Each one of us dreams of traveling abroad, experiencing the wonders of the world and exploring different cultures and even terrains. However, the first thing that is required to travel abroad is a passport and international travel insurance. Without these two things, it is not possible to travel internationally, as both are crucial to a smooth travelling experience. If you don’t have a passport, the process of a passport in India is pretty straightforward. In this blog, we'll explore how to apply for a passport in India online. So, let’s start understanding the process step-by-step.
With rapid digitalization, the Indian government offers many services online, including passport application. The process entails registration, filling out an application form, submitting the necessary documents, paying the passport fees, and scheduling an appointment.
Step-by-step process for passport in India
1. Registration
Head to the Passport Seva Portal and click "Apply" on the homepage. You will be prompted to register and begin the registration process by selecting the nearest passport office. Next, you will be asked to create a login ID and password and fill in other details. Upon successful completion of this step, you will be redirected to the homepage, where you can log in using the newly created credentials.
2. Fill out the application form
After logging in, it is time to apply passport in India. In this step, you should click on the Apply for New Passport option and start filling out the form. Make sure to double-check everything you type in this form, as this is what will be printed on your passport once it is ready. Avoid making spelling mistakes and ensure that there are no inconsistencies. Such errors become a big hassle to deal with at a later stage.
3. Submit the documents
Once you fill out the form, the portal will ask for documents. The documents for a passport in India generally include identity proof, address proof, birth certificate or proof of date of birth, and a passport-size photograph. You must attach all relevant documents to be eligible for a passport. The doc required for passport in India has been simplified largely due to the introduction of an Aadhar card, which can be used as an address proof and age proof without any issues. Once you upload all relevant documents on the portal, it is time to submit them. You can do this by clicking on the 'Submit documents' button at the bottom of the page.
4. Pay the fees online
The fees of passport in India are pretty affordable, and when you are completing the application process online, you can also pay the associated fees online. You can use the passport fees calculator available on the Passport Seva portal. It will help you determine the exact cost with ease.
Once you have an idea of Indian passport fees in India, you can pay them using the integrated payment gateway on the Passport Seva website. The payment gateway supports UPI, credit and debit cards, and mobile wallets to pay the application fees. Once you have made the payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt immediately, which you can keep for future reference.
5. Book an appointment
After paying the fees, you will get an option to select a slot to visit your local passport office, Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), for the physical verification of your documents. At this stage, you will be shown offices located nearby, along with the available slots at those offices. You can select any of them depending on your availability and preferences.
6. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
After you have booked an appointment, make sure that you reach the Passport India Seva Kendra 30 minutes before the scheduled time so that you can wait for your turn patiently and not face any delays.
To prepare for your visit to the passport office, print out your passport application as shown on the portal. Bring original copies of documents that you uploaded while filling out the application form, a pen, and don't forget to take a few passport-size photographs with you. Remember, your passport application will be rejected if there are any discrepancies in the documents.
7. Police Verification
During police verification, you’ll be asked to visit the police station with your documents. In some cases, police officers may also visit your home to verify certain details. Be prepared to answer their questions.
Police verification is the last step in getting a passport in India, and at this stage, you may ask yourself how many days to get a passport in India. The answer is simple: if all goes well, you’ll get your passport in 15-20 days.
If you applied for a passport from the official government website, presented the right documents, and got them approved during your visit to the Passport Seva Kendra, you are ready to fly abroad once your passport is delivered. However, don’t forget to get international travel insurance to ensure a safe, memorable journey.
