Passport Application: How to Apply Online and Offline?

A passport is a necessary document for safe travel and also serves as proof of identity and citizenship.

It is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in India through the Passport Seva Portal, Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSKs).

You can apply for a Passport through online and offline methods, which we will cover in this blog.

Along with this, we will also review the required documents, passport validity, fees, and other essential details you should know.

Quick Link: Apply for Passport

Who is Eligible for a Passport Application?

Here are the eligibility criteria given below that you need to meet to apply for a passport online.

• To apply for a passport online, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Children aged 15-18 can apply for a passport online with a 10-year validity.
• Minors below 15 years are eligible to apply for a Passport with a validity of 5 years or until the child turns 18 years, whichever is first.
• You must be an Indian citizen to apply for an Indian passport.
• You must have a valid proof of Indian citizenship.
• Valid proof of address and date of birth.

How to Submit an Online Passport Application?

Here are the detailed steps given below to apply for a passport online:

1. Register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Select Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-Issue of Passport.
3. Complete the online passport application form and submit it.
4. Go to View Saved/Submitted Applications and select Pay and Schedule Appointment.
5. Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), pay the application fee, and book your appointment.
6. Print the application receipt and use the acknowledgment number to track your passport application status online.

Additionally, you can also apply for an Indian e-passport through the Passport Seva website by submitting all the essential details and documents.

How to Submit a Passport Application Offline?

You can apply for a passport application offline through various methods, such as:

• District Passport Cells (DPC)
• Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
• Citizen Service Center (CSC)

Given below are the detailed application processes to apply for a passport offline for each method.

Passport Application through District Passport Cells

Follow the steps to apply for a passport offline via the District Passport Cells (DPC).

1. Download the passport application form or obtain it from the District Passport Cell (DPC) by paying ₹10.
2. Fill out the application form and attach the required supporting documents.
3. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
4. Submit the completed application at the District Passport Cell.
5. Pay the applicable passport fee through a Demand Draft.

Once you pay the fees, you will get the acknowledgment slip, in which a file number is given through which you can track the status of your Indian passport application. 

Application Process to Apply for a Passport through Passport Seva Kendra

To apply for a passport offline, you need to visit the Passport Seva Kendra and follow the steps given below:

1. Go to the official passport portal, click on the register button, and create a new account.
2. Click on the option"Apply for a fresh Passport".
3. Fill out the online application form with all the correct details.
4. Print out the application form.
5. Attach the supporting documents for your Indian passport.
6. Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
7. Submit the filled passport application with all the documents.
8. Pay the required fees.

Once you have submitted the passport application online to the PSK, you will get the application reference number, through which you can get all the real-time status for your Passport application.

How to Apply for a Passport Application at the Citizen Service Center (CSC)?

Here are the steps given to apply for an Indian passport application offline through the Citizen Service Center.

1. Visit your nearest Citizen Service Center (CSC) and obtain the passport application form, or download it in advance.
2. Complete the form and attach the required documents with self-attested copies.
3. Submit the application and supporting documents to the CSC.
4. Pay the passport application fee using a debit or credit card.

After your passport application is successfully submitted, you will receive a reference number that you can use to check the latest updates on your application.

Passport Application Timeline in India

The processing time for a passport application generally ranges from 30 to 45 days. If you have applied for a Tatkaal passport, you will receive your passport within 7-14 days.

However, the processing time for an Indian passport application also depends on the verification of documents, police verification in India, approval by the authorities, and information provided by the applicant.

How to Register for a Passport Application on Passport Seva Portal? 

Check out the steps mentioned below to see the registration process for a passport application on the Passport Seva website. 

1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal and click Register Now.
2. Select your nearest Passport Office and enter the required details.
3. Create a Login ID and password as per the portal guidelines.
4. Complete the registration form and submit it to create your account.

Now, you can use your new account by logging in with your credentials.

Passport Application Process for Diplomatic or Official Passport Offline

Diplomatic or official passports are the types of Indian passports that are used by Indian officials who are sent by the Indian government for official business or meetings.

These passports are only accepted at the New Delhi, Patiala House Consulate, and Passport and Visa Division.

Here is the simple application process for applying for a Diplomatic or Official Passport online.

1. Register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Select Apply for Diplomatic Passport and complete the application form.
3. Upload or attach the required supporting documents.
4. Print the submitted application from "View Saved/Submitted Applications."
5. Send the signed application and supporting documents to the Visa Division, Patiala House, New Delhi, for processing.

Different Methods to Apply for a Passport Online

You can apply for a passport through different methods that are mentioned below.

Apply through the E-Form Submission

To apply for a passport online, you need to follow the steps below.

1. Register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Select "e-Form Submission" and download the passport e-Form.
3. Complete the form, validate it, and save the generated XML file.
4. Upload the XML file and submit your passport application.
5. Pay the application fee and schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

After the successful application submission, you will get the receipt number. 

Apply for the Passport Online via the Online Form Submission

Follow the steps to apply for an Indian passport online through online Form Submission. 

1. Register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Apply for a fresh passport or passport renewal.
3. Select Pay and Schedule Appointment and book a slot at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
4. Pay the application fee online or via bank challan.
5. Print the application and submit it with the required documents at your scheduled appointment.

After the submission of your passport application, you will get the application reference number through which you can see the real-time application updates. 

Apply for a Passport in person

Here is the process given below to apply for an Indian passport in person.

1. Complete and print the passport application from the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Attach the required supporting documents for verification.
3. Pay the passport application fee via Demand Draft.
4. Save the acknowledgment number to track your passport application status.

Documents Required for the Passport Application

Here is the list of documents required for an Indian passport application online. 

• You need to submit a utility bill.
• Provide a rent agreement.
• Submit your Aadhaar card for identification.
• A photo ID of the election commissioner.
• Provide the Income tax assessment order.
• Passport copies of the parents' passports, including the first and last pages for the minor passport application.
• A valid voter ID.
• Provide a birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or any legal authority.
• Issuance of PAN card by the Income Tax Department.

What are the Passport Application Fees?

The Government of India has revised the Indian passport application fees, effective from July 1, 2026. The applicable fee now depends on the type of passport service, booklet size (36 or 60 pages), applicant's age, and whether you choose Normal or Tatkaal processing. The table below outlines the latest Indian passport fees as per the revised government fee structure.

What is the Validity of Indian Passport?

Knowing your passport's validity is important for ensuring safe travel and usage.

•  A normal passport has a validity of 10 years from the date of issuance. This is applicable for 36-page or 60-page passport booklets. 
• For minors under 18 years of age, passport validity is only 5 years. 
• Minors between the ages of 15 and 18 can apply for a passport valid for 10 years. Or they can apply for a passport valid only until age 18. 

What to Do if You are not able to Get a Passport Appointment?

If you are facing issues or complications while booking a passport appointment, you can contact the option below.

• You can check your slots at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
• Refresh the portal and see the passport appointment again.
• If you need an urgent passport, then apply through the Tatkaal services.
• Call the Passport Seva helpline at 1800-258-1800 for more help with the passport application.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a passport online or offline in India is no longer as simple as it used to be, as there are multiple options available. For a correct, error-free application, you must provide all supporting documents for your passport application.

For assistance, you can visit the Visament website, which offers simple, easy passport services to help you get a passport, reducing the chances of rejection or delays.

We have a team of experts who know the entire process from documentation, which will help you to get your passport on time.

For more help, you can contact the Visament agents, who are active 24/7 to provide you with an instant solution related to your queries and issues.