Planning your first international trip, studying abroad or applying for a job overseas? Before making travel arrangements, you’ll need a valid passport.
The good news is that applying for an Indian passport has become easier. You can complete your application, pay the required fees and book an appointment through the government’s Passport Seva portal.
However, applicants generally need to visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for document verification and biometric processing.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a passport online in India, the documents required, updated 2026 fees, police verification and how to track your application.
Who Can Apply for an Indian Passport?
Indian citizens can apply for an ordinary passport, subject to the applicable eligibility and verification requirements.
There are two common application categories:
Fresh Passport: For someone applying for an ordinary Indian passport for the first time.
Re-issue of Passport: For people whose existing passport has expired, is nearing expiry, or requires replacement or changes.
An ordinary adult passport generally has a validity of 10 years, while passports for minors usually have shorter validity periods.
How to Apply for Passport Online: Step-by-Step
You can apply directly through the Ministry of External Affairs’ official Passport Seva website.
Click Register and create an account using your personal information and email address.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
After registering, verify your email address and sign in using your login credentials.
Step 3: Select Fresh Passport Application
Navigate to Services and choose Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.
Select the appropriate application type, booklet size and Normal or Tatkaal service.
Step 4: Fill in Your Personal Details
Enter the required information, including:
Full name and date of birth
Parents’ details
Present residential address
Contact information
Previous passport details, if applicable
Other information requested in the form
Review everything carefully before submitting.
Helpful tip: If you’ve recently changed your address, provide your current residential address and accurately disclose previous addresses for the period requested in the application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After reviewing the information, submit your form. The portal will generate an Application Reference Number (ARN).
Save this number for future reference.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Book an Appointment
Select Pay and Schedule Appointment.
Choose an available PSK or POPSK, pay the applicable fee and confirm your appointment.
Online payment is mandatory for booking appointments and can be made through supported options, including UPI, cards or internet banking.
Step 7: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
Arrive at your scheduled centre with the required original documents and self-attested photocopies.
Officials will verify your information, capture the required photograph and biometrics, and process your application.
Step 8: Complete Police Verification
Police verification may take place before or after passport issuance, depending on your application category and eligibility.
Once all necessary checks are completed and your application is approved, your passport will be printed and dispatched.
Documents Required for Passport Application
The exact documents depend on the applicant’s age and individual circumstances.
Document
Purpose
Aadhaar card
Accepted identity and address proof
Voter ID
Accepted address proof
Electricity bill or rent agreement
Residential address verification
Birth certificate
Date-of-birth proof
School leaving or matriculation certificate
Date-of-birth proof for eligible applicants
Existing passport
Required for applicable re-issue applications
Important update: Applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, must provide a birth certificate issued by the authorised registration authority as proof of date of birth. Applicants born earlier may use other documents accepted under Passport Seva rules.
Use the official Document Advisor to identify the exact documents needed for your application.
Passport Application Fees in India (2026)
The government revised passport fees effective July 1, 2026.
Passport Service
Fee
Adult passport, 36 pages (Normal)
₹2,500
Adult passport, 60 pages (Normal)
₹3,500
Adult passport, 36 pages (Tatkaal)
₹5,000
Adult passport, 60 pages (Tatkaal)
₹6,000
Minor passport, 36 pages (Normal)
₹1,750
Tatkaal amounts shown include the normal application fee.
Certain applicants, including eligible young children and senior citizens, may qualify for discounts on fresh applications.
After visiting the passport office, you can check your application’s progress online.
Visit the Passport Seva website.
Select Track Application Status.
Choose the relevant application category.
Enter your passport file number and date of birth.
Click Track Application Status.
The portal displays the available processing status, including verification or dispatch updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a passport completely online?
You can register, submit the application, pay fees and book an appointment online. However, you generally need to visit a PSK or POPSK for verification and biometrics.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for passport applications?
Aadhaar is an accepted identity and address document, but it is not universally mandatory. Other approved documents may be submitted according to your application category.
How many days does passport processing take?
Processing times depend on appointment availability, document verification, police checks and application category. Tatkaal applications may be processed faster when eligibility requirements are satisfied.
Can I apply for a passport without a birth certificate?
Applicants born before October 1, 2023, may use other acceptable date-of-birth documents. Those born on or after that date must submit the prescribed birth certificate.
Can I apply for a passport using my mobile?
Yes. The official Passport Seva app supports passport applications, fee payments, appointment scheduling and status tracking.
Final Words
Applying for a passport online in India is straightforward when your documents are ready and your personal details are accurate.
Before submitting, check your application category, confirm the required documents and select an appointment that suits your schedule.
Most importantly, use the official Passport Seva website rather than paying unauthorised agents promising guaranteed approval or instant passports.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs or Passport Seva. Passport fees, eligibility requirements and application procedures may change. Always verify the latest information on the official government website.
