How to Apply for a Passport Online in India
Applying for a fresh Indian passport involves registration on the Passport Seva portal, submission of an application, payment and appointment booking, verification of documents and, where required, police verification. This guide explains each stage, including passport forms, reissue, Tatkaal service and the applicable legal framework.
Who Can Apply for an Indian Passport?
Indian citizens may apply for an ordinary passport through Passport Seva, subject to the Passports Act, 1967, the Passports Rules, 1980 and applicable instructions. The process differs according to the applicant's age, passport history, personal circumstances and service category.
- Fresh passport: For a person who has not previously held an ordinary Indian passport.
- Reissue: For expiry or impending expiry, exhausted pages, loss, damage or changes in personal particulars. If you have previously held a passport, disclose its details rather than applying as a first-time holder.
- Tatkaal: Expedited processing for eligible applicants, subject to additional conditions and fees.
- Minor applicants: Additional parent or guardian documentation and consent requirements may apply.
See the official Getting Started guidance for the applicable service.
How to Apply for a Passport Online: Step-by-Step
- Open the official portal. Visit Passport Seva and choose the passport application service.
- Register. Create an account using the official registration page, providing the required name, email address and login details. Applicants with an account may sign in.
- Choose the correct service. Select fresh passport or reissue and the applicable Normal or Tatkaal category.
- Complete the form. Enter applicant, family, address, emergency contact, previous passport (if any) and other required details. Check spelling, dates and disclosures carefully.
- Submit the application. Review the information and submit it. The system generates an Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Pay and schedule. From the submitted application, choose the payment and appointment option. Select an available Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), as offered by the portal.
- Keep the appointment details. Save the ARN and appointment confirmation. Follow the portal's instructions regarding receipts or SMS confirmation.
- Attend verification. Visit the assigned centre on the scheduled date with original supporting documents and the required self-attested copies. The centre verifies details and captures necessary biometric information.
- Track progress. Monitor the application through the Passport Seva tracking service using the requested application details.
The current online flow is also explained on the official Apply for Passport page.
Documents Required for a Passport Application
The exact documents depend on the applicant's category and circumstances. Use the Passport Seva document advisor or the official application instruction booklet before your appointment.
| Document category | Examples and guidance |
|---|---|
| Present address proof | Accepted address documents as specified in the official document list; the address must support the application. |
| Date of birth proof | Acceptable birth-date evidence varies by applicant and relevant rules; check the document advisor. |
| Identity and citizenship | Documents required for the particular application category and any additional verification requested. |
| Previous passport | Existing or expired passport and required copies for reissue applications, if available. |
| Special-category documents | Parent or guardian documents, government-employee annexures, name-change documents, court permissions or other supporting records where applicable. |
Carry original documents for inspection and self-attested photocopies as instructed by Passport Seva. Originals are ordinarily returned after verification. Do not assume that one identity document alone satisfies every category.
How to Download and Submit the Passport e-Form
Passport Seva has offered an offline e-Form preparation route in addition to direct online form entry. Where the portal currently offers this facility, the process is:
- Download the applicable e-Form and its instructions from the official Passport Seva portal.
- Fill the form using the supported application or format, then validate and save it in the format required by the portal.
- Sign in to your Passport Seva account and upload the generated application data file using the designated e-Form upload facility, if available.
- Review the submitted application, obtain the ARN, pay the fee and schedule an appointment.
- Attend the appointment with original documents and any required copies.
Important: Older instructions refer to uploading an XML file rather than the PDF form. The upload facility and supported format can change. Follow the live portal's instructions; do not upload a PDF in place of a required data file.
Passport Fees, Online Payment and Appointment Booking
Passport fees depend on the application type, booklet, applicant category and whether Tatkaal service is requested. Passport Seva announced revised fees effective 1 July 2026. For an accurate amount, use the official portal's current fee calculator and payment screen.
Payment is generally required before booking an appointment at a PSK or POPSK. Available payment options may include cards, internet banking and UPI, as supported by the portal at the time of payment. Older instructions referring only to specific banks or card networks should not be treated as exhaustive.
After payment, choose an available slot. Appointment availability depends on the centre and category. If you need to reschedule, use the relevant portal option and review any applicable restrictions.
Document Verification and Police Verification
At the passport service centre, officials check the application against supporting documents and may collect a photograph and biometric details. Police verification may take place before issue, after issue or not at all, depending on the application type, available records and applicable government instructions.
For many first-time applicants, pre-police verification is applicable. Certain eligible applicants can receive post-police verification or an exemption. Tatkaal processing is also subject to its specific eligibility and verification rules. A passport is not guaranteed merely because an appointment has been completed.
Read the official police verification mode guidance for details.
Passport Application Status
After submission, track your application through Passport Seva. You may need the application file number and date of birth. If a passport has been dispatched, use the dispatch or tracking information provided by the portal.
See also our guide to tracking passport application status.
Applicable Indian Passport Law: Important Sections Explained
The principal legislation is the Passports Act, 1967, read with the Passports Rules, 1980, as amended, and relevant notifications and administrative instructions.
Section 3 - Passport or Travel Document for Departure
Section 3 establishes the general requirement that a person departing or attempting to depart from India must possess a valid passport or travel document, subject to statutory exceptions and prescribed conditions.
Section 5 - Applications and Decisions
Section 5 deals with applications for passports or travel documents, prescribed fees, inquiries and orders by the passport authority, including issuance or refusal in accordance with the Act.
Section 6 - Grounds for Refusal
Section 6 specifies statutory grounds on which a passport or travel document may be refused. These include circumstances relating to citizenship, national security, certain criminal proceedings and other grounds stated in the provision. Pending criminal proceedings require particular attention to the applicable statutory framework and any relevant court order or notification.
Section 10 - Variation, Impounding and Revocation
Section 10 provides for variation of passport conditions and, on specified grounds, impounding or revocation by the competent authority, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Section 12 - Offences and Penalties
Section 12 addresses offences such as knowingly furnishing false information or suppressing material information in connection with a passport application. Applicants should disclose all relevant facts accurately.
For official statutory material, consult the India Code portal and the Passport Seva legal resources. These summaries are explanatory and do not replace the full statutory text.
Special Passport Application Situations
Passport Reissue or Renewal
Use the reissue service for expiry, lost or damaged passports, exhausted pages or changes in personal details, as applicable. See passport renewal and reissue instructions.
Tatkaal Passport
Eligible applicants may select Tatkaal for expedited processing, subject to extra fees, documents and verification. See Tatkaal passport guidance.
Police Clearance Certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a separate passport-related service often needed for specified overseas purposes. See how to apply for a PCC.
Emergency and Minor Applications
Walk-in applications are not generally permitted without an appointment; limited emergency or pre-approved cases may be handled at the discretion of the passport authority. For children under four years, the portal may require a recent photograph meeting its stated specifications. Always check the current instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a passport entirely online?
You can complete and submit the application and book an appointment online, but an in-person visit for document and identity verification is generally required.
Do I need to print my appointment receipt?
Follow the current portal instructions. Passport Seva guidance accepts appointment SMS in relevant circumstances; keeping a digital or printed confirmation is useful.
Is police verification compulsory?
Not in every case. Whether verification is required, and its timing, depends on the application category and applicable rules.
How long does it take to receive a passport?
Processing varies according to service type, police verification, document completeness and any additional scrutiny. Refer to the latest Ministry of External Affairs Citizen's Charter for indicative service timelines.
Where can I find the official application form?
Use the Passport Seva portal for online forms, current instructions and any downloadable e-Form facility.