A passport is the first document you need for any international holiday, study abroad plan or visa. The application is done online through the official Passport Seva system, followed by a visit to a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva portal
Create an account on the official Passport Seva website or the mPassport Seva app, choosing the passport office for your address. Applicants from Bharuch and Vadodara are usually served by the Ahmedabad or Surat passport office jurisdiction, with PSKs and POPSKs nearby.
Step 2: Fill the application form
Select Fresh Passport, fill in personal details, address, family details and emergency contact carefully. Names and dates must match your supporting documents exactly, as mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Step 3: Pay the fee and book an appointment
Pay the fee online and book an appointment slot at your chosen PSK or POPSK. Fees depend on the number of pages and whether you choose the normal or Tatkaal scheme. Check the fee calculator on the portal for the current amount.
Step 4: Keep your documents ready
- Proof of address such as Aadhaar card, electricity bill or bank passbook
- Proof of date of birth such as birth certificate or school leaving certificate
- Photo ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card or voter ID
- Printed appointment receipt
- Original documents along with self attested photocopies
Step 5: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
Reach a little before your slot. Your documents are verified, your photo and fingerprints are taken, and the application is reviewed by an official. You receive an acknowledgement with a file number to track your status.
Step 6: Police verification and dispatch
For most fresh passports, police verification is done at your address after the appointment. Once cleared, the passport is printed and sent by Speed Post. You can track the status online with your file number.
Tatkaal passport for urgent travel
If you need a passport urgently, the Tatkaal scheme speeds up processing for an extra fee. Additional documents may be needed and police verification rules still apply. Apply only if you truly need the faster service.
Most passport delays come from small spelling or date mismatches. Check every detail against your documents before you submit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Different spellings of your name in Aadhaar, school certificates and the form
- Wrong date of birth or place of birth entered in a hurry
- Forgetting to carry original documents to the appointment
- Booking an appointment at a Kendra outside your jurisdiction
- Missing the police verification visit at your address
If any of your documents show different spellings or dates, get them corrected before you apply. The passport office goes by your supporting documents, and mismatches often lead to a request for more papers or a fresh appointment.
Passports for children
Minors need their own passport, even infants. The application usually needs the birth certificate, the passports or ID of both parents and the consent of both parents through the prescribed annexures. Children must be present at the appointment for their photograph and, depending on age, fingerprints.
Track your application
After the appointment, you can track the status online using your file number, and you receive SMS updates as the application moves through verification, printing and dispatch. Keep your phone number active and your address correct so the police verification and delivery are not missed.
Planning your first trip abroad?
Once your passport arrives, our team can help with your visa, flights and international tour package. Read our international travel checklist or call +91 9099012983.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a passport online in India?
Yes. You register and apply on the official Passport Seva portal or app, pay online and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra.
2. How long does it take to get a passport?
Under the normal scheme it usually takes a few weeks including police verification. Tatkaal is faster for urgent needs.
3. Is Aadhaar enough for a passport application?
Aadhaar is widely accepted as proof of address and photo ID, but you also need proof of date of birth if Aadhaar does not satisfy the requirement.
4. Can Aapka Holidays apply for my passport?
We guide you on the process and documents. The application is submitted and processed by the Passport Seva Kendra.