How to make an Indian passport application

For all Indian citizens wishing to travel abroad, they must be in possession of valid and up-to-date Indian passports. This is irrespective of age. Therefore, even young babies need to have their own children passport which will be valid for five years. Obtaining a passport is a straightforward process, provided that the correct steps are taken. Read the following article to know how to make an Indian passport application.

Get an application form

There are three ways to get a passport application form. Online Firstly, the applicant needs to register at Passport.gov.in. Then, they can fill in the form online. Download The forms can be downloaded from Passport.gov.in (forms), and then filled out manually. In person The applicant can get a passport form from passport offices or speed post centres.

Completing the form

The passport application forms must be filled in following particular guidelines, as they are machine-read. Directions - Use capital letters
- Use a black or blue ball pen
- Leave one box blank after each completed word
- Stay within the box
- Do not write outside the boxes

Where to apply

Passport applications can be submitted at the following places: - Passport offices;
- Speed post centres;
- District passport cells;
- Passport collection centres.

Additional documents to support the application

Only original documents are to be used. The following list of required documents is for a fresh passport application. Renewals or child applications have slightly different requirements. Details can be found at Passport.gov.in (cpv checklist). A. Proof of address - Any one of Ration Card, utilities bill, bank statement or Tax Assessment Order. B. Proof of date of birth - Birth certificate. C. Citizenship document D. Identity certificate if you are a government, public sector or statutory body employee.

Fees

1. Fresh passport valid for ten years (36 pages) - Rs 1,000 2. Fresh passport valid for ten years (60 pages) - Rs 1,500 3. Fresh passport for minors (under 18 years of age) valid for five years or until the applicant reaches 18 years old - Rs 600. 4. Duplicate passport (36 pages) for damaged, stolen or lost passport
- Rs 2,500. 5. Duplicate passport (60 pages) for damaged, stolen or lost passport
- Rs 3000. 6. Police Clearance Certificate - Rs 300. 7. Change of personal details - Rs 1,000.

Tatkaal Scheme

The scheme was introduced for applications that need a passport unexpectedly or urgently. As well as requiring a Verification Certificate, there are additional fees to pay on top of the standard passport application fee. These fees can be found at Passport.gov.in (Tatkal Scheme).