A passport is one of the most important travel documents for Indian citizens who wish to travel internationally. Today, applying for a passport has become much easier through the online Passport Seva system. You can complete the registration, application form, fee payment and appointment booking online from home. However, you must visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for biometric capture, document verification and other required formalities.
This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for an Indian passport online, what documents you may need, how to book an appointment, how police verification works and the latest passport application fees.
1. Visit the Official Passport Seva Portal
The first step is to visit the official Passport Seva website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Always use the official government portal for your passport application. Avoid unofficial websites or agents who may charge additional service fees.
The online portal allows applicants to access services such as:
- Fresh passport application
- Passport reissue
- Tatkaal passport application
- Appointment booking
- Application status tracking
- Police Clearance Certificate services
- Document information
- Fee calculation
Before starting your application, keep your basic personal and document details ready.
2. Register Yourself as a New User
If you are applying through the Passport Seva Online Portal for the first time, you must create an account.
The registration process generally involves:
- Clicking on the Register option
- Entering your personal details
- Providing an email address
- Creating a Login ID
- Creating a secure password
- Entering your mobile number
- Completing email verification where required
After successful registration, log in using your registered Login ID and password.
Keep your login details secure because they will be required to access your application and passport-related services.
3. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport”
After logging in, go to the Services section and select:
Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport
If you have never received an ordinary Indian passport before, select the fresh passport option.
If you already have a passport and need another passport because of reasons such as expiry, damage, loss, change of address or other changes in personal details, select the appropriate reissue service.
Choose the correct service because different categories may require different documents and fees.
4. Select the Passport Type
The application process will ask you to select important details about the passport you want.
Depending on your eligibility and requirements, you may need to choose:
- Fresh Passport or Reissue
- Normal or Tatkaal service
- Passport booklet size
- Applicant category
- Other applicable passport details
For most adult applicants, a standard ordinary passport application is sufficient.
Tatkaal service should only be selected if you are eligible under the applicable rules and can meet the required documentary conditions.
5. Fill in Your Applicant Details
You will now need to provide your personal information.
This may include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Place of birth
- Marital status
- Nationality
- Other identification details requested in the form
Enter all information carefully.
Your name, date of birth and other important details should match your supporting documents. Incorrect spellings or inconsistent information can create delays during verification.
Before moving to the next section, carefully check every detail you have entered.
6. Enter Family Details
The passport application also requires family-related information.
Depending on the application, you may need to provide:
- Father’s details
- Mother’s details
- Legal guardian details for minors
- Spouse details, where applicable
Provide accurate information according to the instructions shown in the application.
For minor applicants, parents or legal guardians may have additional responsibilities and document requirements.
7. Fill in Your Address Details
Your residential address is an important part of the passport application.
You may be required to provide:
- Present residential address
- Permanent address, where applicable
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Other contact information
Enter your complete address carefully.
The address provided in your application may be relevant for police verification and other official procedures. Therefore, avoid entering incomplete or incorrect information.
8. Add Emergency Contact and Other Details
The application may ask for emergency contact information and other declarations.
You may need to provide:
- Emergency contact name
- Contact number
- Relationship with the emergency contact
- Other required declarations
Answer all questions honestly.
Providing false information in a passport application can create serious problems. Therefore, review all declarations before submitting the application.
9. Review and Submit the Application
Before final submission, the Passport Seva portal provides an opportunity to review the information.
Check the following carefully:
- Name spelling
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Address
- Family details
- Contact information
- Passport type
- Application category
After submitting the completed application, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated.
Save your ARN carefully. You may need it for appointment booking, tracking your application and future communication regarding your passport application.
Remember that the official portal advises applicants to validate details carefully before submission, as changes may not be possible after the application has been submitted.
10. Pay the Passport Application Fee
After submitting the application, you need to pay the applicable passport fee.
Prior online payment is mandatory for booking appointments at PSKs and POPSKs. Online payment options include:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Internet banking
- UPI
- Other payment methods available on the official portal
The exact amount depends on your passport category and service.
Latest Passport Fees in India
Passport application fees were revised with effect from 1 July 2026, so applicants should always check the official Fee Calculator before making payment.
Fresh Passport/Reissue – 36 Pages, 10-Year Validity
Application Fee: ₹2,500
This category includes a standard 36-page passport with 10-year validity for eligible applicants, including certain minors aged 15 to 18 who opt for a full-validity passport.
Additional Tatkaal Fee: ₹2,500
Therefore, where the Tatkaal category is applicable, the total payable amount is generally the application fee plus the additional Tatkaal fee.
Fresh Passport/Reissue – 60 Pages, 10-Year Validity
Application Fee: ₹3,500
Additional Tatkaal Fee: ₹2,500
A 60-page passport may be useful for frequent international travellers who require additional visa pages.
Passport for Minors Below 18 Years
For a 36-page passport with 5-year validity, or validity until the minor reaches 18 years of age, whichever is earlier:
Application Fee: ₹1,750
Additional Tatkaal Fee: ₹2,500
The exact validity and applicable category can depend on the applicant’s age and the selected passport service.
Lost, Damaged or Stolen Passport – 36 Pages
For replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen passport with 5-year validity:
Application Fee: ₹4,250
For replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen passport with 10-year validity:
Application Fee: ₹5,000
Additional Tatkaal Fee: ₹2,500, where applicable.
Lost, Damaged or Stolen Passport – 60 Pages
Application Fee: ₹6,000
Additional Tatkaal Fee: ₹2,500, where applicable.
Change in Personal Particulars or Deletion of ECR
For replacement of a 36-page passport for eligible changes in personal particulars or deletion of ECR:
Application Fee: ₹2,500
For a 60-page passport:
Application Fee: ₹3,500
The additional Tatkaal fee shown in the official fee structure is ₹2,500, where applicable.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
The fee for a Police Clearance Certificate is:
₹750
Passport application fees are generally non-refundable, so make sure you select the correct service before making payment.
Fee Rebate for Certain Applicants
For fresh passport applications, the official fee structure provides a 10% rebate on the basic passport fee for:
- Minor applicants aged 8 years or below
- Senior citizens above 60 years
Applicants should confirm their exact payable amount through the official Passport Seva Fee Calculator before payment.
11. Schedule Your Passport Appointment
After successful payment, select:
Pay and Schedule Appointment
Choose your preferred:
- Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or
- Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
Subject to appointment availability and applicable procedures, you can select a suitable date and time.
After confirmation, save your appointment details.
The official system states that prior payment of the applicable passport fee is mandatory for booking appointments.
12. Prepare Your Required Documents
Before visiting the passport centre, check the official document requirements for your exact application category.
Documents generally relate to:
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of current address
- Identity-related documents
- Other documents required for your particular category
Additional documents may be required for:
- Minor applicants
- Tatkaal applications
- Lost passports
- Damaged passports
- Reissue applications
- Change of personal details
Carry the required original documents and any other documents specified in your appointment instructions.
13. Visit the PSK or POPSK
On your appointment date, visit the selected passport centre on time.
The process may include:
- Document verification
- Photograph capture
- Biometric capture
- Application processing
- Verification by passport officials
Follow the instructions provided at the passport centre.
14. Complete Police Verification if Required
Police verification may be required depending on the type of passport application and the procedure applicable to your case.
The Passport Office decides whether police verification is required and whether it will take place before or after passport issuance, depending on the application. Police verification is used to help verify the details furnished by the applicant.
Make sure:
- Your address details are accurate
- You are available when required
- Your documents are ready
- You provide correct information
15. Track Your Passport Application Status
After completing the required procedures, you can track your passport application through the Passport Seva portal.
Keep your ARN and other required information ready.
The online tracking system can help you check the current stage of your application.
Important Tips Before Applying
Keep these important points in mind:
- Always use the official Passport Seva website.
- Enter your name exactly as required and supported by your documents.
- Check your date of birth carefully.
- Enter your current address accurately.
- Save your Application Reference Number.
- Check the latest official fee before making payment.
- Carry original documents to your appointment.
- Do not select Tatkaal unless you meet the applicable requirements.
- Never provide false information.
- Track your application through official channels.
Conclusion
Applying for an Indian passport online is a convenient and structured process. You need to register on the Passport Seva portal, fill in the application form, review your details, pay the applicable fee, schedule an appointment and visit a PSK or POPSK for the required verification process.
The most important part is accuracy. Carefully check your personal details, address and documents before submitting the application. Also remember that passport fees were revised from 1 July 2026, so checking the latest official fee before making payment is essential.
By following each step carefully and using only the official Passport Seva system, you can complete your passport application process smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.