How to Apply for a Passport in India: If you are planning to travel abroad or want to go to another country for studies, then the first thing you need is a valid Indian passport. Earlier, getting a passport used to be a big hassle. Long queues, lots of paperwork and visits to government offices… but now it is not so. Now everything is online, and getting a passport has become very easy.
In today’s digital age, you can get a new passport made from home or even get the old one re-issued. But if you are applying for a passport for the first time, then the beginning may seem a bit difficult. So to make this whole process easy, here we are going to tell you in a very desi and friendly way how to get a passport, which documents are required, how much does it cost and what to keep in mind.
Online registration
First of all you have to go to the official website of Passport Seva – https://passportindia.gov.in. There you will find the option of “New User Registration”, where you have to fill in your name, date of birth, email ID and other necessary details. After completing the registration, create a password and login, and then the further process begins.
Filling the form is easy
After logging in, you have to choose the option of “Fresh Passport” or “Re-issue of Passport”. Now a form will open in front of you, in which information like your personal details, address, education, family information is sought. Fill all the information carefully and truthfully, because giving wrong information can cause trouble. Once you have filled all the details, submit the form.
Pay the fee and book an appointment
Now the next step is to pay the fee and take an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). You can choose your nearest PSK or POPSK and book a date and time slot according to your convenience. You can pay the fee online through debit card, credit card or internet banking. After paying the fee, you will get a receipt, keep it safely and download it.
Go to PSK on the day of appointment
Now on the day of appointment, you have to go to the chosen passport service center at the scheduled time. There you have to take all your original documents and their self-attested photocopies. There your document verification will be done, biometrics will be taken and the passport officer may ask you some questions. This whole process is completed in about 1-2 hours.
Police verification is also necessary
After passport application, there is also a police verification, especially if you are applying for the first time. Police will come to your house, you and the neighbors will be questioned and the documents will be checked. During this time it is important that you are present at home and give all the documents asked by the police in the correct manner.
How to check application status?
You can track the status of your passport online. Go to the website and click on the option “Track Application Status” and enter your file number and date of birth there. From there you can see at what stage your passport is – processing, verification or dispatch. As soon as your passport is ready, it is sent to your registered address via speed post.
Which documents are required for passport?
When you apply for a passport, you have to attach some important documents. Both the original copy and self-attested photocopy of these documents have to be taken.
As address proof, you can attach any one of Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity/water/phone bill, bank statement or rent agreement.
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card or Aadhaar card will work for date of birth.
PAN card, Aadhaar card or voter ID can be given as identity proof.
If you have changed your name after marriage, then you will have to attach a marriage certificate.
In case of a minor, address proof in the name of the parents will work.
If the passport is lost, then a police report also has to be attached.
How much does it cost to get a passport?
The passport fee depends on which option you choose – normal or tatkal.
If you are getting a normal passport of 36 pages and your age is more than 18 years, then its fee is ₹1500.
If you want an urgent passport, that is, a ‘Tatkal’ passport, then the same 36-page passport is made for ₹3500.
The fee for a 60-page booklet is ₹2000 in normal and ₹4000 in tatkal.
If you are a minor, that is, below 18 years of age, then a normal passport of 36 pages is made for ₹1000 and instant passport for ₹3000.
To know the fees, a “Fee Calculator” is also provided on the website, which tells you the exact amount.
In how many days does the passport get ready?
The time taken to get a passport depends on which service you have chosen and whether police verification is required or not.
If police verification is included in the normal service, then it can take 25 to 30 working days.
If police verification is not required, then the passport gets made in 7 working days.
If you are getting a re-issue and the address has not changed, then the passport often comes in 7 working days.
Any Indian citizen, whether by birth, descent or naturalisation – can apply for a passport. The only condition is that you must have a valid passport.