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🇮🇳 India

Indian Passport Application

New or Renewed Indian Passport

Medium ~30 min PassportIndiaTravelIdentity

/ What is this form?

The Indian passport is one of the most important identity documents for Indian citizens. Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs under the Passports Act 1967, Indian passports are processed through the Passport Seva Project — a digital, end-to-end online and in-person system managed through a network of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) across India and abroad at Indian embassies and consulates.

Passport applications are submitted online at passportindia.gov.in, with in-person biometric capture and document verification at the PSK. Police verification is a standard component for new passport issuances in most cases. The system handles approximately 12-15 million passport applications annually, making India's passport issuance system one of the largest in the world.

Two processing speeds are available: Normal (approximately 30 days, includes prior police verification) and Tatkal (urgent, 1-3 business days after PSK appointment, with police verification conducted after issuance). Two booklet sizes exist: 36-page and 60-page, the latter recommended for frequent international travelers.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Indian citizens applying for their first passport
  • Passport holders whose existing passport has expired or will expire within 6 months
  • People who have lost or damaged their passport
  • Children requiring a passport for international travel
  • Individuals who have changed their name (after marriage, legal name change) and need a new passport

/ What you need before you start

Aadhaar card (mandatory — required for biometric linkage)
Proof of date of birth: birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or Aadhaar/PAN
Proof of address: Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement, voter ID
Existing passport (for renewal or reissue applications)
Marriage certificate (if name change or spouse name addition)
For minors: parents' passports and Aadhaar, school enrollment certificate

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Register and Apply Online
Create an account at passportindia.gov.in. Fill the online application form: personal details (name, DOB, address, father's/mother's/spouse's name), travel history, emergency contact, and employment details. Choose the type (new passport, renewal, lost/damaged replacement) and processing scheme (Normal or Tatkal). Pay online: ₹1,500 (36 pages, Normal) or ₹2,000 (60 pages, Normal), or ₹3,500/₹4,000 for Tatkal.
2 Book a PSK Appointment
After paying, book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Appointment availability varies by city — metropolitan PSKs typically have slots within 1-2 weeks. For Tatkal, priority appointment slots are available.
3 Attend PSK Appointment
Bring the application reference number (ARN), original documents and self-attested photocopies: Aadhaar card, birth certificate (for first passport or applicants under 26), proof of address (Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement), proof of date of birth, and current passport (for renewal). At PSK: biometrics are captured, documents verified, and file submitted.
4 Police Verification (For New Passports)
For first-time passport applicants, police verification is conducted — a local police officer visits your address to verify your residence and credentials. This is the most time-consuming step for Normal processing. Tatkal applicants have post-passport verification (verification happens after passport is issued, but adverse police report can result in passport impoundment).
5 Receive Passport by Speed Post
After successful verification and printing, the passport is dispatched via Speed Post. Track at passportindia.gov.in or India Post. Normal processing: approximately 30 days from appointment. Tatkal: 1-3 business days after appointment. The passport is dispatched to your registered address — someone must be available to receive it.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Applicant's Name Full name in CAPITAL LETTERS exactly as you want it to appear on the passport. Middle names should be included. Ensure this matches your Aadhaar card or change your Aadhaar name first. Abbreviating a middle name or omitting it — the name on the passport should ideally match all your documents (Aadhaar, bank accounts, employer records) to avoid future discrepancies.
Emergency Contact Name, address, and phone number of a person to contact in case of emergency. This is NOT printed on the passport but is stored in MEA records. Providing an overseas emergency contact — MEA recommends a contact in India who can be reached in case of passport-related issues.
Prior Passports Details of all previous passports: passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and issuing office. Even expired passports from childhood must be listed. Not mentioning a previously held passport — MEA's system checks records. Undisclosed previous passports trigger scrutiny and can delay or invalidate applications.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Aadhaar address mismatch — if your Aadhaar address differs from your current residence, update Aadhaar first or provide additional address proof at PSK.
Attending PSK without original documents — the PSK verifies originals. Photocopies alone are not accepted. Being turned away means rebooking an appointment.
Applying Normal processing for urgent travel — Normal processing takes approximately 30 days. If you need the passport within 2 weeks, apply Tatkal.
Not checking the passport before the PSK officer — at PSK, your details are shown on screen. Corrections after submission require additional steps.

/ Frequently asked questions

How long is an Indian passport valid?

10 years for adults (18 and above). 5 years or until the child turns 18 (whichever is earlier) for minors under 18.

Can I apply for an Indian passport if I am abroad?

Yes. Apply through the Indian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The overseas application process is similar but processed by the embassy. Processing times vary by mission.

What is the Tatkal scheme?

Tatkal provides urgent processing with PSK appointment within 2 days and passport dispatch within 1-3 business days of the appointment. Fee: ₹2,000 extra for Normal Tatkal. Police verification happens after issuance.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for a passport?

Yes, since 2020. Aadhaar is mandatory for Indian passport applications. It is used for identity verification and is linked to your passport record. Applicants who genuinely cannot provide Aadhaar must explain in a letter and provide alternative documents.