Table of Contents
How to apply for Indian passport online — step-by-step (2026)
Quick answer: All Indian passport applications go through Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK) — fully appointment-based via passportindia.gov.in. Two routes: Normal (Rs 1,500, ~30 days) or Tatkaal (Rs 3,500, 3–7 working days). Police verification post-issue can take 7–21 days; Tatkaal often skips it.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Indian citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation
- No criminal proceedings under Sections specified in Passport Act §6
- Minors: parent consent (Form for Minor) + both parents Annexure D for joint custody
Step-by-step process
- Register on Passport Seva — Sign up at passportindia.gov.in with email + mobile. One account per family allowed.
- Fill Application Form — New passport / Reissue / Tatkaal — choose. Fill all 6 sections. Save as draft if needed.
- Upload supporting documents — Birth proof + address proof + photo (passport size). Aadhaar accepted as Single Document for PoA + PoDOB.
- Pay fee online — Normal Rs 1,500 (36-page) / Rs 2,000 (60-page). Tatkaal adds Rs 2,000. UPI/netbanking accepted.
- Book PSK appointment — Choose nearest PSK/POPSK + date + time slot. Limited slots — book 2 weeks ahead. Reschedule allowed twice.
- Visit PSK with originals — Reach 15 min before slot. Three counters: A (token + photo), B (verification), C (granting officer).
- Police verification — Local SHO verifies address; happens post-issue for Normal. Tatkaal often pre-verified or skipped if 2 of 3 conditions met (Aadhaar + voter ID + PAN with same address).
- Receive passport — Speed Post in 7–14 days for Tatkaal, 30 days Normal. Track at passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/statusTracker.
Where to apply, fee, and timeline
- Online portal: Passport Seva
- Offline: Any PSK or POPSK after appointment. POPSKs are at India Post head offices in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Fee: Normal: ₹1,500 (36-page) / ₹2,000 (60-page) · Tatkaal: add ₹2,000 · Minor (<15): ₹1,000 · Lost passport reissue: ₹3,000
- Timeline: Normal: ~30 days · Tatkaal: 3–7 working days (post-PSK visit). Police verification adds 7–21 days for first passports.
What documents to keep ready
See our complete checklist: Documents required for passport — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.
Common issues + how to handle
- Slot unavailable — PSK slots fill in minutes after release (12 noon daily). Set alert; try alternate PSK in same city.
- Police verification stuck — file RTI to local SHO + DCP citing Passport Act §6 timeline. ~70% clear within 15 days of RTI filing.
- Annexure rejection (minors) — both parents must sign or produce Annexure C (single parent) / G (court order). No exceptions.
- Address mismatch — Aadhaar address must match application. Update Aadhaar first, then apply.
If your application is delayed or rejected — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.
Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Track your application status: How to check status guide
Frequently asked questions
How fast is Tatkaal really?
Statutory commitment is 3 working days from PSK visit, but real-world: 5–7 days incl. police verification skip-eligibility check. Verified.
Can I apply for passport without Aadhaar?
Yes — but you need 3 separate documents (PoA + PoDOB + ID). With Aadhaar, single document works as 2 of these.
Will police visit my home?
Usually yes for first passport. Some PSKs do verification at the kendra if you carry Aadhaar + 2 utility bills + recent rent agreement.
Police verification is delayed beyond 21 days. What now?
File RTI to SHO + DCP Special Branch (Passport cell). Use our police verification RTI generator.
Can I expedite a passport for medical/family emergency?
Yes — write to RPO with emergency proof (hospital letter, death certificate). RPO discretion for “out-of-turn” issuance.
Summary + what to do next
Bottom line: Apply at Passport Seva (https://www.passportindia.gov.in). Fee: Normal: ₹1,500 (36-page) / ₹2,000 (60-page) · Tatkaal: add ₹2,000 · Minor (<15): ₹1,000 · Lost passport reissue: ₹3,000. Timeline: Normal: ~30 days · Tatkaal: 3–7 working days (post-PSK visit). Police verification adds 7–21 days for first passports.. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- Start your application: Passport Seva
- Document checklist first: Required documents
- Track existing application: Status check guide
- If stuck — RTI Drafter: File an RTI in 5 minutes
- Talk to other citizens: AwaazRTI community
- Browse all how-to-apply guides: All 25 application guides
Related reading
Sources
- Official portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
- Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
- Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

