What is a Passport?Passport is a token of proof used for identity and nationality verification in the cases of international travelling. It contains information about the keeper viz. Name, DOB, birthplace etc. However passport does not itself entitle holder the permission to cross the border (several other factors too add up) but promises the entitlement to return to the country that issued the passport.Who can apply for a passport?Any citizen who is willing to travel in foreign countries or have to visit other country for the purpose of business or work can apply for the passport.What are the documents needed to apply for a Passport?If applying for fresh passportDate of Birth Proof (one from the following)
- Birth certificate
- Matriculation Certificate
- In case of illiterate person- An affidavit based on Annexure A
Address proof (one from the following)
- Bank Passbook/Statement
- Voter ID
- Telephone/Electricity Bill
- Ration card
- Spouse’s passport copy
Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees should submit identity certificate in original (Annexure B) along with Standard Affidavit Annexure I.If applying for renewal of passport after 10 years
- Old passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first four and last four pages, including ECR/ECNR page.
- If the old passport does not contain spouse name, copy of marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriage or an affidavit as per specimen in Annexure D.
When applying for minor
- Usual documents with declarations according to the Annexure C/G/H/I.
- Attested photocopy of passport, if any, of both parents.
For how many years a passport is valid?A passport is valid till 10 years after acquisition for adults and 5 years for minors.How to apply for a Passport?A passport can be applied through online registration, and then only the forms can be downloaded. After printing the form and filling, it can be submitted at the respective passport office/ District Passport Cells/Speed post centers.What are the forms I need to fill?
- Application Form no. 1
In case of the new issue, reissue, damage or any change, this form has to be filled. Fresh passport as well as the reissue of passports that are expired is to be applied using this main form.
- Application Form no. 2
This application is used as a police clearance certificate and also if the spouse’s name has to be included of any change in address is to be done. The renewal of short term validity passport to full term passport is also made using this form.
- Personal Particulars Form
This is the police verification report. Also if the applicant has resided in more than one place in a year then all the details has to be given.All the forms can be taken from, http://passport.gov.in/cpv/Forms.htmWhat is the procedure to fill the form?
- Download the e-Form.
- Fill the downloaded e-Form and click the “Validate & Save” button. This will generate an XML file which will be required later for uploading in the system.
- Register through the Passport Seva Portal and create a User ID. (Click on “Register” link under the Online Application Filling section on the Home Page).
- Login to the Passport Seva Portal with the User ID created.
- Upload the XML file through the “Upload e-Form” link. Do not upload the PDF form at this stage as only XML file is accepted by the system.
- Click the “Manage Appointment” link on View / Print Submitted Form page to schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Click the “Print Application Receipt” link to print the application receipt containing Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number.
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) where an appointment has been taken, along with original documents.
Can I apply in Person?You can Submit the filled application form and self-attested photocopies of the supporting documents (also bring original documents for verification) at the District Passport Cell counter.How much it will cost?The fees can be paid in the form in the form of demand draft or cash.
- Fresh Passport (36 pages) of 10 years validity: Rs 1,000
- Fresh Passport (60 pages) of 10 years validity: Rs 1,500
- Fresh Passport for Minors of 5 years validity: Rs 600
- Duplicate Passport (36 pages) in case of lost, damaged or stolen passport: Rs 2,500
- Duplicate Passport (60 pages) in case of lost, damaged or stolen passport: Rs 3,000
- Police Clearance Certificate/ ECNR/ Additional Endorsements: Rs 300
- In case of change in any attribute (name, address etc.): Rs 1,000
What if I want the passport urgently?A Tatkaal scheme is launched by the government for the applicants who are in need of urgent passport. A special Annexure F and I are needed to be filled along with the Tatkal fees. The other usual procedures are to be followed and the department takes a quick path to make the passport quickly.Applicants also have the option of getting the passport urgently by submitting any three documents from the following given below. And with that an affidavit Annexure I on non-judicial stamp paper duly attested by a Notary is also needed.List of Documents:
- Service Identity Card issued by State/Central Government
- Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- SC/ST/OBC Certificate
- Income Tax Identity (PAN) Card
- Railway ID card
- Driving License
- Birth Certificate
- Bank/ Kisan/Post Office Passbook
- Freedom Fighter Identity Card
- Arms License
- Property documents such as registration deeds etc.
- Student Identity Cards
- Pension Documents
- Gas Connection Bill
What is the Tatkaal fees?
- In case of fresh passport
If the passport is needed within 1-7 days of the date of Application: Rs 1,500 + passport fee of Rs 1000If the passport is needed within 8-14 days of the date of Application: Rs 1,000 + passport fee of Rs 1000
- In case of replacement of passport
Within 1-7 days: Rs 2,500 + duplicate passport fee of Rs 2500Within 8-14 days: Rs 1,500 + duplicate passport fee of Rs 2500From where I can get the forms?Visithttp://passport.gov.in/cpv/Forms.htmWhere do I have to submit the forms?You can submit the forms at:
- Passport office
- Speed post centres
- District passport cells
- Passport collection centres
What is Emigration check?There are two categories in which the passport carriers are divided, ECNR (Emigration check not required) and ECR (Emigration check required). The ECR ones need an emigration check by the government if going to another country with a work visa. ECNR is given to selected and particular individuals, otherwise an individual generally gets ECR passport only.How much time it will take?Officially it takes around 30-45 days for the normal passport and 7-14 day in the Tatkaal scheme.How can I track my application status?Visithttp://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/statusTracker/trackStatusInpNewWhere can I get all the information in abundance?Visithttp://passport.gov.in/cpv/obtain.htmIs there any checklist of all the documents available where all the annexure can also be found?Visithttp://passport.gov.in/cpv/checklist.htm*please note that Aadhar letter is now accepted as proof of identity and address for the passport application.