How to Apply for a Passport in India 2026: Step-by-Step Guide, Fees, Documents & Tatkaal Process

Applying for a passport in India in 2026?

The entire process starts online at passportindia.gov.in, costs ₹1,500 for a standard 36-page adult passport (plus ₹500 PSK fee), takes 30 to 45 days under normal processing, and requires one in-person appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). If you need it urgently, the Tatkaal scheme costs an additional ₹2,000 and processes your passport in 1 to 3 working days at the PSK level — though delivery can take a few more days.

A passport is the first document you need before any international trip can happen. Before the Schengen visa, before the Dubai e-VOA, before the flight booking — the passport comes first. Yet the passport application process is one of the most searched topics in India year after year, because despite the process being genuinely straightforward, most people do not know the exact steps until they need to do it themselves.

This guide covers everything — fresh passport applications, renewals, Tatkaal, documents needed, what the new 2026 e-passport changes mean, and the most common mistakes that cause delays. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an expiring passport before a big trip, here is everything you need to know.

Types of Indian Passports in 2026

For all personal travel — holidays, tourism, business trips, study abroad, visiting relatives — the Ordinary Passport (dark blue) is what you need. This guide covers the ordinary passport throughout.

What’s New: Indian Passport Changes in 2026

Several meaningful changes have been made to the Indian passport system in the last two years that applicants in 2026 should be aware of:

Chip-enabled e-Passports launched: India began issuing chip-enabled biometric e-passports from 2025, with the rollout continuing through 2026. The e-passport stores your personal and biometric data on a secure microchip embedded in the back cover. This speeds up border clearance at major international airports and significantly reduces the risk of passport forgery. If you are applying fresh or renewing, you may receive an e-passport depending on your Passport Office’s rollout status.

Parents’ names removed from the printed booklet: Parents’ names are no longer printed on the passport’s personal details page. They remain part of the digital record but are not visible in the physical booklet — a privacy improvement.

Residential address no longer printed: Your home address is no longer printed in the passport booklet. It is now digitally encoded in the chip for e-passports, keeping your residential address private.

Birth certificate now mandatory for applicants born on or after 1 October 2023: If you are applying for a passport for a child born on or after 1 October 2023, a birth certificate issued by the local Municipal Authority or Registrar of Births is mandatory as proof of date of birth.

452 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras now operational: The expansion of POPSK centres into smaller towns and semi-urban areas means most Indians can now access passport services within a reasonable distance without travelling to a major city.

Indian Passport Fees in 2026: Complete Fee Structure

Important notes on fees:

• All fees are non-refundable — even if your application is rejected or you cancel your appointment
• The ₹500 PSK fee is charged for every application including Tatkaal
• Police verification charges are additional and vary by state — they are not paid to the Passport Office but to the local police authority
• A 10% fee reduction applies for senior citizens (60 years and above) and children up to 8 years of age on fresh passport applications
• Payment is online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI — or offline at an SBI branch via challan
• Use the official Passport Fee Calculator at passportindia.gov.in for the exact fee for your specific situation before paying

Documents Required for a Fresh Passport in India

Proof of Date of Birth (any one)

• Birth certificate issued by Municipal Authority or Registrar of Births (mandatory for children born on or after 1 October 2023)
• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• School leaving certificate or matriculation certificate showing date of birth
• Driving licence
• Voter ID card

Proof of Address (any one)

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• Utility bill — electricity, water, gas, or telephone (not older than 3 months)
• Bank passbook or bank statement with current address
• Rent agreement (registered)
• Driving licence

Proof of Indian Citizenship / Identity

• Aadhaar card (serves as both identity and address proof)
• Voter ID card
• PAN card (identity, not address)

Photographs

• The Passport Seva Kendra captures your photograph during the appointment — you do not need to bring photographs for online applications
• For offline applications or specific cases, 2 recent colour passport-size photographs (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, white background, face clearly visible, no glasses)

Additional Documents for Specific Applicants

• Married women changing surname: Marriage certificate
• Minors under 18: Parent’s passport copy, birth certificate, and Annexure H (declaration of parents) if both parents not present at PSK
• Government employees: Identity certificate / NOC from employer (Annexure B)
• Orphans: Declaration from orphanage or court order

💡 Bring originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents. The PSK will verify originals and retain the copies. Missing a single document means your appointment is rescheduled — PSKs do not make exceptions.

How to Apply for a Passport in India in 2026: Step by Step

Step 1 — Register on the Official Passport Seva Portal

Go to passportindia.gov.in and click “New User Registration.” Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card or date of birth document — inconsistencies between your passport application and your other documents cause delays during police verification. Create a strong password and verify your email address. Your login ID is your registered email.

Step 2 — Fill the Online Application Form

Log in and click “Apply for Fresh Passport” (for first-time applicants) or “Apply for Re-issue of Passport” (for renewal). Fill in all personal details — date of birth, address, family details, emergency contact, and previous passport information if applicable. Under “Scheme Type” — select Normal (30–45 days processing) or Tatkaal (1–3 working days at PSK level, additional ₹2,000 fee).

Review everything before submitting. Errors in your name, date of birth, or address are the most common cause of delays and can require you to restart the process.

Step 3 — Pay the Fee Online

After submitting your form, click “Pay and Schedule Appointment.” Pay the applicable fee online using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. You can also pay via SBI challan at an SBI branch if you prefer offline payment. Your appointment slot becomes available only after successful payment.

Step 4 — Book Your Appointment at a PSK or POPSK

After payment, select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) near you and choose an available appointment slot. Book as early as possible — PSK slots in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai fill up weeks in advance during peak travel booking season (October–November and March–April). Smaller cities and POPSK centres typically have better slot availability.

You will receive an appointment confirmation with an Application Reference Number (ARN). Save this — you will need it to track your passport status later.

Step 5 — Visit the PSK on Your Appointment Date

Arrive at the PSK 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Carry:

• Printed appointment confirmation (or show on phone)
• Original documents for all proofs (date of birth, address, identity)
• Self-attested photocopies of all documents
• Aadhaar card — now integrated with the Passport Seva system for faster verification

The PSK process involves three counters: A (document verification), B (data verification on screen), and C (final supervisor check and biometrics — photograph and fingerprints). The entire process typically takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on queue length.

Step 6 — Police Verification

After your PSK appointment, your application goes for police verification at your registered address. A police officer visits your home to verify your address and identity. This is the step that most commonly causes delays — being unavailable at home during the verification visit means rescheduling, which can add weeks.

For Tatkaal applications, police verification happens after the passport is issued — not before. This is why Tatkaal is faster. Your passport is issued within 1 to 3 working days at PSK level, and police verification is completed post-issuance.

Step 7 — Passport Delivery

Once approved, your passport is dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address. Track delivery status using your ARN at passportindia.gov.in or the mPassport Seva mobile app. Ensure someone is home to receive it — Speed Post delivery requires a signature, and if the delivery fails multiple times, the passport may be returned to the Passport Office.

Normal vs Tatkaal Passport: Which Should You Choose?

A common misconception: Tatkaal does not mean you receive your passport in 1 to 3 days from application. The 1 to 3 working day figure refers to the PSK-level processing — document verification and approval. After that, police verification (post-issuance) and Speed Post delivery add time. Realistically, most Tatkaal applicants receive their passport in 7 to 14 days from appointment date.

💡 TravelDham tip: If your travel is more than 6 weeks away — apply normal and save ₹2,000. If your travel is within 30 days or you need the passport for a visa application with an imminent deadline — apply Tatkaal. Do not apply Tatkaal just to save a few days if your travel date gives you enough time for normal processing.

How to Renew Your Indian Passport in 2026

Passport renewal (officially called Re-issue) follows the exact same online process as a fresh application — register or log in at passportindia.gov.in, select “Apply for Re-issue of Passport,” fill the form, pay, book appointment, attend PSK.

Key things to know about renewal:

• When to renew: Renew when your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining, or when all pages are full. Many countries and airlines do not accept passports with less than 6 months remaining validity from your travel date.
• Renewal fee: Same as fresh application — ₹1,500 for 36-page, ₹2,000 for 60-page (plus ₹500 PSK fee)
• Documents needed: Original old passport (carry it to the PSK appointment), standard address and identity proofs
• Old passport returned: Your old passport is returned to you at the PSK with “cancelled” punched through it — useful for visa history records
• Police verification for renewal: Police verification for renewal is typically “post-police verification” in most cases — meaning your new passport is issued first and verification happens after. This makes renewal faster than a fresh application in most states.
• Name change on renewal: If you are renewing after marriage and wish to update your surname, carry your marriage certificate as an additional document

Minor Passport: Applying for Your Child’s Passport

Children under 18 are issued passports with 5-year validity or until they turn 18, whichever comes first. Children between 15 and 17 can opt for a 10-year validity passport at adult fees.

Additional documents for minor passport applications:

• Birth certificate (mandatory for children born on or after 1 October 2023)
• Aadhaar card of the child (if available)
• Passport copies of both parents
• Aadhaar or address proof of parents
• If only one parent is present at the PSK: Annexure H (declaration from absent parent) — self-attested
• If parents are separated or divorced: relevant court orders

💡 Important for family travel planning: A child’s passport takes the same 30 to 45 days (normal) or 7 to 14 days (Tatkaal) as an adult passport. If you are planning an international family trip, apply for your child’s passport well in advance — a missing child passport has derailed more family holiday plans than any visa issue.

Tracking Your Passport Application Status

Track your passport at any time using:

• Official portal: passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status → enter your File Number or ARN and date of birth
• mPassport Seva app: Available on Android and iOS — track status, locate PSKs, access application information
• SMS: Send STATUS FILE_NUMBER to 9704100100
• Call centre: 1800-258-1800 (toll-free, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 10 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM)

Common Mistakes That Delay Passport Applications in India

• Name mismatch across documents — Your name on the application must exactly match your Aadhaar, PAN, or date of birth document. Even a spelling variation (Priya vs Priyaa) can cause a query.
• Address mismatch — Your application address must match your address proof document exactly. If you have recently moved, update your Aadhaar address first before applying.
• Missing self-attested photocopies — PSKs require self-attested copies (signed by you with “self-attested” written) alongside originals. Arriving without photocopies means a rescheduled appointment.
• Unavailability for police verification — If the verification officer visits and no one is home, the process is delayed. Inform a family member to be present if you work during the day.
• Booking an appointment before paying — You cannot book an appointment slot without completing fee payment. Some applicants fill the form and then search for slots — the slots are only visible after payment is processed.
• Applying too close to travel date — Normal processing takes 30 to 45 days. If your visa application requires a valid passport with 6 months remaining validity, factor that in too. Start the passport process at least 60 days before any planned international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions — Passport Application India 2026

How much does a passport cost in India in 2026?

A fresh ordinary passport for an adult costs ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet or ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet, plus a mandatory ₹500 PSK fee. Total out-of-pocket: ₹2,000 (36-page) or ₹2,500 (60-page). Under the Tatkaal scheme, an additional ₹2,000 surcharge applies — making it ₹4,000 for a 36-page Tatkaal passport. A minor’s passport (under 15 years) costs ₹1,000 for a 36-page booklet plus ₹500 PSK fee. All fees are non-refundable.

How long does a passport take in India in 2026?

Normal processing takes 30 to 45 days from appointment date to delivery, depending on how quickly police verification is completed in your state. Tatkaal processing is 1 to 3 working days at the PSK level, but with post-issuance police verification and Speed Post delivery, most Tatkaal applicants receive their passport in 7 to 14 days from appointment date. Delays most commonly occur during police verification — being unavailable at home is the single biggest cause.

What documents are needed for a fresh passport in India?

For a fresh passport you need: proof of date of birth (Aadhaar, PAN, birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or driving licence), proof of current address (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill not older than 3 months, or bank statement), and proof of identity. Aadhaar card alone can serve as proof of date of birth, address, and identity simultaneously — making it the most convenient single document to carry. Self-attested photocopies of all documents are required in addition to originals.

What is Tatkaal passport and how does it work?

Tatkaal is an expedited passport processing scheme for urgent travel needs. It costs ₹2,000 more than the standard fee. Under Tatkaal, your application is processed at the PSK within 1 to 3 working days rather than going through the standard queue. Police verification happens after the passport is issued rather than before, which is why it is faster. Total time from appointment to delivery is typically 7 to 14 days. To qualify for Tatkaal, you need to provide evidence of urgency — such as an imminent visa appointment, a travel date within 30 days, or a medical emergency.

Can I apply for a passport online in India?

Yes — the entire application process starts online at passportindia.gov.in. You register, fill the form, pay the fee, and book your PSK appointment online. However, the in-person appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra is mandatory — you cannot complete a passport application 100% online without attending the appointment for document verification and biometric capture.

How early should I apply for a passport renewal before my trip?

Apply for passport renewal at least 60 days before your intended international travel date. This allows for normal processing (30–45 days) plus buffer for police verification delays and Speed Post delivery. If your visa application requires your passport before your trip, add the visa processing time to this calculation — you need your renewed passport in hand before your visa appointment. If time is tight, apply under the Tatkaal scheme.

What is an e-Passport in India and how is it different?

India began issuing chip-enabled biometric e-passports from 2025, with rollout continuing through 2026. An e-passport has a microchip embedded in the back cover that stores your personal details, photograph, and biometric data digitally. This enables faster clearance at automated e-gates in international airports, reduces the risk of forgery, and removes the need for your address and parents’ names to be printed in the booklet. You cannot specifically request an e-passport — whether you receive one depends on your Passport Office’s rollout status at the time of application.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

If your passport is lost or stolen in India: file an FIR at the nearest police station immediately (mandatory), then apply for a re-issue at passportindia.gov.in under “Re-issue of Passport” with the reason “Lost/Damaged.” Carry the FIR copy as a mandatory additional document. If lost abroad, contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate — they can issue an Emergency Certificate for return travel, after which you apply for a new passport on return to India.

Do I need a separate passport for my child?

Yes. Since 2015, children are no longer added to parents’ passports in India. Every child, regardless of age, needs their own separate passport for international travel. Children under 15 are issued passports with 5-year validity. Children between 15 and 17 can opt for a 10-year adult passport at adult fees. The application process is the same as for adults — online at passportindia.gov.in, with an in-person appointment required.

Passport Assistance Through TravelDham

The passport application process itself is handled entirely by the Government of India through the Passport Seva system — no third party, including TravelDham, can apply on your behalf or expedite official processing. Anyone who claims they can get your passport issued faster by paying them is either misrepresenting themselves or operating outside the law.

What TravelDham does offer is passport guidance as part of complete international trip planning — ensuring your passport validity is checked before booking, flagging renewal needs with sufficient lead time before visa applications, and coordinating the timeline between your passport, visa application, and travel booking so nothing falls through the gap.

Many travellers discover their passport is expiring only when they start the visa application process — at which point the timeline can become very tight. TravelDham’s trip planning process includes a passport validity check at the first consultation, so this never becomes a last-minute problem.

Planning an international trip? Contact TravelDham for a complete end-to-end consultation — from passport validity check to visa, flights, hotel, and travel insurance. We make sure every document is in order before a single booking is made.