contact your local police station with your file number to expedite.
What to carry
Documents Required for Passport Application
| Document Type | Accepted Documents (Any One) |
|---|---|
Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving Licence |
Address Proof | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility bills (electricity/gas/water — recent), Bank passbook, Rent agreement + landlord consent |
Date of Birth Proof | Birth certificate (Municipal authority), Class 10 certificate, PAN card, Aadhaar card (for those born after 1990) |
Photograph | 2 recent colour photos — 2×2 inch, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months |
For Renewal Only | Old passport (original + photocopy of first and last 2 pages, observation page, and visa pages if applicable) |
Application fees
Passport Fee Chart 2026
Fresh / Renewal (36 pages)
₹1,500
Most common type for adults
Fresh / Renewal (60 pages)
₹2,000
For frequent international travellers
Minor (under 18) — 36 pages
₹1,000
Valid for 5 years or until 18
Tatkal Surcharge
+₹2,000
Add to above fee for urgent processing
Damaged/Lost Passport
₹3,000
Plus police complaint mandatory
e-Passport (Electronic)
₹1,500
With biometric chip — being rolled out
✅ Tatkal vs Normal — Which to choose?
Choose Tatkal only if you have confirmed international travel within 30 days. It costs ₹2,000 extra and processes at the PSK in 1–3 days — but police verification still takes its normal time. If you have 4+ weeks, the Normal process is cheaper and equally reliable.
⚠️ e-Passport rollout 2026
India is rolling out e-Passports with biometric chip in 2026. These offer enhanced security and faster immigration at airports with e-gates. If you're applying for a new passport now, you may receive an e-Passport depending on your city and passport office. There is no extra charge for e-Passports.
Common questions
Passport Application FAQ
A fresh passport with 36 pages costs ₹1,500. A 60-page passport costs ₹2,000. Tatkal (urgent) passports cost an additional ₹2,000 on top of the base fee. Minor passports (under 18) cost ₹1,000. Damaged or lost passport replacement costs ₹3,000.
Normal process: 30–45 days from PSK visit to passport delivery (including police verification). Tatkal process: 1–3 working days at the PSK, but police verification time is not reduced. Total Tatkal timeline is typically 2–3 weeks. In major cities with high workload, allow up to 45 days even for Tatkal.
After paying the fee online, book an appointment at your nearest PSK or POPSK from the Passport Seva portal. Slots open 45–60 days in advance. In Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi — slots may fill within 2–3 days. Pro tip: check early mornings at 6–8 AM when cancelled appointments are released. POPSK (post office centres) typically have more availability.
Yes. Aadhaar is not mandatory. You can use PAN card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence as identity proof, and utility bills or bank statements as address proof. However, Aadhaar is the most convenient — it serves as both identity and address proof in one document.
Track your passport status at passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status using your File Number and Date of Birth. You can also use the mPassport Seva app (available on Play Store and App Store), or SMS STATUS FILE_NUMBER to 9704100100.