A step-by-step guide to applying for a passport

Applying for a passport is easy. Just follow these steps.

A step-by-step guide to applying for a passport

When in need of a new passport, you need to book an appointment at your Regional Passport Office or the Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). 

Here is a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Log into the official PSK website

  • On the website, find the section marked as ‘APPLY’
  • Login with a username and password if you are an existing user
  • Create one if you are a first-time user. To register,
  1. Click on ‘Register Now’ under the ‘New User’ tab
  2. You will be re-directed to the user registration page
  3. Fill in the identification details and any other section that is marked with a (*)
  4. Choose the location where you are registering at in the first field
  5. Your passport office is related to your current address
  6. Insert your name in the next field
  7. Select a user ID which can be your email ID too
  8. Insert a password and click ‘CONFIRM’
  9. Provide a hint question and answer for password recovery
  10. Enter the Captcha code
  11. Click on ‘REGISTER’

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Step 2: Choose your application type

  • Once you log-in, you will be directed to the applicant home page
  • Choose your application type:
  1. Fresh Passport / Passport Reissue
  2. Diplomatic passport / official passport
  3. Police clearance certificate (PCC)
  4. Identity Certificate

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Step 3: Filling out the application form

  • You can fill out the application form either online or offline
  • For offline form, follow these steps:
  1. Download a soft copy of the application form via the given link
  2. The link takes you to ‘Download e-Form' where you can access the following form types:
  • Fresh/reissue
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Diplomatic/Official
  • Identity Certificate
  • Download the appropriate e-form type
  • Fill out the e-form
  • Upload the e-form via the given link ‘Upload e-form’
  1. If you wish to fill out the application form online, then follow the given steps:
  • Click on the link provided on the Passport Seva website homepage
  • You will be directed the ‘Passport Type’ page where you must choose from these options:
  1. Fresh passport or reissue of passport
  2. Normal/Tatkal
  3. Booklet of 36 pages/60 pages
  4. Validity of 10 years/up to 18 years of age/not applicable
  • Click on the ‘Next' icon post selecting your passport type option
  • You will be directed to the subsequent passport type page where you will be required to fill in the following details:
  1. Passport type (current page)
  2. Applicant details
  3. Family details
  4. Present address
  5. Present address 1
  6. Present address 2
  7. Emergency contact
  8. References
  9. Previous passport,
  10. Other details
  11. Self-declaration
  • Submit the duly filled form

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Step 4: Schedule, Pay and Book the appointment

  • Schedule an appointment by navigating to the ‘Applicant Home’ page
  • Next, click on the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’
  • This page will show the details about the application form submitted earlier which should mention:
  1. ARN
  2. File Number
  3. Applicant Name
  4. Appointment Date and Submission Number
  • Select the ARN of the duly filled form
  • You will see the following options on doing that:
  1. Retrieve partially filled form
  2. Pay and schedule appointment
  3. Print application receipt
  4. View/Print submitted form
  5. Track application status
  6. Track payment status
  7. Payment receipt
  8. Upload supporting documents
  9. Appointment history
  • Choose the option ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’
  • This initiates the payment process
  • Choose the method of payment from online payment or challan payment
  • If you choose online payment, then:
  1. Next, book an appointment slot at the passport office on completion of payment
  • If you choose challan payment, then:
  1. Take the challan to your nearest SBI branch
  2. Pay the given amount in cash
  3. This can be done between 3 hours of challan generation, which is valid for 85 days
  4. Collect the challan copy from the receiving bank personnel
  5. The ARN details on the challan are verified by the bank within 2 days
  6. Post verification, you are able to track the payment status
  7. You can schedule the appointment once the payment is successful
  • You can visit schedule the appointment at the selected PSK
  • Enter the displayed code and click on ‘Next’ to select ‘Pay and Book the Appointment’
  • The following details are visible:
  1. ARN, name
  2. What the applicant is applying for
  3. The amount that needs to be paid
  4. Contact number
  5. Appointment date
  • Check all the information 
  • Then, click on the icon that is located on the bottom right corner of the screen for appointment and booking
  • You are taken to the SBI Multi Option Payment System
  • Choose the convenient payment option amongst net banking, card payment or cash
  • Once payment is successful, you get a confirmed appointment with an appointment number
  • The following details are available on the appointment confirmation page:
  1. ARN
  2. Name
  3. Birthdate
  4. What the applicant has applied for
  5. Appointment quota
  6. Chosen PSK
  7. Passport application appointment date
  8. Passport application appointment id
  • Click on ‘Print application receipt’ at the bottom right corner

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Step 5: Print ARN Receipt

  • Print the application receipt
  • The following information is viewable on the receipt:
  1. ARN, type of application, name, place and date of birth, gender and marital status, type employment, father’s name, current address, etc.
  2. First and second reference.
  3. Payment details like the total fee paid along with the date and time of payment and payment transaction ID.
  4. Appointment details like the location of the PSK and its address, date and time of passport appointment, appointment ID and well as the reporting time.
  • Review the details and click on Print Application Receipt’ at the bottom right corner.
  • You have successfully completed the online application process if you see the message ‘Passport Application Receipt’

The receipt comes with two barcodes and further instructions that you need to follow. Remember to carry this receipt along with other listed documents when visiting the PSK on your appointed day. Read this to know how travelling can teach you important financial lessons.

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