Fresh Passport & Re-issue Guide

Complete step-by-step process โ€” from registration to passport delivery โ€” with documents, fees and solutions to common problems.

Fresh Passport vs Re-issue โ€” What's the Difference?

Fresh Passport
  • Applying for the very first time
  • Old passport expired more than 3 years ago
  • All pages in existing passport are full
  • Passport was damaged beyond repair
Re-issue Passport
  • Expired or near expiry passport (within 3 years)
  • Change of name, address, or personal details
  • Lost or stolen passport replacement
  • Passport damaged or worn out

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Register on Passport Seva Portal

Visit passportindia.gov.in and click Register. For a normal passport, select your nearest Passport Office. For Diplomatic/Official passport, select CPV Delhi. Enter your name, email, set a password, and click Sign Up. Verify your email via OTP to complete registration.

2

Login and Select Service

Login with your email ID and password. Go to Services โ†’ Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport. Select your Passport Office from the dropdown.

3

Choose Application Type & Booklet Size

Select Fresh Passport (or Re-issue), then select scheme as Normal (or Tatkaal). Choose booklet size โ€” 36 pages (standard) or 60 pages (for frequent travellers). Click Next.

4

Fill Personal Details

Enter your full name exactly as per Aadhaar, date of birth, place of birth, gender, marital status. Fill father's/mother's name, spouse name (if applicable). This section is critical โ€” errors here may require you to restart the application.

5

Fill Address & Family Details

Enter your current residential address, select the nearest police station for verification. Add emergency contact details and complete the other declaration questions (criminal record, citizenship, etc.).

6

Select Document Proofs

Choose your proof of birth (Aadhaar / PAN / 10th marksheet), proof of identity, and proof of address (Aadhaar / utility bill / bank passbook). The system will show you which documents are accepted for each category.

7

Review & Submit Application

Review all details carefully. Tick the agreement checkbox and click Submit. Note: submitted details cannot be changed โ€” any errors will require restarting the application. Note your Application Reference Number (ARN).

8

Pay Fee & Book Appointment

Go to View Saved/Submitted Application โ†’ Pay and Schedule Appointment. Pay the fee online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI). Select your nearest PSK or POPSK and choose an available date and time slot.

9

Print Application Receipt

After booking, click Print Application Receipt. This receipt contains your ARN number โ€” carry this receipt on your appointment day along with all original documents.

10

Visit PSK on Appointment Day

Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Carry your appointment receipt, original documents, and 2 recent passport-size photographs. The PSK staff will verify documents, capture biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and process your application.

11

Police Verification (if applicable)

After PSK processing, police may visit your registered address for verification. Be available and cooperate. Provide address proof if asked. Once verification is cleared, your passport will be dispatched.

12

Receive Passport by Speed Post

Your passport will be dispatched to your registered address via Speed Post. Track your application status online using your File Number (received at PSK). Delivery typically takes 3โ€“7 days after dispatch.

Documents Required

Carry both originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents. Documents must be clear and legible. All documents should be in the applicant's name.
Proof of Identity (Any One)
  • Aadhaar Card (most preferred)
  • PAN Card
  • Voter ID (EPIC)
  • Driving Licence
  • Bank/Post Office Passbook with photo
Proof of Address (Any One)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID card
  • Utility bill (electricity/water/gas, last 3 months)
  • Bank/Post Office account statement
  • Registered rent agreement
  • Spouse's passport (showing applicant's address)
Proof of Date of Birth (Any One)
  • Birth Certificate (mandatory for born after 1 Oct 2023)
  • Aadhaar Card (if DOB mentioned)
  • PAN Card
  • 10th Board Marksheet / Transfer Certificate
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Matriculation certificate
Additional (For Re-issue)
  • Original old passport (all pages photocopy)
  • Marriage certificate (for name change)
  • Gazette notification (for other name changes)
  • FIR copy (for lost/stolen passport)
  • Annexure E (for damaged passport โ€” self-declaration)
  • Annexure J (joint declaration for name change after marriage)

Passport Photo Specifications

โœ“ Accepted
  • Size: 2ร—2 inch (51ร—51 mm)
  • White or off-white plain background
  • Taken within last 6 months
  • Full face, front view, both eyes open
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
โœ— Not Accepted
  • Coloured or patterned background
  • Sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • Head coverings (except for religious reasons)
  • Blurred or out-of-focus photos
  • Digital photos taken on phone

Common Problems & Solutions

!

Problem: Application shows "Granting Denied" or rejected at PSK

Solution: This usually happens due to mismatched documents (name/DOB/address). Ensure all documents show identical details. Correct the documents first, then reapply. You may need an affidavit if names differ slightly across documents.

!

Problem: Police Verification Pending for too long

Solution: Visit your local police station with your ARN number and request an update. If there is significant delay (over 30 days), you can file a grievance on the Passport Seva portal under "Register Feedback/Grievance" or call 1800-258-1800.

!

Problem: Appointment slots not available

Solution: New appointment slots are released daily, usually at midnight or early morning. Try booking early morning between 12 AM โ€“ 7 AM. Also check POPSK (Post Office PSK) centres nearby โ€” they often have better availability.

!

Problem: Passport not delivered / returned to post office

Solution: Track your Speed Post consignment number (received via SMS). If undelivered, visit the nearest Speed Post centre with your ID proof. Passports returned to the Passport Office can be collected by visiting it with your file number and ID.

!

Problem: Forgot Passport Seva login password

Solution: On the login page, click "Forgot Password". Enter your email ID and answer the security question or use OTP-based reset. Note: passwords expire every 3 months and must be reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a fresh passport?
Normal processing takes 30โ€“45 working days including police verification. If you opt for Tatkaal service, the passport is typically issued in 1โ€“3 working days (post-police verification may still take additional time for normal slots). Actual timeline depends on police verification clearance.
Can I apply for a passport without Aadhaar?
Yes, Aadhaar is not mandatory. You can use other documents for proof of identity (PAN card, Voter ID), proof of address (utility bills, bank passbook), and proof of date of birth (birth certificate, 10th marksheet). However, Aadhaar is the most convenient as it serves all three purposes.
Should I apply for 36 pages or 60 pages?
Choose 36 pages if you travel occasionally (the standard choice for most people). Choose 60 pages if you travel frequently internationally and need more space for visa stamps. The 60-page passport costs โ‚น500 more. Both are equally valid for all countries.
What happens if my name on Aadhaar and PAN is different?
Minor spelling differences are usually acceptable. However, significant differences may lead to application rejection. It is best to first correct the name discrepancy in Aadhaar or PAN before applying for the passport. You can submit a self-declaration affidavit explaining the discrepancy if needed.
Is it safe to use third-party agents for passport application?
Avoid using third-party agents. The passport application process is fully online, simple, and free to do yourself. Agents often charge extra fees and there is a risk of fraud or misuse of your personal documents. Always apply directly on the official Passport Seva portal โ€” it is free of agent charges.