Title : How to apply for a Passport: step by step guide
Introduction :
Indian citizens can apply for their passport online at the Passport Seva website. All the passport applications are processed online by the Ministry of External Affairs. The process of visa renewal is also done through online process
1. Visit to Passport official website
Here are the steps to log in to the Passport Seva website:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva & Click on the 'APPLY' section.
Step 2: If you are an existing user, you can login using the user ID and password.
Step 3: If you are a first-time user, you will have to register and create an account. Follow the steps below to register:
Step 4: Click on 'Register Now' to register.
Step 5: Enter the login ID & password. Enter the captcha code and click on 'Register'.
Choosing the Application Type
After logging in, you will have to choose service :
Fresh passport/passport reissue
Diplomatic passport/official passport
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Identity Certificate
2. Filling the Application Form
Filling in the application form can be done online or offline. To fill in the application form offline, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Click on the link provided to download the application form in soft copy.
Step 2: A link to an electronic copy of the following forms will be displayed. Download the relevant form based on your application type:
Fresh/reissue
Police Clearance Certificate
Diplomatic/Official
Identity Certificate
Step 3: Fill in the application e-form and click on the 'Upload e-form' link.
Step 4: Upload the filled-in application form.
You can also complete and submit the application form online. The process can also be started in part and finished at a later time. It is advised to double-check the form before sending it.
Step 5: Schedule, Pay & Book the appointment
3. Select payment of application
After completing the form, you will be required to pay a charge. You can pay the money online or in person at the closest Passport Seva office, where you must also submit your application and any other paperwork. The next step is to make an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or pertinent passport office that is closest to you. You can schedule an appointment using the methods listed below:
Step 1: Go to the 'Applicant Home' page & click on the 'View Saved/Submitted Applications'.
Step 2: The submitted application form details will be displayed. Choose the ARN of the form you have submitted.
Step 3: Click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' option from the ones provided.
Step 4: Next, choose the mode of payment from among the two provided, viz. Online payment and Challan payment.
Note: If paying for Tatkaal appointments, the online fee is the same as a regular passport fee. The balance amount is to be paid at the PSK on the appointment date. The payment can be made online too via credit card, debit card, net banking, or SBI Bank challan.
The applicant can 'track the payment status' on the website after verification when the fees have been successfully paid. A follow-up email is also delivered.
Take the challan to an SBI branch and pay the required amount in cash. (Note: This can be done only after three hours of challan generation, which is valid for 85 days.)
Next, collect a copy of the challan from the receiving bank personnel.
The bank takes two days to verify the ARN details provided on the challan.
Next, choose the mode of payment.
Scheduling the appointment
4. the below mentioned steps to schedule an appointment:
Step 1: On the 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' page, select the PSK of your choice.
Step 2: Choose a convenient slot from the available dates mentioned. There, the applicant is required to select a PSK based on the available date.
Step 3: Confirm your appointment slot by entering the CAPTCHA code.
Step 4: Next, select 'Pay and Book the Appointment'
Step 5: Application details such as ARN, name, type of application, the amount that needs to be paid, contact number, and the appointment date will be displayed.
Step 6: If you have chosen to pay online, you will be redirected to the payment gateway.
You will get an appointment number and confirmation once your money has been processed successfully. The information will also be shared by SMS. Copy the application receipt on paper. Today, the SMS is also accepted as appointment proof by all PSKs.
In case, multiple payments are made for the same appointment/application/ARN, the excess amount will be refunded by the RPO. The passport appointment can be rescheduled twice within a year from the date of the original appointment. However, if you miss the appointment, you can't reschedule the appointment.
How to Apply for Diplomatic
Passport/Official Passport Online
People with diplomatic status or those who are sent on official business by the Indian government overseas are given diplomatic or official passports. This paper is also acceptable as identification and address evidence. Applications for diplomatic and official passports are often only accepted at the Patiala House, New Delhi, Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division. You can, however, also decide to submit your application at the Passport Office located at the applicant's current address.
The pointers mentioned below will help guide applicants, who wish to apply for an Official or Diplomatic passport online -
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra & click on the 'Register Now' link.
Step 2: On doing so, they will be given an ID which needs to be used to login to the Passport Seva Online Portal.
Step 3: Applicants then have to click on the link that reads 'Apply for Diplomatic Passport'.
Step 4: After doing so, the necessary form needs to be downloaded, filled in and submitted along with required documentary proof.
Step 5: Next, the printout of the completed application will have to be taken through the 'View/Print Submitted Form' link that is available on the 'View Saved/Submitted Applications' page.
Step 6: The printed version of the online application form must be sent along with the original copies of all required papers to the Consular Passport and Visa Division, Patiala House, in the New Delhi Passport Office.
Procedure for Submission of e-Form
Here are the steps required to submit your e-Form:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva
Step 2: On the homepage click on the 'Download e-Form' link
Step 3: Fill up the form with accurate details
Step 4: Click on the button 'Validate and Save' (an XML file will be generated which will have to be uploaded later)
Step 5: On the homepage, click on the link 'Register Now'
Step 6: Use your registered ID to log in
Step 7: Click on 'Upload e-Form' and select the XML file generated in step 4
Step 8: Click "Pay and Schedule Appointment" on the "View Saved/Submitted Applications" page to get started. Payment methods include SBI challan, debit or credit cards, as well as the internet banking services of SBI, affiliated banks, and others.
Step 9: Click the link for 'Print Application Receipt' (not mandatory to print this as you can also show the SMS with the application details at the office)
Step 10: On the scheduled appointment day, go to the Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra with your original documents.