For Indian nationals to travel abroad, a passport is required. As per the ministry of external affairs, the blue book serves as a travel and identity document for eligible Indian citizens.
The MEA operates the Passport Seva system, which allows applicants to submit forms, pay fees, book appointments, and track their applications online.
Here's a look at all you need to know in order to apply for a passport in India
Who can apply for an Indian passport?
Any person who is an Indian citizen under the applicable provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, may apply for an Indian passport, subject to the rules governing passport issuance and any applicable legal restrictions.
Indian citizenship may be acquired through birth, descent, registration or naturalisation, depending on the circumstances and the provisions of Indian law. Nevertheless, the rules differ according to when and where a person was born, their parents’ citizenship status and, in certain cases, other legal conditions. Being born in India does not automatically confer citizenship in every circumstance, particularly for those born on or after 1 July 1987.
Applicants must also meet the requirements of the particular passport service they seek. Adults applying for their first passport, parents applying on behalf of minor children, and individuals seeking a reissue may need to provide different documents to establish their identity, address, date of birth or citizenship, as applicable.
Those applying for the first time must submit a new application, while existing passport holders may need to apply for a reissue if their passport expires or their personal details change.
A reissue is for someone who already holds a passport and needs a new one due to an expiry, changes to personal details, damage, loss or other eligible reasons. The documents and procedures can differ for adults, minors and applicants with special circumstances.
Eligible citizens can visit the official website at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/ to apply for a passport according to their requirements.
Which documents are required?
The documents required depend on the type of application and the applicant's circumstances. Commonly required documents may include:
1. Proof of address
2. Proof of date of birth, where required
3. Documents supporting identity or other particulars, where applicable
4. An existing passport when applying for a reissue
5. Additional documents required for the relevant category
The official Passport Seva website provides instructions and document-advisory information for different types of applications. Applicants are required to carry the original documents requested for verification, and multiple copies of the same as specified in the instructions.
How to apply online and book an appointment
The application begins on the Passport Seva website.
1. Register as a new user on the official portal.
2. Sign in and select the fresh-passport or reissue service.
3. Complete the application form with your personal and address details.
4. Review the information carefully before submitting it.
5. Pay the applicable fee through the available payment facility.
6. Book an appointment at an available Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
A PSK or POPSK is an authorised centre where passport applicants attend appointments for document checks and other application formalities. Appointment availability depends on the centre and the dates offered through the portal.
Keep your application reference details and appointment confirmation.
How much does a passport cost?
Passport fees depend on the type of service, booklet size, validity and whether the applicant qualifies for the normal or Tatkaal process. Tatkaal is an expedited service intended for eligible applicants who require faster processing. Additional charges may apply, and not every application qualifies.
Passport application fees were revised, with effect from July 1, 2026, according to the official Passport Seva website. Because the fee schedule was revised, applicants should use the official Passport Seva fee calculator to confirm the amount payable.
The calculator helps determine the fee for the selected application category. Check the amount before payment and retain the transaction confirmation.
Police verification and application tracking
After the appointment, the application proceeds through the checks required for the particular case. Police verification may be required to confirm details such as the applicant's identity and residential address.
The sequence and timing can vary according to the application category and the passport authority's assessment. Applicants should provide accurate information and respond promptly to requests for additional documents or verification.
To track the application, visit the Passport Seva portal and select the status-checking facility. Enter the requested application reference details to see the latest status. Submitting a form or attending an appointment does not guarantee immediate passport issuance. Follow the official instructions until the application is completed.