How To Apply for a Passport in Kolkata

Passport is a critical document which proves a person's identity and nationality. It also enables a person to travel to different countries legally. The Government of India has the right and power to issue the passport to its citizens. This document not only serves as a proof of identity and address but is also a crucial travel document. The MEA or Ministry of External Affairs is the government body responsible for issuing passports.

Applying for a passport used to be a long process earlier. It comprised multiple visits to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) followed by a waiting period. However, the MEA introduced an online application process which made it very easy and convenient to obtain a passport.

Passport applications can be done anywhere at any time using the online application process. Passport applicants in Kolkata must follow these steps to apply for a passport online:

Online Passport Application Service

The online application process for passports in Kolkata needs all applicants to register in the Passport Seva Portal (PSP) at www.passportindia.gov.in and then log in to follow the steps therein.

• Sign in to the Passport Seva account using the id and password.

• Click on the link that says ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport’ and select the Re-issue option.

• Fill out the passport application form with all the required information - either fill up and submit the form online; or alternatively download it, fill it out and upload it back for submission.

• Verify all details in the form before submitting it.

• After filling up and submitting the form, you should pay the required fee and then book a time and date slot to visit the PSK for further procedures. The fee can be easily paid online using SBI internet banking or credit/debit cards of any bank. The fee can also be paid offline - generate a challan, print it, walk into the nearest branch of SBI and make the payment. After completing the payment, the web portal will let you book an appointment slot in the following way:

1. Select the “Schedule appointment” option after making the payment

2. Check for the status to display the message “Success”

3. Proceed to book an appointment

4. Choose a convenient slot and the passport office nearest to you.

Alternatively, one may apply for a passport offline as well, by submitting the duly filled application form at any of these centers:

• DPC or District Passport Cell

• SPC or Speed Post Centre

• CSC or Citizen Service Centre

These centers, however, only accept the applications for new passports. These centers sell as well as accept passport forms (for new passports only), collect all the supporting documents and verify the same. They also collect the required passport fees. However, biometric data such as fingerprints records are not collected at these centers. Once the application is submitted and the documents are verified, these centers forward the application to the appropriate Regional Passport Office for further processing. The RPO, in turn, connect with the concerned police department for police verification and accordingly take care of the issuance, printing, lamination and dispatch of the passport. These centers have been allowed to accept applications in order to help ease the burden on the major passport issuing authorities such as the PSKs and RPOs.