Planning to Apply for a Passport? Here’s the Complete Guide to Process, Costs and Processing Time in India

Planning an overseas trip for work, studies or leisure?

Getting an Indian passport today is largely an online process — faster, more transparent and easier to track than ever before. Here’s a clear, search-friendly guide covering eligibility, documents, fees and timelines.

Who Can Apply For An Indian Passport?

Any Indian citizen can apply, including:

Adults (18 years and above)

Minors (below 18 years)

Senior citizens

Government employees (subject to departmental clearances, if required)

Foreign nationals of Indian origin cannot apply for an Indian passport but may be eligible for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.

What Is An E-Passport?

India has rolled out chip-enabled e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme. These passports contain a secure RFID chip embedded in the booklet.

The chip digitally stores:

Personal details

Biometric information

Photograph

Benefits include:

Faster immigration clearance

Improved security

Reduced risk of identity fraud

Compatibility with global e-gate systems

You can identify an e-passport by the small gold chip symbol printed on the cover.

How To Apply For A Passport Online (Step-By-Step)

Applications are processed through the official Passport Seva portal.

Step 1: Register Online

Create an account using basic personal details.

Step 2: Fill The Application Form

Select “Apply for Fresh Passport or Re-issue” and complete the form carefully.

Step 3: Pay The Fee

Make the payment online using debit/credit card, UPI or net banking.

Step 4: Book Appointment

Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and select a convenient date and time.

Step 5: Visit PSK/POPSK

Carry original documents along with self-attested photocopies. Your biometrics, photograph and document verification are completed here.

Step 6: Police Verification

For most fresh applications, your local police station conducts address verification.

Step 7: Track And Receive Passport

Track status online using your file number. Once approved, the passport is dispatched via Speed Post.

Documents Required For Indian Passport

Carry originals plus self-attested copies.

Address Proof (any one)

Aadhaar card

Voter ID

Utility bill

Bank statement

Registered rental agreement

Date Of Birth Proof (any one)

Birth certificate

School leaving certificate

Aadhaar card

PAN card

Identity Proof

Aadhaar card

PAN card

Voter ID

Additional Documents (if applicable)

Marriage certificate

Name change documents

Parent’s documents (for minors)

FIR/police report (for lost passport cases)

Passport Fees In India
Adults (18+)

36-page booklet: ₹1,500 (Normal) | ₹3,500 (Tatkal)

60-page booklet: ₹2,000 (Normal) | ₹4,000 (Tatkal)

Minors

36-page booklet: ₹1,000 (Normal) | ₹3,000 (Tatkal)

What Happens At The PSK Appointment?

During your visit:

• Documents are verified
• Photograph and fingerprints are captured
• Brief officer interaction (if required)
• Acknowledgment receipt is issued

The entire process typically takes 1–2 hours depending on crowd levels.

Is Police Verification Mandatory?

In most fresh passport cases, yes.

For Tatkal applications, the passport may be issued first, followed by post-verification. Re-issue applications sometimes do not require fresh verification, depending on changes in personal details.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Passport?

Normal processing: 15–30 days

Tatkal processing: 1–7 days

Actual delivery time depends on successful police verification and accuracy of submitted documents.