๐ How to Apply for a fresh Passport?
Getting a passport is often seen as a complicated government task, but the Passport Seva system has made it fully digital and transparent. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing, this step-by-step guide covers every detail you need to know.
Before you even open the website, ensure you have the correct documents. Mismatched names (e.g., "Kumar" vs "Kr.") are the #1 reason for rejection.
1. Proof of Date of Birth (Any ONE) ๐:
๐ Birth Certificate (Mandatory for those born after 01/01/1989, though rules have relaxed, this is best).
๐ Aadhaar Card (Verified e-Aadhaar).
๐ณ PAN Card.
๐ซ School Leaving/Transfer Certificate (Recognized board).
๐ Driving License.
2. Proof of Address (Any ONE) ๐ :
๐ Aadhaar Card (Most common).
๐ณ๏ธ Voter ID Card.
๐ก Electricity Bill / ๐ง Water Bill / ๐ฅ Gas Connection (Proof of Gas Cylinder delivery).
๐ Registered Rent Agreement (Must be valid for more than 1 year).
๐ฆ Bank Passbook (Photo attached & stamped by the bank).
3. Proof for Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) ๐:
๐ Class 10th (Matriculation) Marksheet or Higher Degree.
Why this matters: This allows you to travel for work to certain countries without needing special clearance.
Go to the Official Site: Visit passportindia.gov.in ๐.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use third-party sites ending in .org or .com. Only use .gov.in.
Click "New User Registration": Found on the top left ๐ฑ๏ธ.
Select "Passport Office":
Choose the city based on your Current Address. Even if your permanent home is in Bihar but you work in Bangalore, select the Bangalore RPO jurisdiction ๐.
Enter Details:
Given Name & Surname: Exactly as per your documents.
Date of Birth: DD/MM/YYYY ๐ .
Email ID: Use an active email ๐ง.
Login ID: You can check availability and create a custom ID.
Password: Create a strong password ๐.
Activate Account: You will receive an email. Click the link inside it and enter your User ID to activate โ .
This is the most critical part. Follow these screens sequentially:
A. Login & Setup ๐
Click "Existing User Login" and enter your credentials.
Click "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport".
Select Alternative 1 ("Click here to fill the application form online").
B. RPO Selection & Passport Type ๐
State & District: Select your current residential state and district ๐บ๏ธ.
Applying for: Select Fresh Passport.
Type of Application:
Normal: Fees โน1,500 | Time: 20โ30 Days ๐ข.
Tatkal: Fees โน3,500 | Time: 3โ7 Days (Requires 3 specific ID proofs) ๐.
Type of Passport Booklet: Select 36 Pages (Standard).
C. Applicant Details ๐ค
Name: First Name + Middle Name (Given Name) and Last Name (Surname).
Marital Status: Single / Married / Divorced.
Employment Type: Private/Homemaker/Student/Self-Employed.
Educational Qualification:
Graduate and above OR 10th Pass and above.
Is applicant eligible for Non-ECR category?
If you selected "10th pass or above", this usually auto-selects to YES. This is Good ๐.
D. Family Details ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ฆ
Fatherโs Name: First + Middle + Last (No initials like 'K. Sharma', write full 'Kumar Sharma').
Motherโs Name: Same rule.
Spouse's Name: Mandatory if you selected "Married".
E. Present Residential Address ๐ก
House No. & Street: Be very specific. This is where the police will come ๐.
Village/Town/City: Enter correctly.
Police Station: Select the correct police station that covers your area.
Mobile Number: Mandatory (Use the one linked to Aadhaar) ๐ฑ.
F. Emergency Contact ๐
Name, Address, and Mobile number of a trusted person (Father/Brother/Friend) who is not traveling with you.
G. References (Important) ๐ฅ
You must provide details of two people in your locality (Neighbors) who know you.
View Saved/Submitted Applications: Once you submit the form, go back to the dashboard.
Select Application: Click the radio button next to your name ๐.
Click "Pay and Schedule Appointment".
Payment Mode: Select Online Payment (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) ๐ธ.
Note: Online payment is instant.
Schedule Appointment:
The system will show you the nearest PSK or POPSK.
๐ก Pro Tip: Try to choose a main PSK (usually run by TCS) as they are faster.
Select a date and time slot ๐๏ธ.
Pay the Fee (โน1,500).
Print Receipt: You will get a receipt. Save the SMS you receive ๐ฒ.
Arrive 15 minutes before your "Reporting Time" โ.
Entry Gate: Show your SMS/Appointment Receipt + Original Aadhaar ๐.
Document Checker: A staff member will check your original documents. You will get a Token Number (e.g., N-105) ๐ซ.
Counter A (The Data Hub) ๐ธ:
Wait for your number on the screen.
The officer will take your photo (smile slightly!).
They will scan your fingerprints ๐.
CHECK THE SPELLING of your name on the screen. This is your last chance to fix typos!
Counter B (The Verifier) ๐ง:
A government officer will check your original documents meticulously.
Counter C (The Granter) โ :
The final senior officer. Once they say "Granted", you can leave.
Police Visit: Within 3-10 days, the local police station will call you ๐.
The Verification:
Be present at your home address ๐ .
They verify you actually live there and have no criminal record.
Keep 2 passport photos and document copies ready for them ๐.
Passport Printing:
Check status online: "Police Verification Report is Clear".
Status changes to: "Passport has been printed and dispatched" ๐จ๏ธ.
Delivery:
The postman will deliver it to your home via Speed Post ๐ฌ.
Final Tip for Your Viewers:
๐ก "Don't book an appointment if you don't have the original documents ready. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule it up to 3 times for free!"