How To Apply Passports Online & Offline?

Both online and offline methods can be used to apply for an Indian Passport and related services.  However, the common and convenient process is the online application, and the passport authority is slowly trying to switch over to an entirely digital application process. However, in certain circumstances, the process can be carried out offline.

Online Passport Application Service

The online application process requires 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 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 online - 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.
5. The appointment will be scheduled the moment you confirm the slot.

Offline Passport Application Procedure

Application forms can alternatively be downloaded from the website and printed or directly purchased and directly submitted along with the required documents at designated centers such as District Passport Cells (DPCs). For certain cases, walk-ins are allowed at some PSKs without an appointment.

Types of Passport Application

The various types of applications pertaining to passport are:

• Fresh Passport

• Reissue of Passport
• Tatkaal Scheme
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Diplomatic Passport
• Identity Certificate

Fresh Passport: It is for an individual who does not have an existing passport and wants to apply for a one, i.e., first-time application.

Re-issue of Passport: It is for someone who already has or had a passport but requires a new passport for any of these reasons:

• Renewing the passport due to expiry.
• Make changes or modifications to the details in the passport.
• Replace a damaged or lost passport.
• Add pages as the available pages have been used up

Tatkaal Passport: It is for applicants who need their passports on an urgent basis.

Police Clearance Certificate: It is for people who already have a passport and is now applying for employment or a long-term visa or residential status or immigration to another country.

Diplomatic/Official Passport: It is for someone who needs to travel abroad on government duty, i.e., for diplomats.

Identity Certificate: It is for someone who is not an Indian citizen but is residing in India as he/she is stateless or a refugee. It is often referred to as an alien passport colloquially and is most commonly issued to the Tibetan refugees.