How to Apply for a New Passport
Apply for a fresh Indian passport through Passport Seva — every step from registration to PSK appointment to police verification, with exactly which documents to carry.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- passportindia.gov.in ↗
A new Indian passport is the most consequential ID document for travel, NRI status, and many financial KYC steps. The process is handled end-to-end by Passport Seva — the Ministry of External Affairs portal — and culminates in a visit to a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
The single biggest cause of delays is document mismatch — name spellings, DOB, or address differing between your form and supporting documents. Match every detail to the same source (preferably Aadhaar if it's up to date), and carry originals plus self-attested photocopies of everything to the PSK.
Police verification happens after the PSK visit. For most fresh applications, the passport is dispatched first and police verification follows (post-verification). The police officer who visits your address must be able to find someone who can confirm you live there — keep family or building security informed of the visit.
Eligibility
- You are an Indian citizen.
- You do not currently hold a valid Indian passport (for a fresh application).
- You have one of the accepted address proofs in your current address.
- You have at least one accepted date-of-birth proof.
Required documents
Address proof
Aadhaar with current address, electricity / water / landline bill (within 3 months), gas connection bill, bank passbook with address, rent agreement (registered), or other documents listed under the Passport Seva accepted list.
Date-of-birth proof
Birth certificate, school leaving / transfer certificate, matriculation / 10th certificate, or PAN.
Identity proof
Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, driving licence, or any government-issued photo ID.
Annexures (if applicable)
Annexure E for government employees, Annexure G for minors, etc. Forms vary by case — check passportindia.gov.in.
Original documents
Always carry originals plus one self-attested photocopy to your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment. The PSK officer verifies originals.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Register on Passport Seva
Create an account at passportindia.gov.in. Activate via the email link before continuing.
passportindia.gov.in ↗ - 2
Fill the Fresh Passport application
Log in, choose 'Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport', and fill the form online (or download, fill, and upload the XML).
- 3
Choose Normal or Tatkaal scheme
Normal is the standard route. Tatkaal is for urgent cases (faster but with a higher fee and stricter document scrutiny).
- 4
Schedule a PSK appointment
Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and book a free slot.
- 5
Pay the passport fee
Pay online via card, net banking, or UPI as part of the appointment booking.
- 6
Print the Application Receipt
Carry the printed Application Receipt (ARN) along with originals + photocopies to the PSK / POPSK.
- 7
Visit the PSK / POPSK for verification
At the PSK: token issued at Counter A, document verification at Counter B, granting at Counter C. Biometric (photo + fingerprints) is captured here.
- 8
Police verification
After the PSK visit, your local police station receives a verification request. Cooperate with the visiting officer — most cases use post-verification, so the passport is dispatched first and police verification follows.
- 9
Track and receive the passport
Track status with the File Number on the Passport Seva portal. The passport is dispatched by Speed Post once printed.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
passportindia.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Filling the form with name / DOB / address not matching the supporting documents — leads to deficiency notice and PSK reschedule.
- Carrying photocopies only and forgetting originals — the PSK strictly requires originals for verification.
- Missing the PSK appointment — rescheduling is allowed only a limited number of times.
- Listing an old address on the form because Aadhaar shows the old address — fix Aadhaar address first if it's outdated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a normal passport application take?▾
Once dispatched, the passport reaches you in a few working days by Speed Post. The full timeline depends on police verification, which varies by jurisdiction.
Can I apply for a passport without a permanent address?▾
Yes. Use a rent agreement plus a recent utility bill, or any other accepted address proof on the Passport Seva list.
Should I choose Tatkaal?▾
Tatkaal is intended for urgent travel. It costs more and requires stricter documentation. Use it only if you need the passport faster than the normal timeline.
What if my police verification is delayed?▾
Most fresh applications are 'post-verification' — the passport is dispatched first, police verification follows. If verification is significantly delayed, escalate via the Passport Seva grievance portal.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.