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How to apply for Indian passport online — step-by-step (2026)

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—how-to-apply:passport [2026/04/25 18:55] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>
 +metatag-keywords=(apply for passport, passport online application, passport seva apply, fresh passport, tatkaal passport)
 +metatag-description=(Apply for passport via passportindia.gov.in. Normal Rs 1,500 (30 days), Tatkaal Rs 3,500 (3–7 days). PSK appointment mandatory.)
 +}}
 +
 +====== How to apply for Indian passport online — step-by-step (2026) ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:how-to-apply-passport.png?direct&1200 }}
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**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.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== 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:** [[https://www.passportindia.gov.in|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:passport-new|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:
 +
 +<code>
 +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.
 +</code>
 +
 +**Auto-fill the PIO details + your case:** [[:rti-for-passport-status|Open the RTI Drafter →]]
 +
 +**Track your application status:** [[:check-status:passport-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 [[:rti-for-police-verification-passport|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 =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 90%>
 +**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:** [[https://www.passportindia.gov.in|Passport Seva]]
 +  * **Document checklist first:** [[:documents:passport-new|Required documents]]
 +  * **Track existing application:** [[:check-status:passport-status|Status check guide]]
 +  * **If stuck — RTI Drafter:** [[:rti-for-passport-status|File an RTI in 5 minutes]]
 +  * **Talk to other citizens:** [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI community]]
 +  * **Browse all how-to-apply guides:** [[:how-to-apply:start|All 25 application guides]]
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Related reading =====
 +  * [[:check-status:start|How to check status — 25 high-traffic services]]
 +  * [[:documents:start|Documents required — 30 checklists]]
 +  * [[:state-rti-portals-directory|All state RTI portals]]
 +  * [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios]]
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +  * Official portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
 +  * Citizen feedback collected via [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]] (composite, identifying details removed).
 +  * Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>how-to-apply passport citizen-services rti-fallback}}
  

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