How to Apply for Passport Online — Fresh & Renewal
Apply for a fresh or renewed Indian passport online through the Passport Seva portal — normal processing in 30 days, tatkal in 1-3 days
Normal Fee
₹1,500
Tatkal Fee
₹3,500
Processing
30 days (normal)
Portal
passportindia.gov.in
📋Fresh Passport vs Renewal — What You Need
Fresh Passport (first time): If you've never had a passport or your old passport expired more than 3 years ago. Fee: ₹1,500 (36 pages) or ₹2,000 (60 pages). Processing: 30 working days after police verification.
Passport Renewal: If your passport is expiring within 1 year or has expired less than 3 years ago. Fee: ₹1,500. Processing: 7-15 days (often faster than fresh because police verification may be skipped if address hasn't changed).
Tatkal (Urgent): Available for both fresh and renewal. Fee: ₹3,500 (36 pages) or ₹4,000 (60 pages). Processing: 1-3 working days. Requires additional identity proof from a specific list (educational certificate from recognized institution, or verification by an approved gazetted officer).
Minor Passport (below 18): Fee: ₹1,000. Valid for 5 years or until the minor turns 18 (whichever is earlier). Both parents' consent is required (except in specific circumstances like single parent, divorced, etc.).
💻Step-by-Step: Apply Online
1
Register on passportindia.gov.in
Create a new account with your email ID. Verify your email. Login and click 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport'.
2
Fill the application form online
Choose: Fresh Passport or Re-issue. Select: Normal or Tatkal. Fill personal details, family details, address (present and permanent), emergency contact, and previous passport details (if re-issue). This is the longest step — takes 20-30 minutes.
3
Upload photo and signature
Photo: Recent passport-size photo (JPEG, 10KB-300KB, white background, 2x2 inch). Signature: Sign on white paper and scan (JPEG, 10KB-300KB). Follow the exact specifications on the portal — rejection of photo is the most common issue.
4
Pay fee online
Pay ₹1,500 (normal) or ₹3,500 (tatkal) via net banking, debit card, credit card, or SBI challan. Save the payment receipt.
5
Book appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
After payment, book an appointment at your nearest PSK or POPSK (Post Office Passport Seva Kendra). Choose a convenient date and time slot. You can book 1-3 days ahead for tatkal, or 1-14 days ahead for normal.
6
Visit PSK on appointment day
Carry: printed application receipt, original documents + photocopies, payment receipt, and appointment confirmation. At PSK: Token → Document verification (Counter A) → Biometrics — photo, fingerprints, signature (Counter B) → Final verification (Counter C). Total time: 1-3 hours.
7
Police verification and passport delivery
For fresh passports, police verify your address. An officer may visit your home or you may be called to the police station. After successful verification, passport is printed and dispatched via Speed Post. Track at passportindia.gov.in.