How to apply for Passport online 2026 | Passport Kaise banaye | Docs & Eligibility |

 

Indian Passport Online Application Process (2026) – Passport Kaise Banaye (Fresh or Re-issue). The official website is https://www.passportindia.gov.in (Passport Seva Portal by Ministry of External

Official Website: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
New Updates (2026): From February 15, 2026, under Passport Seva Program 2.0 — more online document uploads, Aadhaar as primary proof, reduced paperwork, and faster digital police verification.

Affairs, Government of India). All applications start online. Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online

1. Visit the Portal and Register/Login
   Go to www.passportindia.gov.in.
   Click "Register" (new users) → Fill personal details (email, mobile, etc.) → Verify email.
   Login with your credentials. Password expires every 3 months, so reset it periodically.
2. Start New Application
   On dashboard, go to Services → Select "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport".
   Choose: Fresh (new) or Re-issue (renewal, lost, damaged, etc.).
   Select booklet type (36 or 60 pages), validity, Normal or Tatkaal (urgent).
3. Fill the Online Form
   Enter personal details, address, education, employment, family details, etc., accurately.
   Upload scanned documents and photo (as per specs) where allowed.
   Note down the Application Reference Number (ARN/File No.).
   Take a printout of the filled form.
4. Pay Fees Online (optional at this stage, can pay at PSK too in some cases).
5. Book Appointment
   Check slot availability at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
   Book appointment using ARN. Tatkaal slots are limited.
6. Visit PSK on Appointment Date
   Carry originals + self-attested photocopies of documents.
   Biometrics (fingerprints, photo), document verification.
   Police verification (usually post-appointment, may be skipped or done online in some cases in 2026).
   Passport delivered by post or collect from PSK.

Track Application: Use ARN on the portal or Passport Seva App. Note (2026 Updates): More digital features like online document upload, reduced paperwork, and faster processing are being rolled out. Ensure name, DOB, address match exactly across documents to avoid rejection. Eligibility

• Indian Citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization.
• Fresh Passport: Anyone without a valid passport or first-time applicant.
• Re-issue: Expiry (within 1 year or after), lost/damaged, name/address change, etc.
• Minors (<18): Special rules with parental consent.
• Senior Citizens (>60): Some fee discounts for fresh applications.
• Tatkaal: Urgent travel proof required (e.g., tickets, visa, employer letter). Not for all cases.

ECR vs Non-ECR: Most adults are Non-ECR (no stamp). ECR applies to certain categories (e.g., below matriculation); check on portal.Documents Required (Fresh Passport – General Checklist)Use the Document Advisor tool on the official portal for your specific case (Normal/Tatkaal, Adult/Minor). Always carry originals + 1 set self-attested copies. Mandatory/Common Documents:

• Proof of Date of Birth (one of): Birth Certificate (mandatory for children born on/after Oct 1, 2023 in many cases), 10th marksheet, Aadhaar, PAN, School Leaving Certificate.
• Proof of Address (one of): Aadhaar, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Bank Passbook, Rent Agreement, etc.
• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Driving Licence, Passport (old).
• Recent passport-size photographs (as per specs, often uploaded).
• For Re-issue: Old passport (all pages).
• For Minors: Parents' documents, consent (Annexure), birth certificate.
• Marriage-related (if applicable): Marriage certificate, Annexure J declaration, divorce decree, etc.
• Tatkaal Extra: Proof of urgency + additional docs.

Visit your jurisdictional Passport Office page on the portal for any extra local requirements. Passport Fees (Approximate, India – Normal Scheme, 2026)

• Adult (36 pages, 10 years): ₹1,500
• Adult (60 pages): ₹2,000
• Minor (5 years or till 18): ₹1,000
• Tatkaal: Additional ₹2,000 (approx.).
• Lost/Damaged: Higher fees.

Fees can be paid online or at PSK. Check exact amount on portal (subject to updates). Senior citizens/minors get some discounts on fresh applications. Tips for Smooth Process

• Use the Passport Seva App for tracking and updates.
• Fill form carefully — mismatches cause rejection.
• Book appointment early (slots fill fast).
• For NRIs/Abroad: Use mportal.passportindia.gov.in and VFS Global.
• Helpline: 1800-258-1800.

Always refer to the official website https://www.passportindia.gov.in for the latest information, document advisor, and fees, as rules can be updated. Avoid third-party agents to prevent fraud. Process generally takes 30-45 days (Normal) or 1-7 days (Tatkaal, subject to verification). Good luck!