How to apply for a Passport Online

Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Muskan Sinha

Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Passport is an official document for international travel. It also serves as official proof of identity and for citizenship verification. Any individual can apply for a passport —both online and offline, for convenience. The passport application process used to be a tedious task; however, technology allows us to finish the registration in minutes. 

Whether you’re going on an international vacation or simply need it for work purposes, the passport apply online process is easier than ever. The days of standing in long queues and dealing with endless paperwork are “Ciao”. You can complete most of the process online via the official Passport Seva Portal. This article gives you all the information about online passport registration – from the process to the required documents. 

What is a Passport? 

A passport is a government issued document for travel and identity verification—verifying the nationality of the individual for international travel. Every person requires it to enter and exit foreign countries. The passport is a small booklet that includes the holder’s name,  date of birth, the date of issue, date of expiry, photograph, and official signature. This passport also serves as a security document and border mechanism in every country. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Passport? 

Apply for new passport after checking the eligibility criteria as follows 

• Indian Nationals  who are at least 18 years old can freely apply for a passport
• An Indian individual must not have any pending criminal proceedings against them. 
• You need to have a reliable residential proof in India for police verification. 
• Parents can apply for their children passports  who are minors with a validity of 5 years. 
• Children of 15 to 18 years can also apply for a 10 year passport by paying higher fees.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online for a Passport 

1. Visit the official Passport Seva online portal to register
2. Click on “New User Registration” as a new user for passport apply online. 
3. Fill in the required details and create your account to log in.
4. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport.”
5. Fill out the online application form carefully with your correct personal details and submit. 
6. Pay the required passport fee online through online banking. 
7. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office.
8. Print the Application Receipt which includes the Appointment Number and ARN.
9. Visit the PSK/RPO on the appointment date with all original documents 
10. Complete biometric verification and document verification at the center.
11. Receive your passport via post once the police verification is successfully completed.

How to apply for the Tatkaal Passport

MEA offers Tatkaal passport service to expedite issuance from 30 days to 3-4 days in emergencies. Applicants can apply for new passport in an emergency for fast delivery through the following steps. 

1. Go to the Passport Seva portal to create an account via your personal email ID. Finish the online passport registration with certification of a valid email ID. 
2. Log in to Passport Seva Online Apply Portal and select the option of Apply for a fresh passport/Reissue of passport. 
3. Go for the Tatkaal scheme and fill out the application form with the required information. 
4. Pay the fees which are a little higher than the regular passport application. 
5. Book an appointment at the nearby Passport Seva Kendra by selecting a date and time. 
6. Print the application that contains the Appointment Reference Number. 
7. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with all documents to complete the verification process. 

Steps to Book an Appointment Online at Passport Seva Kendra 

Use these steps after online passport registration to book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra. 

1. Log in at the online Passport Seva portal, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport”, and fill out the application form with all the required details.
2. After completing the form, print the application—keep all necessary supporting documents ready.
3. Proceed to confirm your appointments at the nearest centre. 
4. Visit the PSK on your appointment date with the printed application form and original documents for verification.

What are the Documents Required for a Passport Application 

Here is the list of documents needed for the passport apply online process. 

• Rent agreement
• Aadhaar card
• Utility bill 
• Photo ID of the Election Commission
• Income tax assessment order
• Passport copy of parents- applicable only for minors
• Voter ID card
• Birth certificate
• Issuance of PAN card by the Income Tax Department

Fees for Online Passport Application

How to Track Passport Application Status 

Follow these straightforward steps to track your application on Passport Seva Online Portal. 

1. Head to the homepage of Passport Seva Online Portal. 
2. Go to the section of “Track Application Process” section. 
3. A new page will open where you will need to enter the required details, such as Application Type, File Number, and DOB. 
4. Proceed to check the application status by clicking on the icon of “Track Status.” 

Things to Consider while Filling the Passport Application Form 

Go through these pointers to ensure a smooth passport apply online approval. 

1. Make sure the information in the passport application matches the original documents.
2. Pay the passport fee when you finish the passport application filing process.
3. Complete the police verification to get your passport approved on time. 
4. Submit the supporting documents for fast processing. 
5. Submit the clear copies of documents with zero payment dues. 

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Lubhanshi Lamba

Lubhanshi Lamba is a passionate and detail-oriented Content Writer Executive, skilled at creating engaging, well-researched, and SEO-friendly content across diverse niches. With a keen eye for storytelling and clarity, she combines creativity with strategy to deliver impactful write-ups that connect with audiences and drive results.