How to Apply for Indian Passport Online (Fresh/Reissue/Tatkal)
Complete 2026 step-by-step guide to apply for fresh/reissue/Tatkaal passport online via Passport Seva portal—documents, fees, police verification, appointment booking, tracking, common rejections, and Tatkaal emergency process so you never need another website.
Overview (Iske Baare Mein)
Who is Eligible? (Kaun Apply Kar Sakta Hai?)
- Indian citizens above 18 years (minors via guardian)
- Valid address proof (Aadhaar utility bill)
- No adverse police records
- Fresh: No existing passport
- Reissue: Expiry <1 year or pages <4 left
- Tatkaal: Documented emergency
Documents Required (Zaroori Dastavez)
- Mandatory (All Types):Proof of Identity/Address (Any 1): Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Ration CardProof of Present Address (Any 1): Aadhaar, Electricity bill (<3 months), Bank statement, Rent agreement (notarized)Proof of Date of Birth (Any 1): Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, Passport of parents
- Fresh Passport Additional:Annexure E (identity declaration by Gazetted Officer)
- Reissue Additional:Old passport (original + copy first/last pages)
- Tatkaal Additional (Choose 2):Medical emergency: Doctor certificate/hospital admissionJob abroad: Offer letter + NOC from employerBusiness: Invitation letter + trade fair documentsDeath family member: Death certificate
- Minors (<18 years):Both parents' passports OR affidavitAnnexure C (single parent/guardian)
Process & Guidelines (Kaise Apply Kare)
Step 1: Register/Login Passport Seva
Visit passportindia.gov.in → New User? Register with email/mobile → Verify OTP → Create profile
Step 2: Apply Online
Login → New Registration → Select Fresh/Reissue/Tatkaal → Type of passport (normal/jumbo book)
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Personal details → Address → Contact → Parents details → Previous passport (reissue) → Emergency proof (Tatkaal) → Review → Save
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan upload (100-500KB JPG/PDF):
Photo (4.5x3.5cm, white background, 80% face, <20KB)
Signature (black ink, white paper, <10KB)
Supporting documents (max 10 files)
Step 5: Pay Fee Online
Net banking/UPI/Debit/Credit card → Fee structure auto-calculated → Generate Application Reference Number (ARN)
Step 6: Book Appointment
Select nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/RPO → Available slots shown → Book slot (valid 3 months) → Print Application Receipt
Step 7: Visit PSK/RPO (Appointment Day)
Arrive 15 min early with:
Printout ARN receipt
Original + self-attested copies ALL documents
Old passport (reissue)
Annexure forms signed
Step 8: Document Verification
PSK officer verifies originals → Biometrics (photo/fingerprint/IRIS) → Pre-police verification if applicable
Step 9: Police Verification
Normal: Post-verification (after passport printing)
Tatkaal: Pre-verification (before dispatch)
Track status SMS alerts
Step 10: Passport Printing & Dispatch
RPO prints → SMS dispatch alert → Speed post delivery (doorstep) → Track consignment India Post
Tatkaal Special Process:
Same steps but:
Submit 2 emergency proofs
Police verification BEFORE dispatch
Processing 1-7 working days
Double fee (₹3,000 normal 36-page)
Status Tracking:
passportindia.gov.in → Track Application → Enter ARN/File Number → Status: Granted/Police Verification Pending/Despatched