How to make a passport in India
The process for obtaining a passport in India involves the following steps:
- Fill out the online application form: The first step is to visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and fill out the online application form. This form can also be filled out offline and can be submitted at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Schedule an appointment: After filling out the application form, you will need to schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- Collect required documents: Collect all the required documents such as proof of address, proof of identity, birth certificate, and passport-size photographs.
- Submit the application and documents: Attend the scheduled appointment and submit the application form, required documents, and fees to the PSK or RPO.
- Verify your documents and biometrics: The officials at the PSK or RPO will verify your documents and collect your biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
- Wait for the passport to be issued: After the documents are verified and biometrics are collected, you will need to wait for the passport to be issued. The processing time may vary depending on the type of passport and the location of the PSK or RPO.
- Receive your passport: Once the passport is ready, it will be dispatched to the address provided in the application form. You can also track the status of your application on the MEA website.
It’s important to note that there are different types of passports available in India, such as a regular passport, a tatkal passport, and a diplomatic passport, each with their own requirements and processing time. It’s always better to check with the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or consult with the experts before applying.
Join Telegram Channel
Documents for making the passport
The following documents are typically required when applying for a passport in India:
- Proof of Identity: This can be a voter ID card, PAN card, Aadhaar card, or any other government-issued ID card that has your photograph, name, and address.
- Proof of Address: This can be a voter ID card, Aadhaar card, electricity bill, telephone bill, or any other government-issued document that has your name and address.
- Birth Certificate: This is required to prove your date of birth and place of birth.
- Passport-size photographs: Two passport-size photographs are required, one for the application form and one for affixing on the passport.
- Self-declaration form: This is a form that needs to be filled and signed by the applicant, in which the applicant states that the information provided in the application is true and correct.
- Annexure H (for Government Employee) : If the applicant is a government employee, Annexure H is to be filled.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) : In some cases, if the applicant is a minor, or if the applicant is employed in a sensitive organization, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required.
- Police clearance certificate: In some cases, if the applicant has a criminal record or if the applicant is applying for a tatkal passport, a police clearance certificate may be required.
It’s important to note that the documentation requirements may vary depending on the type of passport, the location of the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO), and the applicant’s personal circumstances. It’s always better to check with the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or consult with the experts before applying.
Join Telegram Channel
Difference between a tatkal and a normal passport
Tatkal passport and normal passport are two different types of passports available in India, with some key differences:
- Processing Time: A Tatkal passport is issued on a priority basis, and the processing time is usually within a week. A normal passport, on the other hand, can take up to 4-6 weeks for processing, depending on the location and availability of resources.
- Fees: Tatkal passport fees are generally higher than normal passport fees. Tatkal passport fee are usually higher because of the express service provided.
- Eligibility: Tatkal passport is issued to those who need to travel urgently and don’t have time to wait for a normal passport. Normal passport can be applied by anyone who is eligible for the passport.
- Documents: The document requirements for a Tatkal passport are usually more stringent than those for a normal passport. For example, a police clearance certificate may be required for a Tatkal passport but not for a normal passport.
- Validity: The validity of a Tatkal passport is usually for five years for an adult and two years for a minor. A normal passport is issued for a period of 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor.
- Additional service: Tatkal passport service is not available for certain type of passport like Diplomatic and official passport, but normal passport service is available for all types of passport.
It’s important to note that the Tatkal passport service is not available for certain type of passport like Diplomatic and official passport, but normal passport service is available for all types of passport. It’s always better to check with the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or consult with the experts before applying.
Join Telegram Channel
Types of Indian Passport
There are several types of Indian passports available for citizens of India, including:
- Regular Passport: This is the most common type of passport and is issued to Indian citizens for travel abroad. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
- Tatkal Passport: This type of passport is issued on a priority basis for urgent travel needs. It is valid for 5 years for adults and 2 years for minors.
- Diplomatic Passport: This type of passport is issued to diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and certain other dignitaries for official travel. It has a blue cover and is valid for the duration of the individual’s tenure in the diplomatic service.
- Official Passport: This type of passport is issued to government officials for official travel. It has a white cover and is valid for the duration of the individual’s tenure in the government service.
- Service Passport: This type of passport is issued to government officials for official travel. It has a white cover and is valid for the duration of the individual’s tenure in the government service.
- Emergency Certificate: This type of passport is issued to Indian citizens in emergency situations and is usually valid for a single journey.
It’s important to note that the eligibility and document requirements for each type of passport may vary, and the availability of certain types of passports may also vary depending on the location and availability of resources. It’s always better to check with the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or consult with the experts before applying.