India Passport Application 2023: Step-by-Step Guide for Online and Offline Process, Requirements, and Fees

Whether you are going on a school trip, a work trip or a family vacation, the passport is an essential official document whenever you travel outside the country. Although some countries allow Indians to visit without a visa, passports are essential when you need to travel to a foreign country. People traveling abroad for the first time may feel overwhelmed and confused about how they can obtain their passport.

While previously the process was slightly more complicated, the Indian government has taken several steps to simplify and speed up the entire process over the past few years. Now, one can apply for their passport online, at home, or offline by visiting different application centers. Offline mode is mainly used by people who cannot access the Internet or have problems applying for a passport online.

What is a passport?

A passport is an internationally accepted identity document used when traveling abroad. It is a very important official document when traveling abroad. A passport serves as confirmation of nationality and indicates the country of which you are a citizen. Passport fees and age requirements of 25 are required for some passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues passports in India after a thorough citizenship and background check.

Types of Indian Passports

• Ordinary passport (Dark Blue Cover) – It is issued to ordinary citizens for private trips such as vacations, studies and business trips. This is a type “P” passport where P stands for Personal and has 36 to 60 pages.
• Diplomatic passport (brown cover) – It is issued to Indian diplomats, MPs, members of the Union Council of Ministers, senior government officials and diplomatic couriers. This is a type “D” passport where D stands for Diplomatic and since 2008 all diplomatic passports are electronic passports with embedded data chips.
• Official passport (white cover) – It is issued to persons representing the Government of India on official business, including members of the Indian Armed Forces stationed abroad. This is an “S” type passport where S stands for Service. As of 2021, all official passports are e-passports with embedded data chips.
• Tatkal Passport is for urgent needs
• Short-term passports are intended for short-term travel but fall under ordinary passports.

How to apply for an Indian passport offline? Where to apply for a passport offline?

You can apply for a passport offline by submitting the application form at any of the given centers. These centers sell and accept passport forms, collect related documents and verify them while collecting passport fees. Once this is done, the application is forwarded to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further processing. This includes connecting with local police for verification, issuance, printing, lamination and dispatch of passports/

• District Passport Cell (DPC)
• Speed ​​Post Center (SPC)
• Citizen Service Center (CSC)

Note: Keep in mind that only new passport applications can be submitted at these centers.

Where can one get passport forms offline?

• Forms can be downloaded and printed online from the passport website.
• Forms can also be purchased at the centers mentioned above.

Request a passport from the DPC

• Find your nearest DPC and visit the center to submit passport forms with photos.
• Submit self-certified documents.
• Provide original documentation for verification.
• Pay the fee via Demand Draft.
• Receive an acknowledgment of receipt including the file number.

Note: The form can be downloaded from the internet and filled manually or it can be purchased from the DPC for Rs. 9,999. 10. The documents required are the application form, certified photocopies of the documents along with originals, photos of dimensions 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm free of any mark, signature. Stamps etc.

Apply for a passport from SPC

• Purchase, complete and submit passport application forms to the SPC. The form will cost Rs. 20 including an envelope.
• Submit self-attested photocopies of documents along with photos.
• Payment of passport fees for a new passport application must be made to the SPC. Payment can be made via DD or cash.
• You will receive a key number which can be used to check at the passport office.

Apply for a passport from CSC

Just like DPCs and SPCs, passport forms can be purchased, completed and submitted to CSC with the required documents and photos. The fee must be paid by cash or card and, once completed, you will get a reference number which can be used to track the status of the application.

Apply for a passport online

Applying for a passport online at your home is much more convenient than offline mode. Simply visit and register on the Passport Seva portal at www.passportindia.gov.in or mPassport Seva on Google Play Store or Apple App Store and follow the steps given to register for a passport.

• Log in to your account using your username and password.
• Click on the “Apply for a new passport/reissuance of passport” link and select the new passport option.
• Fill in the required details in the form and submit it.
• Pay the passport fee and schedule an appointment using the View Saved/Submitted Applications screen to schedule an appointment.
• Print the application receipt containing your application reference number.
• You will receive an SMS with the appointment details and which can be considered as proof of appointment when you visit the passport office.
• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office where an appointment and original documents have been booked for physical verification.

Indian Passport FAQs

How can we pay passport fees online?

Online payment can be made through Credit/Debit Card (Master Card and Visa), Internet Banking (SBI) and SBI Bank Challan.

What are the types of passport applications?

Types of passport applications are: new passport, reissue passport, passport tatkal, police certificate, diplomatic/official passport and identity certificate.

Name the documents required to apply for a minor’s passport in India?

• Birth certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Proof of address of parents
• Passport of both parents (if available)
• Proof of nationality of both parents (if the child was born outside India)

What minimum validity should I check before traveling abroad?

6 months

How long does it take to get a new passport?

It takes almost 30-45 days to get a new passport after filing a normal passport application. If you are applying for a Tatkal Passport, it will take 3 working days to send your new passport after successful submission of the application with the final status “Granted”.

You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest news, reviews and technical guides.