Applying for your first Indian passport involves registering on the Passport Seva portal, booking an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), and attending in person for document verification and biometrics. This guide covers the complete fresh application process — including documents, fees, the Tatkal scheme, and what happens during police verification.
Types of passport applications
Select the right application type before you begin:
Fresh passport — For first-time applicants who have never held an Indian passport.
Renewal / re-issue — For applicants whose passport has expired or is due to expire within the next year.
Tatkal scheme — Expedited issuance for urgent travel needs — processed at a higher fee with faster timelines.
How to apply for a fresh passport — step by step
The complete process for a first-time passport application:
1
Register at passportindia.gov.inCreate a new account on the Passport Seva portal using your email address.
2
Fill in the online application (Form AP)Log in and fill in Form AP for a fresh passport. Enter your personal details accurately — name, date of birth, address, family details, and police district.
3
Pay the application feePay ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet or ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet. Tatkal carries an additional ₹2,000 or ₹2,500 respectively.
4
Book an appointment at a PSK or POPSKSelect your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and book an available appointment slot.
5
Visit the PSK on your appointment dateCarry all original documents and self-attested photocopies. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your appointment time.
6
Document verification and biometricsYour documents are verified at multiple counters. Your photograph and fingerprints are captured at the centre.
7
Await police verification and dispatchAfter the appointment, a police verification request is initiated. Once completed, your passport is dispatched via Speed Post.
Documents required for a fresh passport application
Carry all originals and one set of self-attested photocopies to the PSK:
Proof of date of birth — Birth certificate, 10th standard marksheet, transfer certificate, or Aadhaar (if date of birth is printed on it).
Proof of address — Aadhaar card, utility bill, bank passbook, or voter ID showing your current address.
Proof of identity — Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID.
Passport-size photographs — Two recent photographs (51 mm × 51 mm) with a white background.
Annexures (if applicable) — Specific declaration annexures as required by your situation — employment category, name change, or marital status.
Normal application vs Tatkal scheme
The normal scheme processes your application in 30 to 45 days, with police verification conducted before the passport is dispatched.
Under the Tatkal scheme, your passport is typically issued within 1 to 3 business days from the appointment date. Tatkal requires an additional fee and a specific Annexure F — a declaration signed by a Group A gazetted officer — instead of standard verification documents.
Police verification — what to expect
A police officer from your local station will visit your registered address to verify your identity and residence. Be available at home, or ensure a family member is present. Keep your Aadhaar, voter ID, or other address proof ready.
Depending on your applicant category, verification may be pre-police (passport issued after) or post-police (passport issued before, verification follows). The Passport Seva portal will indicate which applies to you.
How long does a passport take?
Normal applications: 30 to 45 days from the appointment date, depending on police verification speed in your district.
Tatkal applications: 1 to 3 business days from the appointment. Delivery via Speed Post takes an additional 2 to 5 business days.
Frequently asked questions
The fee is ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport and ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet. Tatkal applications require an additional fee of ₹2,000 (36-page) or ₹2,500 (60-page).
Yes. All passport applicants must visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in person for document verification and biometric capture.
Annexure F is a declaration required for Tatkal passport applications. It must be signed by a Class I (Group A) gazetted officer certifying that the applicant is known to them. It is not required for normal applications.
Track your application on the Passport Seva portal using your application reference number, or call the helpline at 1800-258-1800.
Need help with your passport application?
A verified specialist on Krakens will guide you through the complete process — from filling the online form and preparing documents to advising on what to expect at the PSK.
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