# How to apply for a passport in India online (2026 guide) > Apply on Passport Seva, pay ₹2,500 (normal) or ₹5,000 (Tatkal) for 36 pages from July 2026, book a PSK slot and pass police verification. Documents, steps, fixes. - URL: https://2search.in/knowledge/articles/oct-26/how-to-apply-passport-india - Genre: Government services - Country: India - Published: 2026-10-27 - Updated: 2026-10-27 - Publisher: 2search (https://2search.in) > **Quick answer:** Apply on the official **Passport Seva** portal (passportindia.gov.in) or the **mPassport Seva** app: register, fill the form, **pay online** and **book a slot** at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK. Since **1 July 2026**, a 36-page passport costs **₹2,500 (normal)** or **₹5,000 (Tatkal)**; 60 pages cost **₹3,500 / ₹6,000**. Take original documents to the appointment, finish police verification, and the passport — now always a chip-based **e-passport** — arrives by Speed Post. > **Key takeaways** > - Use only **passportindia.gov.in** or the official app. Look-alike sites charge "service fees" and some are scams. > - The **fee went up on 1 July 2026** — first big change since 2012. Minors pay ₹1,750 (normal). > - Your **name, date of birth and address must match** across documents. Most rejections come from mismatches. > - **Tatkal** is faster but needs extra documents, and police verification usually happens after the passport is issued. > - Every passport issued in India since May 2025 is an **e-passport**. Old passports stay valid until they expire. This guide walks you through a fresh passport or a renewal (called "re-issue") from start to finish — fees, documents, the online form, what happens at the PSK, police verification, and how to fix the most common problems. It's written for adults applying in India; there's a separate section for children. ", displaying 2026 realistic price spectrums, hardware versus labor allocation, step-by-step workflow, clean modern UI cards, high precision vector layout.") ![How to apply for a passport in India online (2026 guide) Breakdown & Visual Guide](/images/articles/how-to-apply-passport-india/diagram.svg) ## Passport fees from 1 July 2026 The Ministry of External Affairs revised passport fees with effect from **1 July 2026**. Applications paid before midnight on 30 June 2026 kept the old rates. | Service | Old fee | New fee (from 1 July 2026) | | --- | --- | --- | | Fresh or re-issue, 36 pages, normal | ₹1,500 | **₹2,500** | | Fresh or re-issue, 36 pages, Tatkal | ₹3,500 | **₹5,000** | | Fresh or re-issue, 60 pages, normal | ₹2,000 | **₹3,500** | | Fresh or re-issue, 60 pages, Tatkal | ₹4,000 | **₹6,000** | | Lost or damaged passport, 36 pages | ₹3,000 | **₹5,000** | | Lost or damaged passport, 60 pages | ₹3,500 | **₹6,000** | | Minor, 36 pages, normal | ₹1,000 | **₹1,750** | | Minor, 36 pages, Tatkal | ₹3,000 | **₹4,250** | | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | ₹500 | **₹750** | Always confirm the amount with the **Fee Calculator** on the portal before paying — it shows the exact fee for your case (for example, a change in particulars or a passport for a minor between 15 and 18). > **Tip:** Choose **60 pages** if you travel a lot or need visas often. The extra ₹1,000 is cheaper than re-issuing a full passport early. ## Before you start: what you need Keep these ready before you open the form: - **A working mobile number and email** — all updates come by SMS and email. - **Proof of present address** — see the list below. - **Proof of date of birth** — see the list below. - **Your old passport** (for re-issue) — including the last two pages with address details. - **Details of your parents or spouse** as you want them printed. - **An emergency contact** name, address and phone. You do **not** need photos; they are taken at the PSK. ### Proof of address (any one, usually) - **Aadhaar card** (the most common choice) - Water, electricity, gas or landline/postpaid mobile bill - Bank passbook or statement with photo (of a scheduled public, private or regional rural bank) - Registered rent agreement - Income tax assessment order - Election Photo ID (voter ID) - Spouse's passport (with your name), or parents' passport for minors - Certificate from the employer of reputed companies on letterhead ### Proof of date of birth (any one, usually) - Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the municipal corporation - School leaving / transfer / matriculation certificate - **PAN card** - **Aadhaar card / e-Aadhaar** - Driving licence - Election Photo ID - Policy bond from a public life insurance company showing date of birth The portal's **Document Advisor** gives the exact list for your situation. Answer its questions honestly — the PSK checks the same rules. > **Warning:** If your date of birth is different on your school certificate and Aadhaar, fix the error **before** applying. A mismatch can put your file on hold, and you may need an affidavit (Annexure) to explain it. ## Step-by-step: how to apply online 1. **Register.** Go to **passportindia.gov.in** → *New User Registration*. Choose the **Passport Office** that covers your present address (the portal suggests it from your district and PIN). Set a login ID and verify your email. 2. **Log in and choose the application type.** Click *Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport*. Pick "Fresh" if you have never had an Indian passport, and "Re-issue" for renewal, expiry, change of details, or pages running out. 3. **Fill the form online.** It has sections for your details, family, present address, emergency contact, previous passport and a self-declaration. You can save and come back. Write your name **exactly** as in your proof documents. 4. **Choose normal or Tatkal**, and 36 or 60 pages. The fee changes on screen. 5. **Pay and schedule.** Click *Pay and Schedule Appointment*. Pay online (cards, net banking, UPI or SBI challan where offered) and pick a **PSK or POPSK** and a time slot. Payment is valid for one year; you can usually reschedule a few times within that year. 6. **Save the appointment receipt.** You can print it, but an SMS showing the appointment details is also accepted. 7. **Visit the PSK.** Reach 15 minutes early. Carry originals and one set of self-attested photocopies. 8. **Police verification.** The local police check your address and record. Many states use the **mPassport Police** app, which has cut the time a lot. 9. **Track and receive.** Use *Track Application Status* with your **file number**. The passport is sent by **Speed Post** — keep your phone on for the delivery call. ## What happens at the Passport Seva Kendra Your visit has three counters: - **Counter A — token and document check.** Staff check your appointment, scan documents, and take your **photo and fingerprints**. - **Counter B — verification.** An officer checks your originals against the form. - **Counter C — approval.** A granting officer reviews the file and may ask a few questions. You leave with an acknowledgement slip that tells you whether your file is "granted", needs police verification, or is on hold for a missing document. The MEA says time at the counter has come down to about **30 minutes** for most people. > **Tip:** Wear clothes that contrast with a white background and avoid heavy jewellery or tinted glasses — your photo is taken on the spot and can't be changed later. ## Normal vs Tatkal: which should you choose? | | Normal | Tatkal | | --- | --- | --- | | Fee (36 pages) | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 | | Police verification | Usually **before** the passport is printed | Usually **after** the passport is dispatched | | Typical time after PSK visit | Varies by city; often 2–4 weeks including verification | Often within a few working days | | Documents | One proof each of address and date of birth | Extra identity documents from the Tatkal list | | Best for | Planned travel | Urgent travel, visa appointments soon | Tatkal isn't a guarantee of speed if your documents have problems. If your travel is a medical or family emergency, ask at the Regional Passport Office — they can sometimes help with proof. ## Police verification: how it works - **Fresh passports** usually need verification **before** the passport is issued. - **Re-issue** without changes in personal details may need **no verification** or only verification after issue, depending on your record. - The police officer may visit your address or ask you to come to the station with originals. They check that you live there and that there are no pending criminal cases. - Status shows on the portal as "Police Verification Report received" — "Clear" means you're done. If verification is stuck for weeks, contact the police station of your area first, then the Regional Passport Office through the portal's grievance option. ## Passport for a child (minor) - Minors pay **₹1,750 (normal)** or **₹4,250 (Tatkal)** for 36 pages. - A minor's passport is valid for **5 years or until the child turns 18**, whichever is earlier. Children aged 15–18 can choose a 10-year passport at the adult fee. - Both parents usually sign the form. If one parent is not available, specific annexures (declarations) apply. - Carry the child's **birth certificate**, parents' passports or address proof, and the child to the PSK — biometrics are taken for children too. ## E-passports: what changed Since **28 May 2025**, every passport issued in India is a **chip-based e-passport**. The chip stores your photo, fingerprints and details, which makes forgery harder and speeds up e-gates abroad. You don't apply for it separately — it's simply what you get now. Old non-chip passports **stay valid until they expire**. There is no need to renew early just to get the chip. ## Common mistakes and how to avoid them - **Using agent or look-alike websites.** Some charge ₹1,000–₹3,000 extra or steal data. The only official site ends in **.gov.in**. - **Name spelt differently** on Aadhaar, PAN and school certificate. Update one document first. - **Wrong passport office.** It must match your present address; otherwise the PSK sends you back. - **Address proof older than a year** (bills). Utility bills should be recent. - **Forgetting the old passport** at a re-issue appointment. - **Ignoring the police call.** If they can't reach you, verification fails and the file is delayed. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the passport fee in 2026? From 1 July 2026, a 36-page passport costs ₹2,500 (normal) and ₹5,000 (Tatkal). A 60-page passport costs ₹3,500 and ₹6,000. Minors pay ₹1,750 normal. ### How long does it take to get a passport in India? It depends on the city and police verification. Normal passports often arrive within two to four weeks after the PSK visit; Tatkal can arrive within a few working days. ### Can I apply for a passport without an appointment? No. You need an online appointment at a PSK or POPSK. Senior citizens and some special cases can use walk-in facilities at certain centres — check your Regional Passport Office. ### Is Aadhaar enough for a passport? Aadhaar is accepted as proof of address and date of birth for a normal passport. For Tatkal you may need extra identity documents. ### Do I need police verification for passport renewal? Often not, if your details haven't changed and your record is clear. The portal decides this based on your case. ### Can I reschedule my passport appointment? Yes, you can reschedule from your account within one year of payment, a limited number of times. ### Do I need to replace my old passport with an e-passport? No. Older passports remain valid until their expiry date. ### What does ECR / ECNR mean? ECR (Emigration Check Required) applies to some people without a Class 10 pass who travel to certain countries for work. If you have passed Class 10, submit proof and you'll get a non-ECR passport. ## Sources - [Passport Seva — official portal](https://www.passportindia.gov.in/) - [Care Insurance — Revised passport fees from 1 July 2026](https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/news/government-hikes-passport-fees-from-july) - [Free Press Journal — Passport fees revised from July 1, 2026](https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/passport-fees-revised-from-july-1-fresh-36-page-passport-to-cost-2500-tatkal-fee-raised-to-5000) - [StratNews Global — India crosses 80 lakh e-passports](https://stratnewsglobal.com/india/india-crosses-80-lakh-e-passports-as-full-rollout-kicks-in/) - [Business Today — E-passports and how to get yours](https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/nri/visa/story/india-rolls-out-e-passports-with-enhanced-security-in-these-cities-this-is-how-you-get-yours-476096-2025-05-13)