Quick answer
An Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in). You register online, fill the form, pay the fee, book a PSK appointment, visit with original documents, and complete police verification. A normal fresh passport usually takes 30–45 days; Tatkaal takes 1–3 working days.
Key takeaways
- Apply only through the official Passport Seva portal — passportindia.gov.in.
- Aadhaar-linked mobile and correct address proof prevent most rejections.
- Normal processing is ~30–45 days; Tatkaal is ~1–3 working days.
- Police verification is mandatory for most first-time adult applicants.
- Adult passports are valid for 10 years; minor passports for 5 years.
Summary
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt. of India |
| Application portal | Passport Seva — passportindia.gov.in |
| Who can apply | Indian citizens with valid ID and address proof |
| Booklet types | Normal (36 pages) · Jumbo (60 pages) |
| Adult validity | 10 years |
| Minor validity | 5 years (up to age 18) |
| Normal processing | ~30–45 days (verify on Passport Seva) |
| Tatkaal processing | ~1–3 working days (excl. police verification) |
Eligibility
Who can apply for an Indian passport
- Indian citizens by birth, registration, or naturalisation.
- Applicants with valid proof of identity and address (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, etc.).
- Minors can apply with both parents’ consent and a birth certificate.
- Applicants living abroad apply at the Indian Mission/Post or via e-Form submission.
Required documents
Proof of identity
Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, or driving licence.
Proof of address
Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement.
Proof of date of birth
Birth certificate (for born on/after 26 Jan 1989); school leaving certificate or PAN for others.
Photograph
Auto-captured at the Passport Seva Kendra; carry no separate photos unless asked.
Old passport
Required for reissue/renewal — surrender the old booklet.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Register on Passport Seva
Create an account at passportindia.gov.in with a valid email and mobile number.
- 2
Fill the application form
Choose “Fresh passport”. Enter personal, family and address details exactly as in your documents.
- 3
Pay the fee
Pay online for the booklet type and processing speed (Normal or Tatkaal).
- 4
Book a PSK appointment
Select a date and time at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
- 5
Visit the PSK
Carry original documents. Photo and fingerprints are captured on-site.
- 6
Police verification
Police verify your address; the passport is dispatched after clearance.
Timeline
Normal track
Police verification first → passport usually dispatched within 30–45 days of a clean verification.
Tatkaal track
Passport dispatched in ~1–3 working days from PSK visit; police verification may happen later.
Dispatch
Delivered by Speed Post to the registered address.
Cost breakdown
| Application | Normal | Tatkaal |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh passport – 36 pages (adult) | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh passport – 60 pages (adult) | ₹2,500 | ₹4,000 |
| Minor (below 18) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Reissue / renewal (same as fresh) | ₹2,000–₹2,500 | ₹3,500–₹4,000 |
Fees are indicative and change — verify the current schedule on Passport Seva.
Pros & cons
Pros
- One online process across India
- Tatkaal available for urgency
- Mandatory police verification adds security
Cons
- Police verification can delay normal cases
- Wrong address details cause rejections
- Premium slots fill fast in metro cities
Common scenarios
First-time applicant in a metro
Book the earliest PSK slot and carry Aadhaar + a recent utility bill. Expect police verification within 1–2 weeks.
Student with permanent address elsewhere
Use the permanent address; police verification happens there, so plan timelines accordingly.
Applying for a family
Each member needs a separate application, but you can book appointments together at the same PSK.
Common mistakes
- Name spelling mismatch across Aadhaar and the application
- Old address on Aadhaar while applying with current address
- Missing birth certificate for applicants born after 1989
- Booking the wrong PSK jurisdiction
Expert tips
- Update Aadhaar address before applying — it is the most-used verification document.
- Keep all originals ready; PSK staff verify against physical documents.
- Use Tatkaal only when you genuinely need speed; normal is fine otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
How can I apply for an Indian passport online?
Register on passportindia.gov.in, fill the Fresh passport form, pay the fee, book a PSK appointment and visit with original documents. Police verification follows.
How long does a normal Indian passport take?
A normal fresh passport usually takes 30–45 days after a clean police verification. Verify the current timeline on Passport Seva.
What is the fee for a fresh Indian passport?
A 36-page adult fresh passport is ₹2,000 (Normal) and ₹3,500 (Tatkaal). A 60-page booklet costs more. Fees are indicative — confirm on Passport Seva.
Is police verification mandatory for a passport?
For most first-time adult applicants, yes. Tatkaal cases may have verification after dispatch, but it still occurs.
Can I apply for a passport without Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is not strictly mandatory, but it speeds up verification. Other valid ID/address proof is accepted if current and correct.
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