How to Apply for a Passport in India?

The application process for a passport needs careful attention in order to prevent the form from getting rejected. Listed below are the steps to apply for a passport offline:

• Download and print the passport application from the PSP website on A4 paper, back-to-back format.
• The form is available on the official website's homepage, and you can download it from the application link.

Apply for a Passport at the District Passport Cell (DPC)

To apply for a passport at the District passport cell, you need to:

• Download the passport form from the Passport Sewa website or buy it from the DPC counter for ₹10.
• Carefully fill out the form and attach the self-attested photocopies of the stated documents.
• Pay the application fee via Demand Draft (DD) made out to PAO-MEA.
• You will receive an acknowledgement letter with a file number to track your application.

Steps for Applying for a Passport In India via Speed Post Center (SPC)

Passport applications can be submitted at a few of the SPCs or Speed Post Centers after a submission process established by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts. To do so, one needs to:

• Purchase the Passport application form from the Speed Post Center counter for ₹20 (including the envelope).
• Complete your application form without missing out on any necessary details.
• Submit your duly filled form along with self-attested photocopies of your original documents at the SPC passport application counter.
• Pay the application fee via Demand Draft.
• Once your application is submitted at the counter, they will provide you with a key number where you can track the progress of your application.

Procedure for Applying For Passport in India at the Citizen Service Centre (CSC)

The procedure for applying for a passport in CSC is more straightforward than the rest. All you need to do is:

• Buy or download the passport application form from the CSC.
• Fill up the form and attach all the necessary documents self-attested by you.
• Submit your application and pay the application fee in cash or with a credit/debit card.
• Once the application is submitted, you will receive a reference number that you can use to track your application.

The most convenient way to apply for a passport in India is by choosing passport seva online. This method is particularly helpful for those who are pressed for time and are looking for a hassle-free way for a passport application. Here is the process for online passport registration:

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website and register by clicking on the " Apply " tab. If you have already registered, you can log in to the website using your ID and password.
• Step 2: Once you log in to the website, click on the tab labelled “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.” Note that the applicant must not own a new passport when applying for one under the fresh passport category.
• Step 3: You will then be expected to fill out the passport application form for online passport registration. Ensure that you fill in all the details accurately, and once you have completed them, click on the “submit” button.
• Step 4: Return to the home page and select the tab “View Saved/Submitted Applications.”
• Step 5: After this, click on the respective tab to “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”
• Step 6: You can choose a suitable Passport from the Seva Kendra (passport office) and then make the payment. You can either make a digital payment or opt for a Challan payment.

Once the process has been completed, you can download a copy of the application receipt by clicking on the button that reads “Print Application Receipt.” This receipt will comprise your application reference number.

After completing this process, you will receive an SMS with the appointment details on your registered mobile number. This is a confirmation of your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra. When you visit the passport office, ensure that you have all the essential documents ready (both copies and originals) as proof of your identification and place of residence.

Also Read: Passport Renewal

When applying for a new passport, individuals will need the following documents:

Address Proofs to Apply Passport in India (any one of the following):

• Any utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, etc.
• Assessment order of your income tax, photo ID of the election commission
• Agreement of the place you are renting at or your Aadhar Card
• In case a minor is applying for their passport, they might need a copy of the first and last page of their parent’s passport

Birth Proofs to Apply Passport in India (any one of the following):

• Birth certificate that the Registrar of Birth and Death or Municipal Corporation or another prescribed authority has issued
• Voter ID card
• Aadhar card
• PAN card
• Any document that acts as proof of any of the Non-ECR categories

Also Read, Essential Documents Required For Overseas Travel

• Must be a citizen of India
• The minimum age for applying for a passport in India is 18. Minors can apply for a passport under the guardianship of parents or legal guardians.
• Minors between the ages of 15 and 18 can apply for a 10-year validity passport.
• A passport for children under 18 is valid for 5 years or until they reach the age of 18, whichever one is closer.
• Should have all the required documents, including your birth certificate, Adhaar card, proof of address and more.

Let’s take a look at the passport application fees in India:

Also Read, Passport Vs Visa

The process for a passport application online and offline are not very different from each other. The primary difference lies in the method of filling out the application form. Let’s have a look at how you can apply for a passport in India offline. Apart from a passport, it is essential to secure every journey with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Your international travel medical insurance is designed to cover any unforeseeable circumstance when you are away from home. Travel insurance covers a plethora of unforeseen situations, such as lost passports, misplaced luggage, trip curtailment, etc. You can raise a travel insurance claim and be safely assisted out of the situation. Your travelling insurance policy ensures that you are not stranded in an unknown destination without help.

Imagine you encounter a distressing situation, such as losing your passport when travelling. In such a scenario, you can use your international travel insurance to help you cover the expenses of getting a new passport. The TATA AIG travel insurance policy is designed to assist you when travelling, so you and your loved ones are protected from mishaps when you are busy having fun. Your international travel medical insurance helps you save your hard-earned money.