Use this end-to-end checklist to plan your passport task like a pro—no last-minute rush, no missing documents, and fewer resubmissions. We cover what to do before you apply, how to prepare a clean document stack, online form best practices, appointment-day essentials, police verification etiquette, and post-submission tracking. Official links are included so you can double-check fees and rules before payment.
A smooth application starts with a disciplined pre-check. Confirm your personal data across IDs, clean your scans, and choose the right service type (fresh vs re-issue). If you expect overseas travel in the next 3–6 months, decide Normal vs Tatkal based on your documentation strength and verification history.
Always verify latest rules, documents, and scheduling windows on the Passport Seva Official Portal.
Confirm fees for your exact case using the Official Fee Calculator before paying. Fee slabs can change.
Most delays come from mismatched data, unclear scans, wrong service selection, and incomplete address trails. Fix these early.
Build a neat, consistently labeled set of documents. Scan at 300–400 DPI, crop edges, and ensure legibility at 125% zoom. File names should be descriptive and traceable (e.g., Address_Aadhaar_Mar2025.pdf). Keep originals ready for your appointment. Below is a consolidated checklist; your exact list depends on age, category, and reason for service.
| Category | Documents to Prepare | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Prior Passport | Ensure the same full name and photo that matches your current appearance. |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar, bank statement, utility bill, rental agreement, employer letter (as per policy) | Address must be current; keep at least 2 proofs if possible. |
| Date of Birth | Birth Certificate or accepted school records (per policy) | For corrections, carry originals and any court/Gazette orders if applicable. |
| Photos | Recent, neutral background, correct size & file size | Avoid glare, heavy editing, or outdated photos. |
| Name/Marital Change | Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree / Gazette / Court Order | Update Aadhaar/bank first so the identity trail is consistent. |
| Re-issue (Expiry/Pages) | Old passport, self-attested copies of front/back, any visa pages if requested | Pick 60-page booklet if you travel frequently. |
| Lost/Damaged | FIR/DDR, affidavit (if asked), strong KYC proofs, copy of old passport if available | If abroad, contact the nearest Indian Mission for EC/new booklet guidance. |
| Minors | Birth proof, parents’ passports/IDs, Annexures/consent as per policy | Both parents’ details & signatures are commonly required. |
| PCC | Passport, address proof, employer/immigration letter if asked | Apply early; some destinations want PCC not older than 3–6 months. |
Register/sign in on the official portal, choose your service, and fill the form with extreme care. The most common delays come from tiny inconsistencies: a missing middle name here, a stray initial there. Use exactly the spellings on Aadhaar and birth records. If your address recently changed, align your bank/utility proofs before you proceed.
Reaching early with document discipline is half the battle. Carry originals and copies, follow security instructions, and keep your phone on silent but reachable. Biometric capture and document scrutiny happen here; polite, short answers and a tidy file help everyone.
Depending on your case, police verification may occur before or after printing. Keep your phone reachable, documents handy, and ensure someone can receive the officer if you step out. Avoid long travel during this window unless absolutely necessary.
After your center visit and verification, track your status via the portal using your ARN. Most deliveries are through Speed Post/counter collection. For re-issue, remember to keep your old passport handy for cancellation if asked. If your passport is returned undelivered, follow the instructions for re-dispatch or counter pickup.
Don’t let a missing printout or wrong address sabotage your immigration counters. Keep a tidy travel file and synced digital backups. For frequent flyers, a 60-page booklet and ECNR status (if eligible) are underrated time savers.
Keep a clean document set with consistent spelling and DOB across Aadhaar, bank, and birth proofs. Scan at 300–400 DPI and view at 125% to catch blur/tilt. Name files clearly (e.g., DOB_BirthCert.pdf).
Aim for 6–9 months of passport validity remaining before your departure. If you are applying fresh or for re-issue, start as early as possible, especially if police verification is needed or you plan to apply for visas soon after.
Update the address on the portal and prepare new proofs (Aadhaar update, bank/utility bills). Keep your phone reachable for verification and be ready to provide additional documentation if the police ask.
Yes. The core discipline—consistent data, clean scans, early prep—applies to PCC and change-in-particulars. Just tailor the document stack to your specific service and recheck rules on the official site.