Applying for a fresh passport in India begins with an online application through the official Passport Seva portal. Applicants must register on the website, complete the required form, pay the applicable fee and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
The application process, required documents and charges may differ depending on the applicant’s age, passport booklet size and whether the application is submitted under the Normal or Tatkaal scheme. Understanding these requirements beforehand can help applicants prepare their paperwork and complete the process more smoothly.
How to Apply for a Fresh Passport Online
Applicants can follow these steps to submit their passport application and schedule an appointment.
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva portal
Visit the official Passport Seva website and create an account using the registration option. Verify your registered email address, if required, and log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Choose the appropriate passport service
After logging in, open the services section and select the option for a fresh passport or passport reissue, depending on your requirement. Choose the Regional Passport Office (RPO) applicable to your current residential location and proceed.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Enter the required personal information, family details, residential address and emergency contact information. Provide details of any previous passport where applicable, and complete the remaining sections.
Review all information carefully before submitting the form. Corrections may not be possible through the same application process after submission. Once the application is submitted, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated.
Step 4: Pay the fee and book an appointment
Open your submitted application and select the payment and appointment scheduling option. Choose either the Normal or Tatkaal service, then select an available Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Complete the online payment and save your appointment confirmation. Under the Normal scheme, applicants can reschedule their appointments up to three times. Tatkaal applicants can reschedule only once.
On the appointment date, visit the selected centre with the required original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies.
Documents Required for a Passport Application
The documents applicants need to carry depend on whether they are applying for a fresh passport, renewing or reissuing an existing passport, or applying for a minor.
- Fresh passport: Carry valid proof of your current residential address and date of birth.
- Passport reissue: Bring your existing passport along with any additional documents required for the specific reason for reissue.
- Adding a spouse’s name: A marriage certificate or a joint photo declaration signed by both spouses (Annexure J) may be submitted.
- Passport for minors: Proof of the current address in a parent’s name is accepted. If the parents hold passports, their original passports and self-attested photocopies should also be carried.
Applicants should check the official document requirements for their particular application category before attending the appointment, as additional paperwork may be necessary in certain cases.
Passport Application Fees in India for 2026
Passport charges depend on the applicant’s age, booklet size, type of service and processing category. The following fee schedule is based on the information provided, attributed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with fees stated as effective from July 1, 2026.
| Applicant category | Passport service | Normal fee | Tatkaal fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 18 and above and applicants aged 15–18 applying under this category | Fresh passport/reissue, 36 pages | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Adults aged 18 and above and applicants aged 15–18 applying under this category | Fresh passport/reissue, 60 pages | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Adults aged 18 and above and applicants aged 15–18 applying under this category | Lost or damaged passport, 36 pages | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Adults aged 18 and above and applicants aged 15–18 applying under this category | Lost or damaged passport, 60 pages | ₹6,000 | ₹8,500 |
| Minors below 18 years | Fresh passport/reissue, 36 pages | ₹1,750 | ₹4,250 |
| Minors below 18 years | Lost or damaged passport, 36 pages | ₹4,250 | ₹6,750 |
Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as stated in the supplied information. Fees are indicated as effective from July 1, 2026.
The Normal and Tatkaal schemes have different fee structures, so applicants should confirm the amount applicable to their specific service before making payment. The charges listed above may not cover every application category.
Important Things to Remember Before Applying
Before submitting an application, check that your personal information and supporting documents are accurate. Keep your ARN, payment confirmation and appointment details safe for future reference.
Applicants should also verify the latest fees, document requirements, appointment availability and processing rules through the official Passport Seva portal. Requirements may vary according to the type of application and individual circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Passport fees, documentation requirements and application procedures may change under government rules. Applicants should consult the official Passport Seva portal and the Ministry of External Affairs for the latest verified information before submitting an application or making a payment.
