How to Apply for Passport? Online and Offline

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 website of Passport Seva online and register yourself by clicking on the tab that reads “Apply.” If your registration has been previously completed, you can simply log in to the website using your ID and password.
• Step 2: Once you log in to the website, you will need to click on the tab that reads “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.” Note that the applicant must not own a passport when they apply for a new passport 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 it is done, click on the “submit” button.
• Step 4: Now return to the home page and select the tab “View Saved/Submitted Applications”.
• Step 5: Following this, you will have to “Pay and Schedule Appointment” by clicking on the respective tab.
• Step 6: You can choose a suitable Passport 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 the completion of this process, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number containing the appointment details. This is a confirmation of your appointment details 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 your place of residence.

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.

Now that we have learnt the passport application online process, let’s take a look at how the offline process works. The only difference between the online and offline processes is the difference in form submission. In the offline process, the applicant fills out an e-form.

Here are the details of how the process works:

• Step 1: After visiting the Passport Seva website, you will have to click on the link to download an e-copy or a soft copy of the application form.

• Step 2: Once there, you will have to choose the type of application form:

• Fresh Passport/Reissue Passport

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Diplomatic Passport/Official Passport

• Identity Certificate

• Step 3: Choose the application type and download the form. Duly fill the form with relevant details and then click on the “Upload E-Form” link.

• Step 4: After you fill the form, you will simply have to upload it and then schedule, pay for, and book your appointment.

Once the aforementioned steps have been completed, you can choose to pay either online or at your visit to the Passport Seva office. If you book an offline form, you will have to submit the necessary documents and forms at your nearest Passport Seva office along with the fee.

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

Proof of address (any one of the following:

• Any of the utility bills; for example, electricity bill, water bill, gas bill, 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 his/her passport, they might need a copy of the first and last page of their parent’s passport

Proof of Birth (any one of the following):

• Birth certificate that has been issued by the Registrar of Birth and Death or Municipal Corporation or another prescribed authority
• Voter ID card
• Aadhar card
• PAN card

Any document that acts as proof of any of the Non-ECR categories

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