A couple of months ago I had to renew my passport as it was getting expired in a few months. The whole process of passport application has changed a lot since the time I got my old passport. Although the procedure has become less confusing over the years, I still had to do a bit of research to collect all the details to avoid any mistakes while applying for a new passport. This, in turn, made me think about how I can maybe provide information for all you guys and give a helping hand to own the one important item that every person who loves travelling should have in his or her travel bag!!
So here are the steps that one needs to follow while you are applying for a new passport or renewing old passport.
• Visit the official Passport Seva Kendra Website (click here) and register yourself. One must have an active email-id in order to receive activation mail. Enter all the details about yourself (Name, surname etc.). Also, do remember to select the respective Passport office as per your Address details at the time of registration. Once you activate your account, you can log in and begin with the procedure.
• After logging in select apply Fresh passport/ reissue of passport option. Here you will be provided with two options: Fill out an online application form or download the application and fill in and upload it later.
• I chose to fill in the application form online; the step is pretty easy, beginning with the type of application (Normal or Tatkaal), pages in the passport (I would suggest going for a 60-page booklet rather than 36 page). Followed by updating personal details such as name, DOB, permanent address and so on.
• If you choose to download the form, it will be a PDF file and once you have completed filling out the form, upload it on the website. Always fill the details exactly like how it is in your identity proof (fresh passport) or previous passport (in case of renewal). Any changes in the information will need to provide proof of the details (change of address, marital status).
• After submitting the form, the next step is to pay and schedule an appointment with the Passport Office (mandatory step). Select the right Passport Seva Kendra and then go ahead to make payment (Rs. 1500). You can either make the payment online or deposit the booking fee in any of the State Bank India branches. Once the payment is completed you will have to print the copy of the receipt. The receipt will have all the details regarding the appointment date and time.
• On the scheduled date, visit the PSK with all the required documents for submission. Be assured that you have reached the center at the scheduled time so as to not miss your slot.
• In general, the main documents (originals and photocopies) to be submitted at the PSK are:
Old passport
For address proof (at least two), it is advisable to submit Aadhar card, Ration card, Voter ID and utility bills.
Birth certificate
Education certificate (10th, 12th, and graduation certificate)
Stamped and signed bank account passbooks from a Nationalized bank.
Employment details
Marriage certificate
• At PSK, you will have to go through 3 different counters whereby the staff will check your documents take a thumbprint and click your picture for the passport (remember to smile :)).
• Once you have completed the submission you will receive an acknowledgment form.
• Next step is the police verification, whereby the applicant will receive a call from the cops to make a visit to the station. One will have to carry the documents along with two passport size photos to the station. Once the verification is completed they will send the details to the passport office for the final process.
• The application is reviewed and once everything is in order, you will receive your passport via speed post. The exact period for the process is not clear as it depends on various factors. While my mom and I applied for new passports together, she received it within two days after the verification while I had to wait for 15 days to receive mine.
I hope the above points are of help to you in any form during the passport application process. Please note the information provided might not be the complete procedure or the process might even change in future.
Do let us know your experience with passport process (happy and unhappy) and also do mention below if I have missed out any important detail.
I received a renewd passport on 3rd Day from the appointment date from PSK Kolkata. TCS provides breezy and swift service.
Yes, the system has become a lot easier with TCS.
This is great info. Many would find it handy and useful!
Informative indeed. i needed such one, thanks for sharing.
Your welcome 🙂
I got mine renewed in December and as there was no change in any detail of mine I had an easy time!
The process is quite fast when for renewal when there are no changes involved.
Very informative post. It’s nice to know the different processes of renewing a passport in other nations. Thank you for sharing with the world.
Thank you Daphne 🙂
Good posts, beautiful blog.
Congratulations.
Welcome to see my creations:
http://paintdigi.wordpress.com
Thank you 🙂
That’s a great guide with some very useful tips. I had a tough time just getting my fresh passport issued. I was also thinking of writing a blog but the process, as you have suggested has changed so much now. So my blog will be irrelevant. My passport is just 2 years old and hope the process becomes even more easier when it expires. This is a very valuable blog. I am sharing it with a friend who actually needs this information.
Thank you Abhinav. Totally agree with hoping for the process becoming a lot more easier in the coming years.
Great tips for those needing to renew their passports. It’s something that can definitely trip people up.
Thank you Kerri :).
It is indeed heartening that today it so much easier and faster to renew or get a new passport in India. This is a very informative post which would be helpful for anyone looking out to renew or apply for a new passport.
Thank you Vyjay 🙂
This is such a beneficial post for everyone in India. Blog post like this is appreciated cause only few are doing this to help others as well. Very well written and informative!
Thank you for the kind words 🙂
It sounds easier than applying for an Indian Visa to enter India. You have to fill out a pretty comprehensive form and either go to the embassy or send in your passport by mail. It takes several days to get it all back. I’m curious to know if you’re travelling on an Indian passport, do you need visa for countries like USA, UK, Australia? Is it difficult to get a visa?
Oh ye, Indian passport holders do have to apple for visa if they are visiting USA, UK, Europe. And the process is pretty strict for us.
this isn’t applicable for me but i thought it was really comprehensive! great guide and resource. i love how you made this easier for others! 🙂
Sher
http://www.shershegoes.com
Thank you Sher :).
Hey girls.
Came across your blog through Indiblogger. Very informative information you guys write.I recently updated my passport in this similar and I went for 60pages. Looks like this year I have more travel 🙂 Hope you travel a lot with the new passport.
Regards
Rutavi Mehta
http://www.photokatha.in
Thank you for stopping by Rutavi 🙂 All the best for your future travels 🙂 Do keeping visiting our blog in future 😀
This is a very informative and enlightening post! I will make sure to share it with my friends whom I know need this info!