What’s the one thing that you absolutely need no matter where you go in the world? The answer is – a valid passport! A passport is literally your gateway to the beautiful world outside your home country. However, many people face a roadblock when it comes to applying for a passport. So, here’s us stepping in and guiding you through the entire passport application process. Sit back and keep reading!
Process Of Applying For An Indian Passport
Step 1: Register On The Passport Seva Portal
First, visit the official website of the Passport Seva Portal. Click on the ‘New User Registration’ on the left hand side on the screen. Then fill in all required details carefully.
Once you register, log in with your credentials and select ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue.
Let’s move on to Step 2!
Step 2: Fill The Application Form
You must now fill out the application form based on what kind of passport you want. If you are applying for a fresh passport, click on the option saying that. If you wish to renew your expired or lost passport, simply choose that option.
Now, select the type of passport you wish to have. You can apply for a normal passport or a tatkaal passport. Some people apply for a tatkaal passport when they need their passport as soon as possible. However, if you aren’t in any such hurry, we recommend that you apply for a normal passport. It will take comparatively more time than a tatkaal passport, but will save you money.
Now, fill out the entire form with all the necessary information. Review your application form carefully and save it before proceeding further.
Step 3: Pay The Application Fees And Schedule An Appointment
Moving on to Step 3, it’s time to pay the application fees and schedule an appointment.
You must schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Once you select your nearest PSK or POPSK, you’ll see the earliest appointment date on the website. You can either go with that date or choose a different date for the appointment.
After you’ve selected the date, you must pay the fees through an online mode, via a credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.
The fees are as follows:
- Fresh/re-issue of passport: INR 1,500 (36 pages); INR 2,000 (60 pages)
- Fresh/re-issue of tatkal passport for both adults and minors: INR 2,000 ( for both 36 or 60 pages)
- Fresh/re-issue of minors: INR 1,000
Once you’ve paid the fees and completed the transaction, you’ll see your application form on the screen. You can either print it out and show it during your appointment or receive an appointment SMS. Your application form will contain your Appointment Reference Number (ARN).
Step 4: Show Up To The Scheduled Appointment
Next, it’s time to show up to the PSK or POPSK on the scheduled date of your appointment. Make sure that you carry all original and self-attested photocopies of your documents. Here, you’ll be asked to submit your biometric information, including your fingerprints and photograph. The documents will be verified, followed by which your application will move on to the next stage.
Step 5: Prepare For Police Verification
It’s time for the police to show up at your door! Relax, you need not panic! Police verification is the fifth step in processing your passport application. A local police officer will visit the place you’ve mentioned as your current address. They will verify your identity by going through your documents. At times, they might even confirm your identity with the neighbors. Make sure that you present all original documents during the police visit.
Step 6: Receive Your Passport
After the police verification is done and your application is completely verified, your passport will be printed and shipped to you at your current address via Speedpost. You will receive an SMS/Email containing tracking details of your passport.
Now that you know about your Indian passport application process, let’s understand about the documents required for the same.
Documents Required To Apply For An Indian Passport (Adult)
Here are all the valid documents required to apply for an Indian passport:
Proof of Identity: You must have any one of these original documents
- Voter ID
- E-Aadhar/Aadhar Card
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
- Driving license
- Birth certificate
- Government service identity card
- Pension document
Proof of Address: You must have any one of these original documents
- Utility bills (gas bills, water bills, telephone bills in the name of the recipient)
- E-Aadhar/Aadhar Card
- Voter ID
- Rent agreement
- A bank statement with an attested photograph of the applicant
Proof of Date of Birth:
- Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Authority
- School leaving certificate
- E-Aadhar/Aadhar Card
- Declaration given by the Head of the Orphanage/Child Care Home
Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate (if married)
- Divorce decree (if divorced)
- Court order (if adopted)
- Police report (if the passport is lost or stolen)
Photographs:
You must have two (adult) or three (minor) recent passport-sized photographs (2 inches x 2 inches). These should be clicked against a white background. The applicant should not be wearing glasses and should have a neutral expression
Documents Required To Apply For An Indian Passport (Minor)
Proof of Identity:
- Birth certificate of the minor applicant
- Parent’s attested passport copy
Proof of Address:
- Utility bills (gas bills, water bills, telephone bills in the name of the recipient) in the name of the parent
- Parent’s present address proof as well as passbook of an active account
Proof of Age:
- Birth certificate
- Declaration given by the orphanage on official letterhead confirming the applicant’s date of birth
- Mark sheet of secondary or higher secondary school
Photographs:
You must have two (adult) or three (minor) recent passport-sized photographs (2 inches x 2 inches). These should be clicked against a white background. The applicant should not be wearing glasses and should have a neutral expression.
Indian Passport Updates That You Must Know About
As per new regulations issued by the government, those born on or after 1st October 2023 will need to present a birth certificate as the sole proof of their date of birth. Under the revised regulations, birth certificates issued by the municipal corporation, the registrar of births and deaths or any other authorized body under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, will be the only accepted proof of birth.
However, for those born before 1st October, 2023, the rules remain unchanged. Plus, there are more updates to the passport layout. One such update is the removal of the applicant’s residential address from the final page of the passport. Instead of the address being printed, it will now be embedded in a barcode, making it easy to scan and preventing the misuse of information.
That’s not the end – there’s one more small update! The passports will now be color coded as follows:
- White passport: For government officials
- Red passport: For diplomats
- Blue passport: For ordinary Indian citizens
Summing Up
Here we’ve reached the end of the guide on how to apply for an Indian passport. Plus, we’ve also mentioned all the documents you need to apply for a passport. Now that you’re well acquainted with all the information, it’s time to explore the world and collect as many stamps on your passport as possible!
FAQs
How Many Countries Can An Indian Passport Go Without A Visa?
As of 2025, an Indian passport can grant you visa-free entry in 57 countries.
Is Japan Visa-Free For India?
No, Japan is not visa-free for Indians. Instead, you can get a sticker visa to visit Japan.
Is An Indian Passport Strong?
The Indian passport, as of 2025, is not a strong passport. It ranks on the 85th position on the Henley Passport Index, a global passport ranking system.
