How to Apply for a Passport Online from Home: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Citizens

Getting a passport in India no longer requires running from one office to another or standing in long queues. Thanks to the Passport Seva online portal, applicants can now apply for a new passport or reissue an old one directly from home. The process has become structured, transparent, and much faster, ensuring timely appointments and quicker processing. If you are planning to apply for a passport soon, here is a complete step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal

The first step is to visit the official Passport Seva portal and click on the ‘Register’ option. Here, applicants must enter basic details such as their name, date of birth, and email ID. Registration is confirmed via an email verification link. Once verified, users can log in using their credentials.

It is important to note that the login password must be reset once every three months for security reasons.

Step 2: Fill Out the Passport Application Form

After logging in, go to the Services section and choose either ‘Apply for Fresh Passport’ or ‘Re-issue of Passport’, depending on your requirement.

At this stage, you will need to select the appropriate Regional Passport Office (RPO) based on your residential address. Once selected, the system automatically displays the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

Step 3: Provide Required Details

The online application form requires several details to be filled in carefully. These include:

• Type of Passport (Fresh or Re-issue)

• Applicant’s Personal Information

• Family Details

• Residential Address

• Emergency Contact

• Previous Passport Details (in case of re-issue)

• Additional Information

Once all the sections are completed, the system generates an Application Reference Number (ARN). Before the final submission, applicants must review the information carefully because no changes can be made afterward.

Step 4: Make the Payment and Book an Appointment

After submission, the next step is to pay the applicable passport service fee. Appointments at PSK or POPSK can only be booked after payment is completed.

The portal offers two categories:

• Normal Quota

• Tatkaal Quota (subject to eligibility)

In the Normal quota, appointments can be rescheduled up to three times, whereas in the Tatkaal quota, rescheduling is allowed only once.

The system automatically shows the nearest available appointment date. Once the payment is successful, a confirmation page is generated, and applicants also receive appointment details via SMS.

Step 5: Documents Required for Passport Application

The documents required depend on whether it is a fresh application or a reissue. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Proof of Date of Birth: Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driving license (any one).

• Proof of Address: Utility bills (electricity or water), ration card, IT assessment order, voter ID, Aadhaar card, or bank passbook.

• Annexure Form-1: Affidavit declaring Indian citizenship and no criminal record.

• For children below 4 years: A recent passport-size photo with a white background is mandatory.

In special cases, such as lost passports or single-parent applications, additional affidavits or annexures may be required.

Step 6: Attend the Appointment with Original Documents

On the appointment date, applicants must carry all original documents for verification at the Passport Seva Kendra. Without original documents, the application will not proceed.

For assistance, applicants can also contact the National Call Centre at 1800-258-1800.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the Passport Seva online portal has made passport applications in India faster, easier, and more efficient. From registration to booking an appointment, every step can now be managed online, eliminating unnecessary delays and paperwork.

Whether you need a new passport or want to reissue an old one, following this structured digital process ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.