Passport FAQs - India

1. What is an Indian passport?

An Indian passport is an official document issued by the Government of India to its citizens for international travel. It serves as proof of identity and nationality and includes personal details, such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

2. Who is eligible for an Indian passport?

Indian citizens, including adults, minors, and government officials, are eligible to apply for a passport. Specific categories (e.g., diplomatic or official passports) have additional eligibility criteria based on designation or purpose of travel.

3. What are the types of Indian passports?

India issues the following types of passports:

• Ordinary Passport: For general citizens, issued for personal or business travel (36 or 60 pages, 10-year validity for adults).
• Diplomatic Passport: For diplomats and high-ranking officials (36 pages, 5-year validity or duration of assignment).
• Official Passport: For government employees traveling for official duties (36 pages, 5-year validity or duration of assignment).

4. What is the validity of an Indian passport?

Ordinary passports for adults are valid for 10 years, while those for minors (under 18) are valid for 5 years or until they turn 18. Diplomatic and official passports are valid for 5 years or the duration of the assignment.

5. Can I hold two Indian passports simultaneously?

No, Indian citizens cannot hold two valid passports simultaneously. If a new passport is issued, the old one must be surrendered or canceled.

6. What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

File a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station, submit a self-attested FIR copy with your new passport application, and inform the nearest Indian embassy if abroad. Apply for a replacement through the Passport Seva portal.

7. How much does an Indian passport cost?

Fees for an ordinary passport are approximately INR 1,500 (36 pages) or INR 2,000 (60 pages) for normal processing. Tatkaal service incurs an additional fee of ~INR 2,000. Diplomatic and official passports are typically issued free of charge (subject to verification).

8. Can I extend my passport’s validity?

Passports cannot be extended; you must apply for a new passport before the current one expires. Apply at least 6 months before expiry to avoid travel disruptions.

9. What happens if I overstay my visa abroad with an Indian passport?

Overstaying a visa abroad can result in fines, deportation, or bans by the host country. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate for assistance and comply with local immigration laws.

10. Where can I apply for an Indian passport?

Apply online via the Passport Seva portal and visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) for document submission and biometrics. Diplomatic/official passports are processed through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

11. What is an e-passport?

An e-passport is an electronic passport with an embedded microchip that may store biometric data (fingerprints, facial features) and personal information, enhancing security and facilitating faster immigration processing (implementation subject to confirmation).

12. Are all Indian passports e-passports in 2025?

India may transition to issuing e-passports for new and renewed passports, but this is subject to confirmation for 2025. Existing non-e-passports remain valid until their expiry.

13. How do I maintain my e-passport?

Keep the e-passport in good condition, as damage to the microchip (e.g., bending, water exposure) may render it invalid. Store it in a protective cover, avoid extreme temperatures, and inspect it before travel.

14. What should I do if my e-passport’s microchip is damaged?

Contact the nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) for inspection. If the chip is non-functional, apply for a replacement passport through the Passport Seva portal, as a damaged chip may cause issues at immigration.

15. How is biometric data used in an e-passport?

Biometric data (fingerprints and facial photographs) may be stored on the microchip to verify the passport holder’s identity at immigration checkpoints, reducing fraud and speeding up processing.

16. What if my biometric data is inaccurately captured?

Ensure clear visibility of your face (no glasses, hats) and clean hands during biometric capture at the PSK. Verify data accuracy before leaving the PSK, as errors can cause issues at borders.

17. Can I apply for an e-passport under Tatkaal if it’s lost?

Tatkaal processing for lost or severely damaged e-passports is subject to RPO discretion and may not be approved. If denied, the application will follow normal processing (15-30 days).

18. Do e-passports require special care when traveling?

Yes, avoid exposing the e-passport to magnetic fields, extreme heat, or moisture, as these can damage the microchip. Carry it in a secure, dry place during travel.

19. Are e-passports more expensive than regular passports?

No, e-passports are expected to cost the same as ordinary passports (~INR 1,500 for 36 pages, ~INR 2,000 for 60 pages). The microchip is included as part of the standard issuance process (subject to verification).

20. Can I use my old non-e-passport for travel?

Yes, non-e-passports remain valid until their expiry date. However, some countries may prefer e-passports for faster immigration processing.

21. How do I apply for a new passport in India?

Register on the Passport Seva portal, fill out the online application, book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), submit documents, provide biometrics, and undergo police verification. Processing takes 15-30 days.

22. What documents are required for a new passport?

Standard documents include:

• Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card (identity proof).
• Utility bill, bank statement, or rent agreement (address proof).
• Birth certificate or school leaving certificate (birth proof).
• Recent passport-sized photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background).

Additional documents may be required for minors, diplomatic/official passports, or special cases.

23. How long does it take to get a passport?

Normal processing takes 15-30 days, while Tatkaal processing takes 1-7 days. Diplomatic/official passports may take 10-20 days, depending on verification (subject to verification).

24. What is the Tatkaal service?

Tatkaal is an expedited passport issuance service for urgent travel needs, with an additional fee (~INR 2,000). It is not guaranteed for lost or damaged passports and may require fewer verification documents in some cases.

25. Do I need to visit the PSK for my application?

Yes, most applicants (including adults and minors aged 5 and above) must visit the PSK for document submission and biometric capture. Exceptions may apply for diplomatic/official passports processed through the MEA.

26. What is police verification, and is it mandatory?

Police verification involves checking your address and background at your registered address. It is mandatory for most first-time applicants and re-issuance cases, but may be waived for Tatkaal or certain renewals.

27. Can minors apply for a passport?

Yes, minors under 18 can apply for a passport (5-year validity or until age 18). Both parents or the legal guardian must provide consent via Annexure D or H, and minors aged 5 or above may need to visit the PSK for biometrics.

28. What if my passport application is rejected?

Review the rejection reason (e.g., incomplete documents, inconsistent details) provided by the RPO or PSK. Correct the errors and reapply through the Passport Seva portal. Contact careerfinderlife8@gmail.com for assistance.

29. Can I apply for a passport if my passport is expiring soon?

Yes, apply for a re-issuance if your passport has less than 6 months validity or fewer than 2 blank pages. Most countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months upon entry.

30. How do I apply for a diplomatic or official passport?

Eligible government officials or diplomats must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer/ministry and submit the application through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or designated RPO, along with standard documents.

31. Can I change details (e.g., name, address) in my passport?

Yes, apply for a re-issuance with supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for name change, Aadhaar for address change). Submit the application via the Passport Seva portal and visit the PSK.

32. Do I need a passport for domestic travel in India?

No, a passport is not required for domestic travel within India. Other identity proofs like Aadhaar, voter ID, or driver’s license are sufficient.

33. What is Annexure D and Annexure H?

Annexure D is a parental consent form for minors under 18, signed by both parents or the legal guardian. Annexure H is used for specific cases, such as single parents or guardians, to provide consent for a minor’s passport.

34. Can I track my passport application status?

Yes, track your application status on the Passport Seva portal using your application ID. Updates are provided after document submission, police verification, and dispatch.

35. What if I need to travel urgently but don’t have a passport?

Apply under the Tatkaal scheme for expedited processing (1-7 days). Provide proof of urgency (e.g., travel tickets, medical emergency documents) and ensure all documents are complete.