How to Apply for Indian Passport Online: Step by Step Guide

Key facts

Authority

Ministry of External Affairs, through Regional Passport Offices, Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras

Takes

Passports not needing prior police verification are dispatched by the third working day after submission; Tatkaal cases by the next working day; complex cases such as name changes take about 30 days

Costs

Fresh passport or reissue, 36 pages and 10 years validity, Rs 2,500. 60 pages, Rs 3,500. Minor below 18 with 5 years validity, Rs 1,750. Tatkaal is an extra Rs 2,500 on top. A 10 percent rebate applies to minors aged 8 or below and to senior citizens above 60

Mode

Online and offline

An Indian passport application starts online at passportindia.gov.in and finishes in person. You register, fill the form, pay online, book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, and attend with your original documents for verification and biometrics. A fresh 36 page passport with 10 years validity costs Rs 2,500.

What you need before you start

Two things matter most: proof of present address and proof of date of birth. Aadhaar, a utility bill, a bank passbook with your photograph, or a registered rent agreement work for address. A birth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN or school leaving certificate work for date of birth. For a reissue, carry the old passport in original with self attested copies of the first two and last two pages. Minors need the declaration signed by both parents. Carry originals plus one self attested photocopy set.

Step by step

Register on passportindia.gov.in and log in.
Choose Apply for Fresh Passport or Reissue, fill the form, and select 36 or 60 pages and normal or Tatkaal.
Go to Pay and Schedule Appointment. Online payment is compulsory to book a slot.
Book a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra appointment. Walk-in is allowed for senior citizens, minors, differently abled applicants and Tatkaal applicants, but online registration is still needed for the ARN.
Print the Application Receipt with the ARN.
Attend the appointment for document check at Counter A and verification at Counters B and C, along with photograph and biometrics.
Complete police verification where required.
Track the status online and receive the passport by Speed Post.

Fees and timelines

Fresh passport or reissue, 36 pages and 10 years, is Rs 2,500. The 60 page book is Rs 3,500. A minor below 18 with 5 years validity and 36 pages pays Rs 1,750, and Tatkaal is not available for minors under 15. Tatkaal adds Rs 2,500 to the application fee. Replacement of a lost or damaged passport costs Rs 4,250 for 36 pages with 5 years validity, Rs 5,000 for 36 pages with 10 years validity, and Rs 6,000 for the 60 page book. A Police Clearance Certificate is Rs 500. Minors aged 8 or below and senior citizens above 60 get a 10 percent rebate.

What to do if it goes wrong

If your appointment does not suit you, reschedule, but remember you can do this only twice within a year of the original date and you must give 15 hours notice. Your payment stays valid for one year. There is no refund, return or exchange of fee, so book carefully.

If police verification stalls, check the status on the portal first, then contact your Regional Passport Office with the file number. If your application is held up as a complex case, such as a change of name or adoption, expect about 30 days rather than the usual three working days. Keep the Application Receipt safe throughout, because the ARN is what every enquiry is based on. The National Call Centre and the Regional Passport Office grievance channels are the correct escalation route, not private agents.

Documents you need

Proof of present address such as an Aadhaar, utility bill, bank passbook with photograph or registered rent agreement

Proof of date of birth such as a birth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN or school leaving certificate

The old passport in original along with self attested copies of its first two and last two pages, for a reissue

Annexures as applicable, for example the declaration for minors signed by both parents

The printed Application Receipt carrying the ARN and appointment details

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to apply for an Indian passport?

You need proof of present address such as Aadhaar, utility bill, bank passbook with photograph or registered rent agreement, and proof of date of birth such as birth certificate, Aadhaar, PAN or school leaving certificate. For a reissue, carry the old passport in original with self attested copies of first two and last two pages.

How much does an Indian passport cost?

A fresh 36 page passport with 10 years validity costs Rs 2,500. The 60 page book costs Rs 3,500. For minors below 18 with 5 years validity, it is Rs 1,750. Tatkaal adds Rs 2,500 extra. Minors aged 8 or below and senior citizens above 60 get a 10 percent rebate.

How long does it take to get an Indian passport?

Normal cases without prior police verification are dispatched by the third working day after submission. Tatkaal cases are dispatched by the next working day. Complex cases such as name changes take about 30 days. The passport is sent by Speed Post after processing.

Can I apply for a passport without visiting an office?

No. You must register online at passportindia.gov.in and pay online, but you must attend in person at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra for document verification, photograph and biometrics. Walk-in is allowed for senior citizens, minors, differently abled applicants and Tatkaal applicants.

Can I reschedule my passport appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule your appointment, but only twice within a year of the original date. You must give 15 hours notice. Your online payment stays valid for one year. There is no refund of the fee.

What is Tatkaal passport and how much does it cost?

Tatkaal is expedited passport processing available for urgent cases. It costs an extra Rs 2,500 on top of the application fee. Tatkaal passports are dispatched by the next working day. It is not available for minors under 15.