How to apply for a Passport? Step-by-Step guide

Application Process for Getting a Passport

A passport acts as means of identification proof and is issued by the government to permit travelling in different countries. Interestingly, a passport has been given weightage just like the Voter ID Card or Aadhar Card in several government offices and agencies. With the help of a passport, a person can avail of any international flight and travel to a particular country.

Indian citizens who are planning to travel abroad for vacation, education, job, medical, or any other purpose need to have a valid passport. It is like a travel document that permits entry to a foreign country.

The Passport Seva services manage queries related to the delivery, transparency, and accessibility of passports. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched this online portal to make the services better. Surprisingly, there has been an impressive growth in the figures in 2017 when 82% of the normal passport was issued almost within a week.

This article aims to cover the detailed steps of how to apply for a passport.

Documents needed for Indian passport:

• Date of Birth Proof
  An applicant can select different documents to give proof regarding his date of birth. It can be a PAN Card, Voter Card, Birth Certificate, Aadhar Card, etc.
  
• Address Proof
  In an address proof, the applicant can submit his/her electricity bill, telephone bill, Income Tax assessment order, rental agreement, bank passbook, etc.

Step-by-step process to apply for a Passport:

Registering in Passport Seva:

The first step to applying for a passport is to register in the online portal of Passport Seva. The requisite details need to be filled in to carry out the procedure.

• The applicant needs to go to the Passport Seva’s website.
• Click on Apply for a new or re-used passport.
• A login ID and password has to be created for new users by clicking on Register Now.
• Existing users can use the previous ID along with the password.

Selecting the Application Type:

After a successful login process, the application homepage will be opened before the applicants. Here one has to select between the two options provided, fresh Passport or passport reuse. Completing this step, they will be directed towards the next process. It gives different options to select:

• Diplomatic passport/official passport
• Identity Certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

The diplomat passports are issued to the government diplomats while the official passports are given to the business officials under the Indian government.

Filling the Application Form:

The application form of a passport can be filled in both online and offline processes. It depends upon the convenience of the applicant which method he/she is preferring. These are the detailed steps that have been outlined below.

• A soft copy of the application form can be downloaded by clicking on the electronic link.
• An applicant can download the soft copy of the relevant form based on the application type.
• The necessary details of the e-form can be filled in.

An applicant can fill the relevant application form online to avoid wasting time. The form can be filled partially and submitted later. A physical copy of the passport application form can also be collected from the passport office or post office. Now, the majority prefers the online process as there has been a steady jump in the figures of the documents issued to 69% after 2012.

Uploading the application form and documents:

The applicants can directly fill the application form online, or they can download it to fill in the details later. After filling the application form, other necessary documents like identification proof, age proof, address, etc., have to be scanned. This step ensures the process gets accelerated on the day one visits the passport office for the final step of the application.

Making the payment:

After filling and submitting the form, an applicant has to make an appointment in the nearest PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) or any relevant passport authority. The following steps will help book an appointment:

• An applicant has to submit the form, and then after the process is completed, the details will be displayed.
• The ARN of the submitted form has to be selected.
• Click on the Pay and Schedule Appointment option.
• Then choose the mode of payment between the Challan payment and Online payment.

If the applicant chooses the Challan payment, then he has to visit the nearest SBI branch.

• After making the payment, a copy of the challan has to be collected from the bank.
• The bank will verify the ARN within two days.
• The applicant can track the details on the website and post verification a successful payment of fees will be displayed.

If the applicant is making a payment online, then he has instant access to book the appointment.

Scheduling an appointment:

• After the payment process is completed, the applicant can schedule an appointment.
• The applicant can pick a convenient slot from the available dates.
• Next, the PSK can also be selected from the available dates.
• The appointment can be confirmed by typing the correct CAPTCHA code.

As the process gets completed, the applicant will receive an appointment and appointment number.

Go for the appointment with relevant documents:

The applicant needs to visit the selected PSK on the date of appointment with the appointment number and all other relevant documents. He has to carry several photocopies of the documents as the authorities might be requiring it.

The process will require standing in queues for the time being to submit all the relevant documents. After this, the applicant will be taken to another room to click photographs and do biometrics for fingerprints.

There will be a final verification call for the applicant by the passport authorities. He will be accompanied by two officials who will conduct the complete verification before giving the final nod.

Police verification process:

After completing the entire process at the PSK, there will be a final Police Certificate Verification. Generally, after 3-4 days, the applicant has to be present in the stipulated police station for verification. After this, a passport will be issued to the applicant within 25-30 days.

Conclusion:

If anyone intends to travel outside the country, then they need to be the possession of a valid travel document which is the passport. There are certain essential factors one must know about the passport.

• As soon as you receive the passport check for the errors in it.
• In case your passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed report it to the nearest police station.
• Keep photocopies of your passport, as it can be helpful if the document is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Re-issue for a new passport a year ahead before it gets expired.

Also read:

1) What is a Voter's ID? How to apply for a Voter ID?
2) How to apply for a Driving License? Step-by-Step Guide
3) How To Open A Bank Account?
4) What Is a PAN Card & Why Do You Need It?

FAQs

Q. How to apply for a Tatkal passport?

Ans: When applying for a Tatkal passport, the applicant has to download Annexure F from the website of Passport Seva Kendra. In 2017, around 50% of the Tatkal passports were processed in a single day.

This form is a written document that verifies that fact about an applicant staying at a current address for a year. However, a central government employee has to confirm the claim mentioned above.

Q. How to change the address section in the Indian passport?

Ans: A passport holder can make changes in his address by applying for a re-issue in the passport. There is both an online and offline method to make changes for the same. An applicant can select any of the two processes as per his convenience.