India Passport — Clear, Practical & Up-to-Date Overview
This guide covers Indian passport essentials for 2025 — how to apply through Passport Seva, eligibility, required documents, photo rules, fees (including Tatkal), renewal, minors, lost & stolen passports, and practical steps to ensure a smooth, quick outcome.
What the Indian Passport Is (and Isn’t)
An Indian passport is an official travel document issued by the Government of India that certifies the identity and nationality of the holder for international travel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Passport Seva/Regional Passport Offices manage issuance. Modern Indian passports include electronic chips (e-passports in limited rollout), secure printing, and photo biometrics to reduce fraud.
Important: a passport allows you to travel but does not guarantee entry — destination countries enforce their own visa and entry rules. Treat your passport as one of your most important documents: store it securely, avoid bending or laminating the biographic page, and always keep scanned backups in a safe, encrypted location.
Passport Types Issued in India
The Government of India issues passports in several categories depending on purpose, holder and validity:
Ordinary Passport (Blue): For general citizens for tourism, business, education and other personal travel.
Diplomatic Passport (Maroon): For diplomats and certain government officials on official duty.
Official Passport (White/Blue): For government employees traveling on official duty.
Emergency Travel Document / PVC Emergency Certificate: Short-term document for returning from abroad in emergencies if a passport is lost or stolen.
Ordinary passports are available in different page counts (commonly 36 or 60 pages) and varying validity depending on age and issuance rules.
Who Can Apply — Eligibility
Indian citizens who hold proof of citizenship and identity can apply for an ordinary passport. Specific rules apply for minors, dual nationals, and persons with endorsements or foreign birth registrations.
Adults (18+): Eligible for full-term ordinary passports after providing required identity, address and citizenship proofs.
Minors (Under 18): Need parents/guardian consent and supporting birth and relationship documents.
NRIs & Overseas Applicants: Can apply via Indian missions abroad or through Passport Seva portals designated for overseas submission.
Applicants with changed names, adoption, or court orders: Provide certified legal documents to support changes.
Always use original documents during appointments — copies alone will usually not be accepted for verification.
Documents — What to Prepare
The most common documents requested by Passport Seva include proof of identity, proof of address, proof of date of birth, and proof of citizenship. For many renewals, the earlier passport acts as primary proof.
Proof of Citizenship / DOB: Birth certificate (long form), previous Indian passport, Naturalization/Registration certificate (if applicable).
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar (UID), PAN, voter ID, driving licence, government ID cards.
Proof of Address: Utility bills, bank statements, ration card, Aadhaar, employer letter, rent agreement (as per Passport Seva list).
Passport Photos: Recent colour photographs meeting specifications (no glasses, neutral expression). See photo section for exact sizing and requirements.
Additional: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, court orders for name changes, or police FIR for lost/stolen passports.
If you rely on documents issued abroad or in regional languages, check whether notarised translations or apostille/legalisation are required for acceptance.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step (Passport Seva)
India centralised passport services via Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in). The typical flow for an ordinary passport application is:
Fill Application: Choose the correct form type (new, re-issue, tatkal, minor, etc.) and complete the online application carefully — mismatched names/dates are a common rejection reason.
Pay Fees: Pay the relevant fee online using the payment options on the portal. Retain the receipt/reference number.
Book Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) and note the appointment details.
Visit PSK/RPO: Attend with originals & copies of documents, printed application, and photos. Biometrics and photo capture are performed at the centre.
Track & Receive: Track status via the portal. Once dispatched, you will receive the passport via courier to the provided address.
For renewals where your previous passport is valid and details unchanged, the process may be faster — still follow the prescribed steps thoroughly.
Passport Photo Requirements — Practical Rules
Passport photos are strictly evaluated. Following the rules avoids rejections:
Recent colour photograph (taken within 6 months) showing current appearance.
Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open, face uncovered (unless religious reasons).
Plain light background; no shadows; no props or other people visible.
No sunglasses or tinted glasses; prescription glasses are discouraged unless medically necessary (with certificate).
Size & crop as specified by Passport Seva — follow the portal’s template when uploading digital images.
Avoid filters, heavy smoothing, or photo edits — such images are commonly rejected and will delay your application.
Fees — What to Expect (Typical Structure)
Passport fees in India depend on the service chosen, booklet size (36 vs 60 pages), applicant age, and whether you use Tatkal (urgent). Fees can change over time — always confirm with the official Passport Seva fee page before paying.
Service
Typical Fee (INR)
Notes
Fresh / Re-issue (36 pages, adult)
~1,500*
Standard service — applies to many first-time/reissue cases
Fresh / Re-issue (60 pages, adult)
~2,000*
Better for frequent travellers; marginally higher
Minor passport (5 years)
~1,000*
Different fee for children; exact amount depends on page count
Tatkal (urgent)
Additional charge (variable, often several thousands)
Faster processing; strict document checks; proof of urgent travel often required
*Figures shown are example ranges to help planning. The Government periodically revises fees — verify live on passportindia.gov.in before payment.
Tatkal charges and service availability can vary; ensure your documents are perfect before choosing Tatkal because the fast track benefits vanish if documents are incomplete.
Tatkal & Urgent Applications
Tatkal is an expedited service for applicants who need passports quickly — common reasons include urgent travel for medical, business or compassionate grounds. Tatkal has additional fees and stricter document verification. Availability may be limited and appointment slots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Proof of travel / urgency is typically required for Tatkal acceptance.
Tatkal applications still require original documents at the PSK/RPO.
Even with Tatkal, mistakes (photo non-compliance, mismatched names) can cause delays; preparing a perfect packet is essential.
Applying for Minors (Under 18)
Children have specific rules: they must hold their own passport; parental/guardian consent is mandatory; and supporting documents differ from adult applications.
Child’s birth certificate (showing parent names) is the primary citizenship/DOB proof.
Both parents’ identity documents are usually required; if one parent is unavailable, provide a notarised consent or court order explaining circumstances.
Minor passports have shorter validity — check the current validity rules before applying.
When both parents are not available, additional affidavits or custody documents may be requested — plan extra time for complex family situations.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passports — What to Do
If your passport is lost or stolen, act immediately. Quick reporting reduces misuse and speeds replacement.
File an FIR with local police (especially if you are abroad, file with local police and get a copy).
Report loss on the Passport Seva portal and choose the replacement application type.
Bring the FIR copy and other evidence to your PSK/RPO appointment — replacement applications require additional checks.
If abroad, contact the nearest Indian embassy/consulate for emergency travel documents to return to India.
Keep scanned copies of your passport and important documents in a secure cloud folder to speed replacement when needed.
After You Receive Your Passport
Verify all details immediately — name spelling, date of birth, passport number and nationality must be correct.
Sign the passport on the allotted page in blue or black ink.
Store in a protective sleeve; do not laminate the passport page.
Note expiry date and plan renewal at least 6 months before important international trips.
If you spot an error, report to Passport Seva/RPO immediately for correction — some errors can be corrected free of charge if reported promptly.
Practical Tips to Avoid Rejections & Delays
Match names exactly on all documents (no mixing of initials, abbreviations or alternate spellings).
Use a passport-photo studio familiar with Passport Seva requirements to avoid rejections.
Double-check scanned uploads before submission; use the portal’s preview to confirm orientation and legibility.
Bring both originals and clear photocopies to your appointment in the exact order the acceptance officer expects.
Avoid last-minute bookings during holiday peaks — PSK slots and courier timelines get busy around summer and festival seasons.
A well-structured passport application reduces delays. Use this checklist: choose the correct form, prepare originals + copies, follow photo rules exactly, pay the correct fee, and attend the PSK/RPO with everything labelled and organised. For urgent travel, consider Tatkal only if you are confident that your documentation is complete. When in doubt, use official Passport Seva guidance or contact your nearest Passport Seva Kendra for detailed, personalised help.
Career Finder aims to simplify the process — but always confirm the final steps and fees on the official portals listed above before you pay or book travel. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard processing timings vary by PSK/RPO and season. Typical timelines can range from a few days (for very simple reissues) to several weeks. Tatkal is faster but not guaranteed — always check tracking on Passport Seva. For the most accurate timing, check the status after submission on the portal.
Yes — name changes require legal proof (marriage certificate, gazette notification, court order, or affidavit). Submit original supporting documents during the appointment so the officer can verify and process the change.
Tatkal is an expedited processing route with higher fees and stricter documentation checks. It is intended for urgent travel needs. While Tatkal often speeds up issuance, missing or incorrect documents can remove any time advantage.
Yes — NRIs and Indians abroad can apply via Indian missions/consulates or designated online portals for overseas applicants. Additional courier or mission handling fees may apply.