Indian Passport – A Complete Guide

When it comes to applying for an Indian passport, it is essential to register on the Passport Seva portal and follow a few straightforward steps. Although the registration for the online passport application in India is quite seamless, you will have to visit the office physically to complete the process.

Also, as per the Passports Act 1967, the Indian government issues different types of passports in India, all for varying purposes. In this post, let’s explore about Indian passport renewal, price, renewal process and get to understand its concept thoroughly.

Types of Passports in India

In the country, there are three different types of passports issued, such as:

1. Ordinary Passport - Type P

This one comprises up to 36-60 pages. Basically, for adults, this passport remains valid only for 10 years from the issue date and can easily be re-issued. In the case of minors, it is valid only until five years from the issue date or until they attain 18 years of age, whichever is earlier.

2. Diplomatic Passport - Type D

This passport type is issued to designated members who have been authorised by the Indian government.

3. Official Passport - Type S

This passport is only issued to designated government servants and other people who have been deputed abroad on official assignment and authorised by the government.

Passport Application India

If you wish to register for an appointment and complete the process of passport online in India, you will have to follow these steps:

• Visit the official passport India website
• Click New User Registration on the homepage and register your name
• Create a login ID and password
• If you already have an account, click Existing User Login and log into your account
• On the registered email ID, you will get a link
• You have to click on it to activate the account
• Login to the portal with the registered ID and the password
• Choose Apply for Fresh Passport
• Download the available form, fill the same and check all of the details cautiously. * Alternatively, you can also download an e-form, which is available on the home page under the option - Form and affidavits.
• Upload the form along with the documents
• On the View Saved / Submitted Applications screen, click Pay and Schedule Appointment
• Choose the nearest passport seva Kendra and book the slot
• Click Print Application Receipt with the Application Reference Number (arn) / Appointment Number
• On the said date, visit the PSK with original documents and get the passport renewed

Indian Passport Application Documents

Jotted down below is the list of documents that you would have to submit for the passport application:

Steps for Indian Passport Renewal

If your passport has expired, here are the steps you can follow for the process of Indian passport renewal:

• Visit the official passport India website
• Click New User Registration on the homepage and register your name
• Create a login ID and password
• If you already have an account, click Existing User Login and log into your account
• On the registered email ID, you will get a link
• You have to click on it to activate the account
• Login to the portal with the registered ID and the password
• Choose Apply for Re-issue of Passport Option
• Download the available form, fill the same and check all of the details cautiously
• Upload the form along with the documents
• On the View Saved / Submitted Applications screen, click Pay and Schedule Appointment
• Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and book the slot
• Click Print Application Receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN) / Appointment Number
• On the said date, visit the PSK with original documents and get the passport renewed

Passport Price in India

The price of the passport varies depending upon your requirements and age. Here is the structure of passport price in India -

Fresh Passport

Note: If you are getting fresh passport issues for a minor (who is less than 8 years of age) or a senior citizen (who is more than 60 years of age), a 10% of rebate on the application fee is available.

Indian Passport Renewal / Re-issue

On the other hand, if you already have a passport that has expired, lost or damaged, you will have to get a newer one issued again. To get a passport renewal or get one re-issued, jotted down below is the structure of passport cost in India for renewal.

Identity Certificate

An Identity Certificate (IC) is similar to a No Objection certificate that has to be submitted while applying for a passport in India. This certificate must be submitted by all those who are working in a public sector, government office or a statutory body. This certificate is issued by the controlling authority that has been designated by the government department. Here is the cost of an identity certificate in India.

Surrender Certificate

For applicants willing to surrender their passports at the Passport Office, a surrender certificate is required. This activity is primarily for the purpose of renunciation of citizenship and obtaining a foreign nationality.

Here is the pricing structure for the surrender certificate in India that you would have to pay accordingly.

Passport Tracking Status

You can track your application status on the Passport Seva website. There is an option Track Application Status on the homepage. Click on it, select your passport type from the drop-down, enter your file number and date of birth. This will take you to your passport status.

Authorities that Issue Indian Passport

The Ministry of External Affairs works with the Central Passport Organization (CPO) and its wide Range of network of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Passport Offices in the nation. It also works closely with the consulates and embassies outside the country to issue passports and other relevant services. To add more, below-mentioned is the list of authorities that issue the Indian passport.

Passport Seva Kendras (PSK)

Passport Seva India is the extensions of POs that help with front-end passport-related services and processes. This one is a physical space where applicants have to be present physically, even if they have booked an appointment online. This is the place where you will have to submit documents, pictures get taken, and applications are assessed before passing the same to the Passport Office for further processing. In India, there are 77 branches of PSKs that are operating under the PPP model.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is a government organization that looks after the passport’s issuance, re-issue of documents and other miscellaneous services.

Consular, Passport & Visa Division (CPV)

This one is a division of the MEA that works toward the passport’s issuance. The CPV at Patiala House, New Delhi, helps process applications for diplomatic and official passports.

Indian Missions Abroad (IMA)

The MEA works through approximately 180 Indian mission or Posts for passport’s issuance outside the country. These generally comprise Indian Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions.

Regional Passport Offices (RPO) / Passport Offices (PO)

These offices are responsible for issuing or denying the passports. PO is liable for back-end passport-related services and processes. They exercise authority over PSKs. They also print passports, process applications and send the approved ones. These authorities deal with state police, MEA and state administration. Also, they take care of RTI, legal and financial activities. In India, there are 37 branches of passport offices.

Passport Seva Laghu Kendras (PSLK)

These are regarded as another extension of POs that offer similar services like PSKs; apart from that, they were set up to cover only a few areas, like north-eastern and eastern areas. They ease the burden of PSKs in these regions who generally Handle applications from huge jurisdictions. In the country, there are 16 PSLKs. They are completely set up, regulated and operated by the government.

Latest Passport Application Rules 2021

Lately, the passport activity has undergone a few changes. According to the new guidelines, you will now have to be present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to submit your biometrics, photographs and other documents. Here is a list of new rules and laws that every citizen is expected to know:

• All of the latest passports comprise personal details of the holder on the document’s second page
• The new passports have the holder’s picture on the second page, right side
• An emigration check is mandatory for all those people who hold ECR passports
• ECNR passports can be issued to Indians who have at least the matriculation certificate, all the people who have diplomas from the State Council of Vocational Training (SCVT) or the National Council for Vocational Training (NVCT), Indians who have been born abroad, individuals who have stayed abroad for more than 3 years, diplomatic or official passport holders, all children who are above 18 years of age, gazetted Government servants, all of the nurses who have qualifications recognized under the Indian Nursing Council Act of 1947, all of those people who pay Taxes, all those people who are above 50 years of age, individuals with a professional degree, such as chartered accountants, scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, etc., seamen who have CDC, dependent spouses and children
• oth English and Hindi languages will be printed on the Indian passport
• If the applicant is divorced or separated, they would not have to enter the spouse’s name on the form
• Sadhus and Sanyasis can apply for the passport with the name of their spiritual guru on the application
• The name of any of the applicant’s legal guardian, father or mother has to be put in the application form
• A few annexes in the Passport Act, 1980 have been combined
• The applicant must provide annexes on plain paper, and they should be self-declared
• No swearing or attestation by the executive magistrates will be needed
• Married applicants have to submit either the marriage certificate or the annexure K
• A child who is born without the wedlock will have to provide annexure G
• Registered Deed of adoption is no longer needed for adopted children
• Orphaned children will have to submit an authorized letter from their orphanage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What payment methods can I use to make an online booking?

A. You can pay through your credit or Debit Card (Visa and MasterCard only), internet banking, and SBI Bank challan and SBI wallet payment. However, if you are applying for the Tatkaal service, you can pay the fee online, and the rest of the amount will have to be paid in cash at the spot.

2. If I fail to visit the venue after registering online, will I get a refund?

A. The fee paid online will be valid for a period of one year. If you Fail to visit any of the branches within this period, the fee will be forfeited, and you will not get a refund.

3. Can I cancel or reschedule a visit?

A. Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your visit. However, this can only be done up to three times in a year from the first date of appointment.

4. Is it possible to put the name of a one-month-old baby on a parent’s passport?

A. No, it is not possible anymore. A minor should have a different passport.

5. Can I get an Indian passport for a child born abroad?

A. Yes, an Indian passport can be issued to a minor born to Indian parents as per the Citizenship Act, 1955.

6. How do I change my name or surname on the passport?

A. To do so, you will have to apply for the re-issue of your passport and get the changes done.

7. How much does the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) cost?

A. To get a police clearance in India, you will have to get the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), which costs is INR 500.

8. What is the fee for background verification?

A. For background verification, you will have to pay INR 500.

9. How many days does it take to get the passport?

A. If you have filed a normal application, you will receive the passport within 30-45 days. However, if you have filed a Tatkaal application, the passport will be delivered within 7-14 days.

10. What is the Indian passport colour?

A. The Indian passport is available in three different colours, such as white, navy blue and maroon.

11. How do I track my application?

A. For Indian passport tracking, visit the official website of Passport Seva. On the home page, Track Application Status. Then, select the application type, add the file number and your date of birth. Click Track Status.

12. What is the Indian passport number?

A. The national Call centre number for the Indian passport helpline is 1800-258-1800.