How to Apply for a Passport in India in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a passport in India has become more efficient with the growing adoption of digital services. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an expired passport, or need a reissue due to damage/loss, this post will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025.

---

📝 Types of Passports in India

Before you begin, understand which passport category applies to you:

Type	Purpose	Color
Ordinary Passport	General travel and business	Navy Blue
Diplomatic Passport	Issued to Indian diplomats	Maroon
Official Passport	Government officials on official business	White

Most citizens apply for an Ordinary Passport.

---

👨‍💻 Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Passport (2025)

✅ Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal

1. Visit the official portal: https://passportindia.gov.in

2. Click on “Register Now”

3. Fill in the required details:

   • Name

   • Date of birth

   • Email ID

   • Login ID and password

4. Confirm registration via email.

---

✅ Step 2: Login and Fill the Application Form

1. Login using your registered ID.

2. Navigate to "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport"

3. You have two options:

   • Online Form Submission

   • Download PDF form, fill offline and upload it (not commonly used now)

4. Fill in the following details:

   • Personal information

   • Address and contact details

   • Family details

   • Educational qualifications

   • Previous passport details (if applicable)

   • Emergency contact

5. Submit the form.

---

✅ Step 3: Pay and Schedule an Appointment

1. Go to “View Saved/Submitted Applications”

2. Select your application and click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment”

3. Choose your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)

4. Pay the applicable fee via:

   • Debit/Credit Card

   • Net Banking

   • UPI

   • SBI Challan (offline – takes longer)

💡 Tip: UPI is now the fastest and most preferred method in 2025.

---

✅ Step 4: Visit the PSK/POPSK

On your appointment day:

• Carry original documents and self-attested photocopies

• Reach at least 15-30 minutes early

• Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected

• Police verification will be initiated (in most cases)

---

📄 Documents Required (Fresh Passport for Adults)

1. Proof of Address (any one):

   • Aadhaar Card

   • Voter ID

   • Utility bill (electricity, water, gas)

   • Rental agreement

   • Passport of spouse or parents (if address is same)

2. Proof of Date of Birth:

   • Birth Certificate (mandatory for minors)

   • 10th mark sheet

   • PAN card

   • Aadhaar Card (accepted in most cases)

3. Identity Proof:

   • Aadhaar Card (most accepted single document)

4. Annexures (if applicable):

   • Annexure “E” for self-declaration

   • Annexure “D” for minors (parents’ declaration)

📌 All documents must be self-attested and originals should be carried for verification.

---

💰 Passport Fees in 2025

Type	Pages	Validity	Normal Fee	Tatkal Fee
Fresh / Reissue	36 pages	10 years	₹1,500	₹3,500
Fresh / Reissue	60 pages	10 years	₹2,000	₹4,000
Minors (below 15 yrs)	36 pages	5 years	₹1,000	Tatkal not usually allowed

💡 Tatkal means faster processing — typically 1-3 working days post-verification.

---

🚨 Police Verification Process

• Usually initiated after your appointment for fresh passport

• Police from your local station will visit your residence

• They’ll verify:

  • Your identity

  • Your address

  • Local references

Tip: Keep utility bills and a local reference ready to avoid delays.

---

📦 Track Your Passport Application

You can track your application using:

1. Passport Seva Portal dashboard

2. SMS updates (enabled automatically after application)

3. Call 1800-258-1800 (toll-free)

4. Email alerts

---

⏱️ Processing Time (2025)

Type	Processing Time
Normal	7–14 working days (after police verification)
Tatkal	1–3 working days (before or after police verification)

---

🧒 Passport for Minors

• Both parents’ signatures required

• If parents hold valid passports, no police verification is needed in many cases

• Birth certificate is mandatory

• Annexure “D” (Declaration by Parents) is required

---

🔁 Reissue, Renewal & Lost Passport

When is Reissue Required?

• Passport expired / expiring in 1 year

• Lost or damaged passport

• Change in personal details (name, address, spouse name, etc.)

Documents Required:

• Old passport

• Proof of change (if applicable)

• FIR copy (if lost)

Tip: You can apply for a reissue up to 1 year before expiry.

---

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use fake documents — it's a criminal offense

• Don’t miss your appointment — rescheduling is allowed only twice

• Double-check your details: spelling errors can delay approval

• Be polite and prepared during the PSK visit

---

📌 Helpful Resources

• Official Portal: https://passportindia.gov.in

• mPassport Seva App (Android & iOS)

• Twitter/X support: @passportsevamea

• Helpline: 1800-258-1800 (8 AM to 10 PM, Mon–Sat)

---

✅ Final Checklist

✔ Register on Passport Seva Portal
✔ Fill and submit the application form
✔ Pay the fee and book an appointment
✔ Collect original documents
✔ Visit PSK/POPSK
✔ Complete police verification
✔ Track your application
✔ Receive your passport by post!

---

🏁 Conclusion

Getting a passport in India in 2025 is more streamlined and transparent than ever. With the digitization of services and improved coordination with police and postal services, most applicants receive their passports within days — provided documents are in order.

Whether you're planning an international trip, studying abroad, or just getting ID-ready, now is a great time to apply.

---