Passport Application Online – Check Step by Step Procedure

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues passports to the Indian citizens and people can apply for their passports through online mode to avoid long waiting period involved in manual process. From applying for passport to visa renewal, individuals can also track their passport application status through online mode by logging into the Passport Seva Online Portal.

How to Register on the Passport Seva Website?

The following are the step by step procedure to register on the Passport Seva website:

• Firstly, visit the Passport Seva website.
• You will be able to see an orange coloured button for ‘New User? Register Now’ on the left side of the screen.
• You will then be redirected to an online form which should be duly filled with all the details.
• Make sure that the radio button highlights ‘Passport Office’.
• Select the nearest passport office located in your city from the option available at the dropdown menu.
• Now, enter your details on the relevant fields.
• Next, you need to choose login ID and password. Ensure that the login ID and password are set according to the terms and conditions mentioned on the portal.
• Now, re-enter the password for confirmation.
• Choose a hint question and enter your answer which will help you retrieve your details if you forget your login ID and password.
• Your account has now been created and you will be able to login using your credentials.

Types of Processes for Applying for Passport 

Here are some of the different modes of applying for passport:

1. Apply for Passport via e-Form Submission 

The following are the steps to apply for passport via e-Form submission:

• Users need to register on Passport Seva Portal, to apply for fresh or reissue of passport via e-Form Submission
• Login to the Passport Seva Portal after registering
• For fresh or reissue of Passport, download the e-form
• Click the Validate & Save button after filling in the downloaded e-form
• An XML file will be generated which will be required later for uploading in the system.
• Through the Upload e-Form, upload the XML file
• Do not upload the PDF form at this stage as only XML files will be accepted by the system
• Click the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” link to schedule an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), after uploading the form for fresh or reissue of Passport
• Select your PSK, after searching for Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) location
• After booking the appointment at selected PSK, you can make an online payment through the following modes:
• Credit or Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa)
• Internet Banking (State Bank of India (SBI) and Associate Banks Only), or
• SBI Bank Challan
• Through the Online Fee Calculator, applicants can calculate the fee for passport services
• Print of the application receipt can be taken that consist of Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number
• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) where appointment has been booked, along with original documents such as Proof of Date of Birth, Identity proof with photograph, Proof of residence and Proof of nationality.

2. Apply for Passport via Online Form Submission 

The following are the steps to apply for online form submission for passport:

• Users need to register on Passport Seva Portal, to apply for fresh or reissue of passport via Online Form Submission
• Login to the Passport Seva Portal, after registering
• Click on Apply for Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport link
• Fill in the required details in the form and submit
• Click the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” link to schedule an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), after submitting the form for fresh or reissue of Passport
• Select your PSK, after searching for Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) location
• Applicants can make an online payment after booking appointment at selected PSKs through:
• Credit/Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa)
• Internet Banking (State Bank of India (SBI) and Associate Banks Only), or
• SBI Bank Challan
• Through Online Fee Calculator, applicants can calculate the fee for passport services
• Users can take print of the application receipt containing Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number.
• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) where appointment has been booked, along with original documents, such as
• Proof of Date of Birth
• Identity proof with photograph
• Proof of residence
• Proof of nationality

3. Apply for Passport in Person 

Here are the steps to apply for passport in person:

• Click on Print Application Form on Passport Seva Portal to download the application form, to apply for a fresh or reissue of passport in person
• The downloaded form should be printed on standard A4 size papers
• The form can be purchased at Rs.10 from District Passport Cell (DPC) for fresh or reissue of passport
• Submit the duly filled application form along with self-attested photocopies of the supporting documents, such as:
• Proof of Date of Birth
• Identity proof with photograph
• Proof of residence
• Proof of nationality at District Passport Cell (DPC) counter
• The application form, photograph and the documents will be verified by the officials at the DPC counter
• The fees should be paid in the form of Demand Draft (DD) once the same is successfully verified and found accurate and complete in all respects
• The Demand Draft (DD) should contain the following details:
• Applicant Name
• Date of Birth
• Date of Submission of the application form written behind the Demand Draft
• Through Online Fee Calculator, applicants can calculate the fee for passport services
• After fee submission, collect the Acknowledgment Letter which contains a File Number
• For tracking the file status, the file number can be used later

How to Apply for a Passport Online?

Here are the steps to apply for passports through online mode: 

Passport Seva log-in

Here are the steps to log in to the Passport Seva website:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva  and Click on the ‘APPLY‘ section.

Step 2: If you are an existing user, you can login using the user ID and password.

Step 3: If you are a first-time user, you will have to register and create an account. Follow the steps below to register:

Step 4: Click on ‘Register Now‘ to register.

Step 5: Enter the login ID & password. Enter the captcha code and click on ‘Register’.

Choosing the Application Type

After logging in, you will have to choose service :

1. Fresh passport / passport reissue
2. Diplomatic passport / Official passport
3. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
4. Identity Certificate

Filling the Application Form

Filling in the application form can be done online or offline. To fill in the application form offline, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Click on the link provided to download the application form in soft copy.

Step 2: A link to an electronic copy of the following forms will be displayed. Download the relevant form based on your application type:

1. Fresh/reissue
2. Police Clearance Certificate
3. Diplomatic/Official
4. Identity Certificate

Step 3: Fill in the application e-form and click on the ‘Upload e-form‘ link.

Step 4: Upload the filled-in application form.

You can also complete and submit the application form online. The process can also be started in part and finished later. It is advised to double-check the form before sending it.

Step 5: Schedule, Pay & Book the appointment

Make an Appointment with PSK 

After completing the form, you will be required to pay a charge. You can pay the money online or in person at the closest Passport Seva office, where you must also submit your application and any other paperwork. The next step is to make an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or pertinent passport office that is closest to you. You can schedule an appointment using the methods listed below:

Step 1: Go to the ‘Applicant Home‘ page & click on the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications‘.

Step 2: The submitted application form details will be displayed. Choose the ARN of the form you have submitted.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment‘ option from the ones provided.

Step 4: Next, choose the mode of payment from among the two provided, viz. Online payment and Challan payment.

Note: If paying for Tatkaal appointments, the online fee is the same as a regular passport fee. The balance amount is to be paid at PSK on the appointment date. The payment can be made online too via credit card, debit card, net banking, or SBI Bank challan.

The applicant can ‘track the payment status‘ on the website after verification when the fees have been successfully paid. A follow-up email is also delivered.

• Take the challan to an SBI branch and pay the required amount in cash. (Note: This can be done only after three hours of challan generation, which is valid for 85 days.)
• Next, collect a copy of the challan from the receiving bank personnel.
• The bank takes two days to verify the ARN details provided on the challan.
• Next, choose the mode of payment.

Scheduling the Appointment

Follow the below mentioned steps to schedule an appointment:

Step 1: On the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment‘ page, select the PSK of your choice.

Step 2: Choose a convenient slot from the available dates mentioned. There, the applicant is required to select a PSK based on the available date.

Step 3: Confirm your appointment slot by entering the CAPTCHA code.

Step 4: Next, select ‘Pay and Book the Appointment‘

Step 5: Application details such as ARN, name, type of application, the amount that needs to be paid, contact number, and the appointment date will be displayed.

Step 6: If you have chosen to pay online, you will be redirected to the payment gateway.

Here are some of the details that you must know about the payment procedure for scheduling the appointment for passport application: 

• You will get an appointment number and confirmation once your money has been processed successfully.
• The information will also be shared by SMS.
• Copy the application receipt on paper.

Note: 

• SMSs are also accepted as valid appointment proof by all PSKs.
• The excess amount is refunded by the RPO, in case multiple payments have been made for the same application, appointment, or ARN.
• Passport appointments can be rescheduled twice a year from the original date of appointment.
• Rescheduling of appointments is not allowed in case you miss the appointment date.

How to Apply for Diplomatic Passport/Official Passport Online

People with diplomatic status or those who are sent on official business by the Indian government overseas are given diplomatic or official passports. This paper is also acceptable as identification and address evidence. Applications for diplomatic and official passports are often only accepted at the Patiala House, New Delhi, Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division. You can also submit your application at the Passport Office at the applicant’s current address.

The pointers mentioned below will help guide applicants, who wish to apply for an Official or Diplomatic passport online –

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra & click on the ‘Register Now‘ link.

Step 2: On doing so, they will be given an ID which needs to be used to login to the Passport Seva Online Portal.

Step 3: Applicants then have to click on the link that reads ‘Apply for Diplomatic Passport’.

Step 4: After doing so, the necessary form needs to be downloaded, filled in and submitted along with required documentary proof.

Step 5: Next, the completed application printout must be taken through the ‘View/Print Submitted Form‘ link available on the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications‘ page.

Step 6: The printed version of the online application form must be sent along with the original copies of all required papers to the Consular Passport and Visa Division, Patiala House, in the New Delhi Passport Office.

Documents Needed for Online Passport Application 

You need to submit the following documents for online passport application:

1. Age proof : Aadhar Card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, Birth Certificate, or Voter card ID
2. Address proof : Utility bill, Aadhar card, or rent agreement, income tax assessment order, photo ID of election commission
3. Documentary Proof : Non Emigration Check Not Required (Non ECR)

Fees Charged for Passport Application 

Given below are the list of fees charged for various passport based services:

Eligibility Criteria for Passport Application 

The following are the eligibility criteria to apply for a passport in India:

• An applicant should be the citizen of India.
• Applicants aged at least 18 years of age or above should submit a passport application form.
• On the other hand, minors can also apply for a passport in India. They can apply for a passport with ten years of validity.

Validity of a Passport 

Here’s everything you need to know about the validity of a passport:

• A normal passport containing 36 or 60 pages has ten years of validity from its date of issuance.
• A passport for minors has five years of validity or until the minor reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs earlier.
• A passport for minors who are aged between 15 years and 18 years have ten years of validity.

Processing Time after Submission of Passport Application 

The processing time after submission of passport application are described below:

How to Track Passport Application Status? 

The following are the steps to track passport application status:

1. Visit the home page of the Passport Seva platform.
2. Click on the ‘Track Application Status’.

1. You will be redirected to a new page where you need to add details such as ‘Application Type’, ‘File Number’ and ‘Date of Birth’.
2. Click on the ‘Track Status’ button to track your application status.

Also Read: Top 10 Most powerful passports in the World in 2025

What are the Reasons for Passport Rejection? 

The reasons behind rejection of passport application are given below:

• Filling old or incorrect information
• Delay in payment of passport fee
• Failing to complete the police verification
• Non-submission of supporting documents
• Criminal history
• Not following the instruction of passport application before proceeding with the application
• Submitting unclear copies of documents
• Non-payment of dues
• Other security reasons

FAQs on Passport Application Online

How to apply for a passport?

You can apply for a passport by registering through the Passport Seva Online portal. Once the registration is done, you can login to the portal using the registered log in ID and do the needful like filling out the application form, scheduling appointment, and paying the necessary fees.

How to edit a passport application form after submission?

To edit a passport application which has been submitted, you need to ask the Citizen Service Executive (CSE) present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)

How to cancel a submitted passport application online?

You can cancel the submitted passport application by logging on to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) portal three days prior to the date of appointment. You can do it by clicking on ‘Submitted/View Saved applications’ under the PSK portal and then proceeding to the ‘Schedule Appointment’ option. There you can click on the ‘Cancel’ option to cancel your passport application.

Will I be required to visit the PSK for background verification while applying for U.S. CBP Global Entry Program (GEP)?

Yes, you will have to visit the PSK for submission of your background verification if you have enrolled for GEP.

Will I have to paste the photograph into the printed copy of the online filled Diplomatic Passport Application Form? If yes, then what should be the specifications of the photograph?

Yes, you will have to affix your photo onto  the printed copy of the application form. You will have to carry two coloured photographs where the size of each photo should be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Both photographs should have a white background.

Is it possible to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate for more than one country using the same application form?

No, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is issued for one country using a single application form.

Can I apply for a passport at a Passport Office close to my house?

No, you cannot submit your passport application at a Passport Office. To apply for a passport, you need go to a PSK/POPSK.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest Countries in the World by GDP per capita in 2025

Is it necessary to give original documents, or will certified copies or extracts suffice?

  You must submit self-attested photocopies of all relevant documents along with your application to PSK/POPSK. When processing your application at PSK/POPSK, you need to provide your original documents at the counter. These will be returned after the verification is done.

Can someone else submit my passport application on my behalf?

  No, it is mandatory for you to be physically present at the PSK with your application print receipt and original documents.

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