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 ↗
- Application Mode
- Online & Offline
- Validity
- 10 years (adults); 5 years or until age 18 (minors)
- Issuing Authority
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Online
- Available
- Offline
- Available
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
RequiredVerifies your current residential address to establish jurisdiction and for police verification.
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.
PDFJPGDate-of-birth proof
RequiredConfirms your exact date of birth, which is printed on the passport.
Birth certificate, school leaving / transfer certificate, matriculation / 10th certificate, or PAN.
PDFJPGIdentity proof
RequiredEstablishes your identity at the PSK document verification counter.
Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, driving licence, or any government-issued photo ID.
PDFJPGAnnexures (if applicable)
OptionalProvides additional declarations required for specific categories of applicants.
Annexure E for government employees, Annexure G for minors, etc. Forms vary by case — check passportindia.gov.in.
PDFOriginal documents
RequiredPhysical verification of identity, DOB, and address at the PSK appointment.
Always carry originals plus one self-attested photocopy to your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment. The PSK officer verifies originals.
original
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
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Office
- Approving Officer
- Passport Officer / Granting Officer at PSK
- For Offline Applications
- Nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
What happens after applying
- 1
Online application and payment
You fill the application form on Passport Seva, pay the fee, and book a PSK appointment.
- 2
PSK visit and biometric capture
You visit the PSK with originals. The officer verifies documents, captures your photo and fingerprints, and grants the application.
- 3
Police verification
Your local police station receives a verification request. An officer may visit your address. For most fresh applications, this happens post-dispatch.
- 4
Passport printing and dispatch
The Regional Passport Office prints the passport and dispatches it via Speed Post to your registered address.
- 5
Delivery
The Speed Post shipment is trackable with the File Number on the Passport Seva portal.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Name spelling mismatch across documents
Why: Even one letter difference between your application form and supporting documents leads to rejection at the PSK verification counter.
Fix: Use Aadhaar as your primary source if it reflects the correct name. Match every document spelling to it before applying.
Bringing photocopies without originals to the PSK
Why: PSK counters require originals for physical verification. Without originals, you'll be turned away and lose your appointment slot.
Fix: Always carry the original document plus one self-attested photocopy for each proof.
Wrong address on address proof vs. form
Why: The address you fill in the form is used to assign your police verification station. A mismatch causes confusion and delays verification.
Fix: Match the address in the form exactly to the address proof you're submitting. If you've moved, update Aadhaar first.
Not printing the Application Receipt (ARN)
Why: PSK requires the printed ARN to issue your token. Without it you cannot proceed.
Fix: Print the ARN page before leaving for the PSK. Keep a digital backup in case the printer fails.
Booking a PSK outside your residential jurisdiction
Why: Passport applications are jurisdictionally processed — police verification happens at the local station corresponding to your address, not where your PSK is.
Fix: Always book your PSK in the jurisdiction covering your residential address.
Special situations
Government employee applying for a passport▾
Government employees need Annexure E (No Objection Certificate from employer) to be submitted at the PSK. Without it the application may be deferred.
Minor under 18 applying for a passport▾
Both parents must provide consent. Annexure H (birth certificate or proof of both parents' relationship) and parent signatures are required. Single-parent cases need additional documentation.
Applicant with ECR category (Educational Certificate Required)▾
Passports are stamped ECR or Non-ECR. ECR holders (below 10th pass) require emigration clearance for some countries. Present educational proof at PSK to get Non-ECR status.
Police verification significantly delayed▾
While most fresh passports dispatch pre-verification, if verification is adverse or pending beyond 6 months, the passport may be impounded or renewal blocked. Escalate via the Passport Seva grievance portal.
Applying with a different name than Aadhaar▾
If your legal name on your birth certificate differs from Aadhaar, you must carry both documents and an affidavit explaining the discrepancy.
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.
How many pages can I get in my passport?▾
Indian passports come in 36-page and 60-page variants. Choose the 60-page booklet if you travel frequently.
Can I apply for a passport at any PSK in India?▾
You should apply at the PSK covering your current residential address, since police verification is tied to your address. Applying in a different city may delay verification.
What if I am a government employee?▾
Government employees must submit Annexure E (Identity Certificate / NOC from their department head). Without it, the PSK may defer your application.
What documents do I need for a minor's passport?▾
In addition to the minor's documents, both parents' Aadhaar and presence are generally needed. Annexure H, birth certificate, school ID and passport photos are typically required.
What is a POPSK?▾
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra — authorised post offices that act as passport application centres. They offer the same services as a PSK but are more distributed, especially in smaller towns.
What is an ECR passport?▾
ECR (Emigration Check Required) is stamped on passports of people who have not cleared 10th standard. ECR holders need emigration clearance for manual labour work in certain countries. Submit educational certificates at the PSK to get Non-ECR status.
Can I cancel or reschedule my PSK appointment?▾
Yes. Log in to the Passport Seva portal, go to 'View Saved/Submitted Applications', and choose to reschedule. Cancellations are allowed but slots may be limited.
Will I get a new passport number when I renew?▾
Yes. Each passport is a fresh document with a new number. The old passport is cancelled and returned with the new one.
Can I track my passport after the PSK visit?▾
Yes. Use your File Number on the Passport Seva portal to track dispatch status. Once dispatched, the Speed Post tracking number is also provided.
What if my name on birth certificate and Aadhaar differ?▾
Carry both documents and an affidavit confirming both names refer to the same person. The PSK officer decides whether to accept it — preventing such mismatches before applying is best.
Is a PAN card sufficient as identity proof for a passport?▾
PAN is accepted as identity proof. However, it does not contain address information, so you'll still need a separate address proof. PAN also does not serve as DOB proof for all cases — check the document advisor tool.
What happens after biometric capture at the PSK?▾
After biometrics, the Granting Officer at Counter C either grants, defers, or rejects the application. If granted, the file moves to the Regional Passport Office for printing.
Official sources
- Passport Seva — Official Portal ↗
passportindia.gov.in
Ministry of External Affairs portal for all passport services — application, appointment, and status tracking.
- Passport Seva — Locate PSK / POPSK ↗
portal2.passportindia.gov.in
Find the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
- MEA — Document Advisor Tool ↗
passportindia.gov.in
Official document advisor to confirm which proofs are needed for your specific passport case.
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.