Indian Passport Services Guide (2026)
Indian Passport Services Guide (2026)
Complete Guide to Indian Passport Services in 2026
Everything you need to know about applying, renewing, updating, or reissuing your Indian passport. Explained step-by-step in clear, practical language
An Indian passport is the official travel document issued by the Government of India through the Ministry of External Affairs. It serves as proof of nationality and identity and is mandatory for international travel.
All passport services in India are processed through the Passport Seva system. Applications must be submitted online, followed by an in-person appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expiring passport, opting for Tatkaal processing, updating personal details, or reissuing a lost passport, understanding the correct procedure is essential. Errors in documentation or application details are among the most common reasons for delays.
This guide explains every major aspect of Indian passport services in one place. Each section links to a detailed guide that breaks down that topic further.
For official application access and notifications, refer to the Passport Seva portal:
https://www.passportindia.gov.in
How to Apply for a New Indian Passport
All new passport applications must be submitted online through the Passport Seva portal.
The standard process includes:
Registering on the Passport Seva portal.
Filling out the online application form carefully.
Selecting the service type: Normal or Tatkaal.
Paying the prescribed government fee.
Booking an appointment at a PSK or POPSK.
Visiting the center with original documents.
Completing biometric capture including photograph and fingerprints.
Undergoing document verification.
Completing police verification if required.
Awaiting passport printing and dispatch.
Most applicants complete the in-person process in a single appointment. However, issuance depends on document accuracy and verification clearance.
For a detailed explanation of appointment booking, fees, and application steps, see:
/india-passport/appointment-booking/
Official fee structure can be checked here:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/feeStructure
Passport Renewal Process in India
Passport renewal is processed as “reissue.” You must apply for reissue if:
Your passport has expired.
It is due to expire within one year.
All pages have been used.
The passport is damaged.
Personal details such as address or name need updating.
The renewal process is similar to a new application but may require fewer documents if personal details remain unchanged.
Steps generally include:
Logging into the Passport Seva portal.
Selecting “Reissue of Passport.”
Updating necessary information.
Paying the applicable fee.
Booking and attending an appointment.
Completing verification procedures.
Processing time depends on the selected service type and whether police verification is required.
For a complete step-by-step renewal guide, see:
/india-passport/renewal/
Official reissue instructions:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/reissuePassport
Tatkaal vs Normal Passport: Understanding the Difference
India offers two processing categories:
Normal Passport
Standard government fee.
Police verification required in most cases.
Processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks.
Tatkaal Passport
Higher government fee.
Faster processing timeline.
Additional supporting documents required.
Police verification may occur after issuance in some cases.
Tatkaal is designed for urgent travel needs but is subject to eligibility criteria defined by the Ministry of External Affairs.
For a detailed comparison including cost, eligibility, and timeline differences, see:
/india-passport/tatkaal/
Official Tatkaal information:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/tatkaal
Documents Required for Indian Passport
Document requirements vary depending on applicant category.
Adults
Typically require:
Proof of address.
Proof of date of birth.
Valid identity proof.
Minors
Generally require:
Birth certificate.
Parent passports, if available.
Annexure declarations signed by parents.
Updates or Corrections
For address or name changes, additional legal documentation may be required.
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
For a detailed and categorized document checklist, see:
/india-passport/documents/
Official document advisory tool:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/docAdvisor/attachmentAdvFresh
Passport Police Verification Process Explained
Police verification is conducted to confirm the applicant’s residential address and identity details.
Verification may occur:
Before passport issuance.
After passport issuance in certain categories.
A local police officer may visit the registered address to verify residence and supporting documentation.
Delays commonly occur due to address mismatches, incomplete documentation, or unavailability during verification.
For a detailed explanation of the police verification process, see:
/india-passport/police-verification/
Official reference:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/policeVerification
Lost or Damaged Passport: What to Do
If your passport is lost, you must:
File an FIR at the nearest police station.
Apply for reissue under the “Lost Passport” category.
Submit required declarations and supporting documents.
Attend an appointment for verification.
If the passport is damaged, the required procedure depends on the extent of damage.
Prompt action is recommended in case of loss to prevent misuse.
For the complete recovery process and required documentation, see:
/india-passport/lost-passport/
Official advisory:
https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/lostPassport
Address or Name Change in Passport
Common update requests include:
Change of residential address.
Name change after marriage.
Name correction due to spelling errors.
Addition or deletion of surname.
Each update requires supporting legal documentation and may trigger fresh police verification.
For detailed guidance:
Address change process:
/india-passport/address-change/
Name change process:
/india-passport/name-change/
What is Non-ECR Passport?
Non-ECR stands for Emigration Check Not Required. It allows eligible citizens to travel to certain countries without additional emigration clearance.
Eligibility depends on factors such as educational qualification, income tax payment status, and professional category.
Understanding your ECR or Non-ECR status is important before planning travel to specific countries.
For full eligibility details, see:
/india-passport/non-ecr/
Book Passport Appointment and Find PSK Near You
All passport applications require an in-person visit to:
Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
Appointment availability varies by city and demand levels.
Before booking, ensure:
All documents are prepared.
Details in the application form are accurate.
You are selecting the correct jurisdiction office.
To locate your nearest passport office and understand availability, see:
/india-passport/find-psk/
Official appointment portal:
https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/welcomeLink
Disclaimer
Atlys is an independent information and assistance platform. We are not affiliated with the Government of India or the Ministry of External Affairs. For official applications, notifications, and fee structures, always refer to the official portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in.
How long does passport renewal take in India?
Answer:
Passport renewal, officially processed as “reissue,” typically takes 2 to 4 weeks under Normal service, depending on police verification and regional workload. Tatkaal applications may be processed faster if documentation is complete and eligibility criteria are met. Final delivery timelines depend on verification clearance and printing dispatch schedules.
What is the processing time for Tatkaal passport?
Tatkaal passport applications are processed on priority. In many cases, passports are issued within a few working days after successful document verification. However, timelines may vary depending on verification requirements and local passport office workload. Tatkaal eligibility and documentation requirements must be strictly met.
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You can apply for reissue of your passport up to one year before its expiry date. Early renewal is recommended if you plan international travel or if your passport has limited validity remaining, as many countries require at least six months of validity at the time of travel.
Is police verification mandatory for passport renewal?
Police verification is required in most passport applications. However, whether it occurs before or after passport issuance depends on the applicant category and service type selected. In some renewal cases where no personal details have changed, verification may be simplified.
What documents are required for a minor passport?
Minor passport applications typically require a birth certificate, proof of parents’ identity, and passport copies of parents if available. Annexure declarations signed by parents may also be required. Documentation requirements may vary depending on custody status and parental consent conditions.
What is the government fee for passport renewal?
Passport renewal fees depend on the booklet type and service category selected. Standard booklets and Tatkaal services have different fee structures. Applicants should verify the latest official fee schedule on the Passport Seva portal before making payment.
What is Non-ECR passport status?
Non-ECR stands for Emigration Check Not Required. It allows eligible Indian passport holders to travel to certain countries without additional emigration clearance. Eligibility is based on factors such as education level, income tax status, and professional category.
How do I book a passport appointment online?
Passport appointments must be booked through the official Passport Seva portal. After completing the online application form and paying the applicable fee, applicants can select an available appointment slot at their nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
What should I do if my passport is lost?
If your passport is lost, you should immediately file an FIR at the nearest police station. After obtaining the FIR copy, apply for reissue under the “Lost Passport” category on the Passport Seva portal. Additional declarations and verification procedures may apply.
How can I find my nearest Passport Seva Kendra?
You can locate your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra through the official Passport Seva portal or by using a passport office locator tool. Jurisdiction selection is important, as applicants must book appointments at the correct regional office.
Can I change my address in passport without reissue?
No. Any change in residential address requires applying for reissue of passport. Supporting address proof must be provided, and fresh police verification may be required depending on the circumstances.
What happens if police verification fails?
If police verification fails due to incorrect information, incomplete documentation, or inability to verify residence, the passport application may be put on hold or rejected. Applicants are usually informed of the reason and may need to provide clarification or reapply.