How to Apply for Indian Passport in 2026
The whole process takes about 15-30 days and costs ₹1,500. You'll fill an online form, upload a photo, visit a Passport Seva Kendra for biometrics, and wait for police verification. Here's exactly how it works.
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15-30
days
₹1,500
normal
₹3,500
tatkal
10 yrs
validity
What's new in 2026
All new Indian passports are now e-passports with RFID chips. The application process is the same, but processing is faster thanks to Passport Seva Programme 2.0. If you have Aadhaar linked, you might skip police verification entirely for renewals.
The process at a glance
Everything happens through the Passport Seva portal at passportindia.gov.in. You'll create an account, fill out the application, upload your photo and signature, pay the fee, then book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) near you.
At the PSK, they'll verify your documents and capture your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). After that, police verification happens—sometimes they visit your home, sometimes it's done digitally via Aadhaar. Once cleared, your e-passport gets printed and mailed via Speed Post.
The whole thing takes 15-30 days for normal applications. Need it faster? Tatkal (urgent) processing costs ₹2,000 extra but gets you a passport in 1-3 days.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Here's exactly what to do, from start to finish:
Register on Passport Seva
Go to passportindia.gov.in and click "Register Now". Create an account with your name (as it'll appear on the passport), email, and mobile number. Use an Aadhaar-linked mobile if you have one—it can speed up verification later.
Verify your email, then log in to continue.
Fill the application form
Select "Apply for Fresh Passport" (or "Re-issue" for renewals). The form asks for your personal details, present and permanent address, family information, and emergency contact. If you've had a passport before, you'll enter those details too.
Important: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar and other documents. Mismatches are the #1 cause of delays.
Upload your photo and signature
You need a digital passport photo (51×51mm, square format, white background) and a signature image (140×60 pixels, black or blue ink on white paper). The photo must be recent—within the last 6 months.
For online upload, the photo should be 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels, JPEG format, between 20KB and 200KB. Getting these specs right is where most people waste time at studios.
Skip the studio. Take a photo at home with your phone. Our tool auto-removes the background, crops to 51×51mm, and validates all requirements. Costs ₹83 instead of ₹150-300 at a studio.
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Pay fees and book appointment
After submitting the form, pay online via card, net banking, or UPI. Then book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Save your Application Reference Number (ARN)—you'll need it to track status and for your PSK visit.
Visit PSK for document verification and biometrics
On your appointment date, go to the PSK with your printed application (or just the ARN), original documents plus self-attested photocopies, and 2 passport photos (same as the one you uploaded).
At the PSK, officials will verify your documents, capture your fingerprints and a digital photo, and ask a few basic questions for fresh applications. The whole visit takes 30-60 minutes.
Bring: Aadhaar, PAN (recommended), address proof, birth certificate or Class 10 marksheet for DOB proof.
Police verification and delivery
After your PSK visit, police verification is initiated. This might mean a constable visits your home, or it happens digitally via Aadhaar verification—depends on your application type and location.
Once cleared, your e-passport gets printed and dispatched via Speed Post. Track status on the Passport Seva portal or mPassport app. Total time from application to delivery: 15-30 days normally, 1-3 days for Tatkal.
What it costs
| Type | Normal | Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Passport (36 pages) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh Passport (60 pages) | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Reissue (36 pages) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Minor (under 18) | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
Fees as of 2026. Check the official portal for current rates.
Common questions
How long does it take to get an Indian passport?
Normal applications take 15-30 days including police verification. Tatkal (urgent) takes 1-3 days but costs ₹2,000 extra.
What photo size is required for Indian passport?
Photos must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches) square format with white background. For upload: 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels, JPEG, 20KB-200KB.
Can I apply for passport without Aadhaar?
Yes, but it's slower. With Aadhaar you may skip police verification in some cases. Without it, you need additional address proof.
What is the passport fee in India 2026?
₹1,500 for 36-page, ₹2,000 for 60-page. Tatkal adds ₹2,000. Minors pay ₹1,000.
Can I take passport photo at home?
Yes. Self-taken photos are accepted if they meet specifications. Use our tool to ensure correct size and background for ₹83.
Related guides
How to Apply for OCI Card
Guide for NRIs applying from abroad
How to Apply for PAN Card
Get PAN in 10 minutes (free with Aadhaar)
Aadhaar Photo 50KB Compressor
Resize photos for UIDAI portal uploads
Renew Indian Passport in USA
For NRIs renewing from abroad
Applying for foreign visas?
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