Passport: Want to go abroad? Apply for a new passport from home; Know the online method..

Applying for a passport in India has now become a hassle-free process through the Passport Seva Online Portal. Citizens can follow a structured process to get a new passport or re-issue an old one, ensuring timely appointments and faster processing.

Step-by-step process to apply for a passport online:
The first step is to register on the Passport Seva Online Portal by clicking on the 'Register' option. Applicants are required to fill in details such as name, date of birth, and email ID. Once the registration is confirmed via email, users can log in with their credentials. Note that the login password needs to be reset every three months.

After logging in, applicants need to go to the Services section and select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport'. At this stage, it is important to select the Regional Passport Office (RPO) as per the current residence. Based on the RPO selected, the system displays the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

The online application form consists of the following details:

Passport type

Applicant details

Family details

Address information

Emergency contact

Previous passport information (for re-issue)

Additional details

Preview and verification

Upon completion, the system generates an Application Reference Number (ARN). All details must be checked carefully before final submission, as changes are not possible later.

Payment and appointment

After applying, applicants are required to pay the passport service fee. Appointment booking at PSK or POPSK can be done only after payment. The portal offers both normal and Tatkal quota options, with Tatkal depending on eligibility. The appointment can be rescheduled up to three times in normal applications and once in Tatkal.

The system then displays the nearest available appointment date at the selected centre. After successful payment, an appointment confirmation screen is generated, and details are also sent via SMS.

Documents required
The documents depend on whether it is a fresh application or a re-issue. The documents usually required are:

Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN card)

Address proof (Utility bill, bank statement, or rent agreement)

Proof of date of birth (Birth certificate, School leaving certificate, or Aadhaar with DOB)

For children below four years of age, a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background is required. In special cases, such as lost passports or single-parent applications, additional affidavits or annexures may be required.

Points to remember

It is mandatory to bring originals of all documents for verification at the time of appointment. Services are at the discretion of the passport officer of the concerned PSK. For any assistance, the National Call Centre can be contacted at 1800-258-1800.

With this digital process, applying for passport has become much easier and systematic, allowing applicants to manage the entire process online, from form submission to appointment booking.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.