The Indian passport process is designed to be online-first, predictable, and secure. Follow this practical, end-to-end walkthrough— from registration and form filling to PSK/POPSK visit, police verification, and final delivery—so you avoid avoidable rework, missed appointments, or verification delays. Official links are included where they matter most.
A smooth application hinges on clean inputs. Confirm that your name, date of birth, and address are consistent across proofs, your Aadhaar is updated to your current residence, and you have soft copies (scans) ready. If you anticipate travel within the next 6–8 weeks, consider Tatkal eligibility. Bookmark the official Passport Seva Portal—you’ll use it repeatedly.
The form collects identity, family, address, employment/education (as applicable), emergency contact, and prior passport details (for re-issue). The golden rule: your entries must mirror your proofs—character for character. If your Aadhaar has a hyphen that PAN lacks, standardize before you submit. Save progress often; validate before proceeding.
Upload crisp scans only—no glare, no skew, no cut edges. Preferred formats are PDF/JPEG as per portal limits. Use the official Document Advisor to confirm what applies to your case (adult/minor, fresh/re-issue, normal/Tatkal).
Pay online (card/net banking/UPI). Fees vary by booklet size (36/60 pages), service speed (Normal/Tatkal), and age category. Successful payment unlocks appointment booking for your chosen PSK/POPSK. Peak periods fill fast—grab the earliest feasible slot.
Pick the nearest center and time window. Download/print the confirmation. If you see no slots, try off-peak hours, refresh, or nearby centers. Arrive 15–20 minutes early with all originals + self-attested copies neatly grouped.
Most applications require police verification. Expect a home visit or a call to visit the police station. Keep copies of your application receipt, ID, address proof, and any special documents handy. Be reachable on phone; missed calls can delay closure. If you recently changed address, ensure Aadhaar/bank KYC reflect the new address to avoid adverse reports.
After a clean police report, your Regional Passport Office triggers printing. The booklet is produced and dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address. Track status using your ARN on the portal and the consignment number once generated. Delivery typically requires someone present to receive and sign.
| Aspect | Normal | Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Standard | Higher (expedited) |
| Verification | Pre-issuance police verification common | Often post-issuance (case-dependent) |
| Timelines | Typically 2–3 weeks | Often 1–3 working days after PSK |
| Document Scrutiny | Standard | Stricter; inconsistencies can break Tatkal flow |
Store scanned copies of all proofs, appointment slips, and payment receipts in cloud storage for emergencies.
Track travel frequency and booklet usage. Upgrading to a 60-page booklet can save future costs for frequent travelers.
Passport rules and fees may change. Check official notifications regularly to avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintain a separate email for all Passport Seva communications to prevent missing OTPs or confirmations.
Even small typos in your name or DOB can delay police verification or issuance.
Submitting partial documents can delay Tatkal or Normal processing.
Choosing the wrong booklet size may force a re-issue shortly after.
Selecting Normal instead of Tatkal (or vice versa) without assessing urgency.
Name, DOB, or address mismatches across documents cause delays.
Misplaced ARN or transaction confirmations complicate tracking and rescheduling.
Plan ahead, pick the correct booklet, maintain accurate documents, and double-check details before paying.
No. Tatkal fees are generally non-refundable even if documents are incomplete. Verify everything before payment.
Normal typically takes 2–3 weeks (police verification + printing + dispatch). Tatkal is expedited—often 1–3 working days post-PSK—provided documents are perfect and eligibility is met. Timelines depend on your location and case.
Update Aadhaar to the new address, and carry an additional strong proof such as a recent bank statement or a registered rent agreement. Mismatched address trails can slow police verification.
Get it corrected by the issuing authority or follow the advised affidavit process. Using a mismatched certificate often triggers queries and delays. Fix the source first, then apply.