How to Apply for Passport Online in India – 2026 Guide

Introduction – Why Applying for a Passport Online Matters in 2025

In 2025, a passport is more than just a travel document — it’s your gateway to global opportunities, higher studies, overseas jobs, and even government identity verification.

Thanks to the Passport Seva Online Portal, the entire process of applying for a passport in India has been simplified. You no longer have to stand in long queues or fill out forms by hand. With just a smartphone or laptop and a few documents, you can schedule your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK) from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant, someone seeking passport renewal, or looking for a minor’s passport, this guide walks you through everything step by step.

Who Can Apply for a Passport Online in India in 2025?

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for an Indian passport if you meet the following conditions:

You are an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization
You possess valid proof of Indian identity and residence
You are 18 years or older (or applying under guardian’s name if a minor)
You do not have any pending criminal cases or court restrictions on travel
You are not debarred from applying by the Ministry of External Affairs

Types of Indian Passports (2025)

There are three main types of passports issued by the Government of India:

1. Ordinary Passport (Blue Cover)

For general public
Valid for international travel, education, business, tourism
Issued with a validity of 10 years (adults), 5 years (minors)

2. Official Passport (White Cover)

Issued to individuals representing the Indian government on official business
Typically for civil servants and officers

3. Diplomatic Passport (Maroon Cover)

Issued to diplomats, top-ranking government officials, and their families
Includes additional travel privileges and immunity

📌 Types of Services You Can Apply for:

Fresh Passport Application
Re-issue of Passport (expired, lost, damaged)
Change in Personal Details (name, DOB, address, spouse name)
Minor’s Passport Application
Tatkaal Passport (Fast Track Service)

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Apply for Passport Online in India (2025)

The Ministry of External Affairs operates the Passport Seva Online Portal which allows Indian citizens to submit their application and book appointments at Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) or Post Office PSKs (POPSK).

✅ Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

Visit: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
Click on “New User Registration”
Choose the Passport Office nearest to your location
Fill in your details:
- Full name (as per documents)
- Date of birth
- Email ID and mobile number
- Choose a username and password
Confirm registration via the OTP sent to your registered mobile/email

✅ Step 2: Log In and Fill the Application Form

Log in using your credentials
Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport”
Choose the correct form based on your requirement:
- Fresh, Reissue, Tatkaal, Minor’s Passport
Fill in all required fields:
- Personal details (name, DOB, gender)
- Family details (parents/spouse)
- Present and permanent address
- Educational qualifications
- Employment type
- Emergency contact
- Identity certificate (if applicable)
Review and save your form

✅ Step 3: Pay the Passport Fee Online

Click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment”
Choose PSK/POPSK location based on PIN code
Select preferred date and time for appointment
Pay the application fee online via:
- Credit/Debit card
- Net banking
- UPI
- SBI Challan (for offline payment)

✅ Step 4: Download Application Receipt

Once payment is successful, download the ARN (Application Reference Number) receipt
Print or save it as PDF
This receipt will be needed at the time of your appointment

✅ Step 5: Visit Passport Seva Kendra on Appointment Day

Carry original documents (Aadhaar, address proof, ID, etc.)
Visit the PSK or POPSK on the scheduled date
Go through:
- Document verification
- Biometrics (photo + fingerprints)
- Officer interview (if needed)

Passport Application Fees in India – 2025 (Updated)

Your total fee depends on the type of passport, number of pages, age category, and whether you’re applying under the Tatkaal (urgent) or normal category.

✅ Normal Passport Fees (as of 2025)

Service Type	Age	Pages	Fee (INR)
Fresh/Reissue	Adult (18+)	36 pages	₹1,500
Fresh/Reissue	Adult (18+)	60 pages	₹2,000
Fresh/Reissue	Minor (<18 yrs)	36 pages	₹1,000

✅ Tatkaal Passport Fees (as of 2025)

Tatkaal applications get faster processing (1–3 working days). Charges include the normal fee + Tatkaal premium.

Service Type	Pages	Normal Fee	Tatkaal Fee	Total Fee
Tatkaal – 18+	36 pages	₹1,500	₹2,000	₹3,500
Tatkaal – 18+	60 pages	₹2,000	₹2,000	₹4,000

✅ Payment Methods

Debit/Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay)
Net Banking (all major banks)
UPI
SBI e-Challan (offline submission at SBI branch)

Refund Policy for Passport Applications

Once payment is made, no refund is allowed unless:
- You cancel before scheduling appointment
- You applied twice by mistake and one is unused
Refunds, if approved, are initiated via the same payment method and take 5–7 working days

Documents Required to Apply for Passport in 2025 (India)

Different passport services have different documentation needs. Below is a service-wise breakdown to help you prepare without any last-minute issues.

✅ For Fresh Passport – Adults (Age 18+)

Aadhaar Card
Voter ID / PAN Card / Driving License (as secondary ID)
Proof of Address (any one):
- Aadhaar (if current address matches)
- Utility bill (electricity, water, gas)
- Bank passbook (with address)
- Rental agreement
Birth Certificate (if born after 1989)
Annexure E (self-declaration for no criminal record, available on portal)
Employment ID (if government employee)

✅ For Minors (Under 18 Years)

Birth Certificate (mandatory)
Aadhaar Card (if available)
Parents’ Passport copies (if available)
Annexure D (Declaration by parents)
School ID / Bonafide Certificate

Note: One parent must accompany the minor to PSK.

✅ For Passport Reissue (Expired/Lost/Damaged)

Old Passport (if expired)
FIR Copy (for lost passport)
Aadhaar / Voter ID
Proof of Address (if changed)
Annexure E (declaration form)

✅ For Tatkaal Passport Applicants

Aadhaar + PAN + Voter ID (any two)
Proof of urgency (if asked)
No Police Verification Certificate (sometimes waived under Tatkaal)

📝 Annexures (like A, D, E, I) can be downloaded in PDF format directly from passportindia.gov.in

Police Verification, Tracking Status & Passport Dispatch Timeline (2025)

Once you’ve submitted your documents and completed your appointment, the next phase is police verification, which is mandatory for most applicants.

✅ Police Verification Process

After PSK appointment, your file is sent to the local police station
You’ll receive an SMS with contact details of the police officer assigned
Within 7–21 working days, a police officer will visit your registered address
They will:
- Confirm your identity and residence
- Check your original documents again
- Ask you to sign a verification form
Once verification is complete, the report is sent back to the RPO (Regional Passport Office)

🛡️ Tatkaal Applicants:

May be issued passport before police verification (post-verification)
Must not have any criminal background

✅ How to Track Your Passport Application Status

Use any of these methods:

Passport Seva Portal
- Login → “Track Application Status”
- Enter Application Reference Number (ARN) and DOB
VFS Global Tracking (for overseas applications)
- Track visa + passport together for international applicants
SMS & Email Alerts
- Enabled by default when you submit application
Passport Helpline – 1800-258-1800
- Toll-free number for all India queries (Mon–Sat)

✅ Passport Dispatch & Delivery Timeline

Service Type	Average Time (Post Verification)
Normal Passport	15–25 working days
Tatkaal Passport	1–3 working days

You will receive your passport via India Post – Speed Post
Tracking number is shared via SMS/email
Delivery is done at the address you submitted during application
In case you miss delivery, visit your local post office with ID proof

Common Mistakes to Avoid + FAQs & Final Tips

Even though the online passport process is streamlined, one small mistake can delay your application or result in rejection. Here’s how to avoid that.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incorrect DOB or name mismatch between documents
Using an unregistered mobile number (no OTP received)
Not carrying original documents to the PSK
Booking an appointment but failing to show up
Submitting unclear or mismatched photos (for offline forms)
Using someone else’s Aadhaar or address proof
Choosing the wrong service (e.g., Tatkaal instead of Normal)

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I change the PSK after paying the fee?

No, PSK location is locked once payment is made. You’ll need to cancel and reapply.

Q2. What is the validity of a passport in India?

10 years for adults, 5 years for minors (under 18)

Q3. Do I need to submit Annexure forms online?

No, carry them printed and signed when visiting PSK.

Q4. Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, up to 2 times within one year of initial payment.

Q5. Is Aadhaar mandatory for passport in 2025?

Highly recommended, but not legally mandatory. Other valid IDs are accepted.

Final Tips for a Smooth Passport Experience

Create your passport seva account using your legal name
Keep scanned copies and physical originals of all documents
Reach the PSK 30 minutes early with printed application receipt
Use official helpline (1800-258-1800) for genuine concerns
Don’t panic if police visit is delayed — you can follow up at the local station
Recheck your passport for name and address accuracy once received

Ready to Apply?

Start now at https://passportindia.gov.in

📄 Minimum Documentation Needed for Passport Application (India – 2025)

🔹 For Fresh Passport – Adults (18+)

Aadhaar Card (as ID + address proof)
One additional ID: Voter ID / PAN Card / Driving License
Proof of Address (if different from Aadhaar):
Utility bill / Bank statement / Rent agreement
Birth Certificate (only if born after 1989)
Annexure E (self-declaration form)