In the past few years, applying for a passport has become easier. The time taken for the completion of the process and time taken for the applicant to receive the passport has also reduced.
Passport is an important document required mostly for travelling abroad. It is issued by a country’s government and certifies the identity and nationality of the individual holding the passport. It contains details such as name, date of birth, address, photo, signature, and other details.
In India, the passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The ministry has made a dedicated online service known as Passport Seva that lets Indian citizens apply for the passport online. Applying for a passport will require the applicant to register on the Passport Seva portal and follow a few steps. After completing the process and taking an appointment online, the applicant will have to visit the Passport Seva Kendra or the Regional Passport Office physically to complete the process.
What are the documents required for applying for a passport in India?
Before getting started with the process of applying for a passport in India, it is important that the applicant is ready with all the documents required. The applicant will have to carry the original documents to the Passport Seva Kendra or the Regional Passport Office for the appointment. The MEA has issued the list of documents required that needs to be carried for the appointment. The list of documents required (hyperlink - https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/docAdvisor/attachmentAdvFresh) for applying for a passport is available online on the Passport Seva portal. Once the online process is complete, the applicant will have 90 days to visit the Passport Seva Kendra.
Here is a step by step guide to apply for a passport online
1. Go to the Passport Seva portal and click on the Register Now (https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/user/RegistrationBaseAction?request_locale=en) link.
2. Enter all the details required. Select the Passport Office you would like to visit. After all the details are entered, type the captcha and click on 'register'.
3. Login to the Passport Seva portal with your registered login details
4. Go to 'Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport' link. The applicant must not have held an Indian passport in the past for applying under Fresh Passport.
5. Enter all the details required and click on Submit
6. Click on Pay and Schedule Appointment link on the View Saved/Submitted Applicants screen. Here, you will be able to schedule an appointment. You will also need to pay a fee online for the appointment. After paying the fee, click on the 'Print Application Receipt' link to print your application receipt
7. You will get an SMS with all the details of your appointment
8. The online process is complete now and the applicant will have to visit the Passport Seva Kendra or the Regional Passport Office physically where the appointment has been made. The applicant must carry all the documents required along with the application receipt.
After the physical visit and verification by the police, the applicant will receive the passport in a few days. Under normal mode, the passport is usually issued in 30-45 days. In Tatkal mode, the passport is issued to the applicant in 7-14 days.
