New Passport in India: Key Information

A passport is necessary to travel from India. Applying for a new passport in India is an online process managed through the Passport Seva portal. There are two main categories. One is a fresh passport, the other is a re-issue passport. We provide all new information as follows.

Documents Required for a New Passport

The required documents are for applying for a “Fresh” passport (first time).

1	Birth Certificate: Issued by a Municipal Authority or District Office of the Registrar of Births & Deaths. After 26/01/1989, a birth certificate is compulsory; otherwise, it is not required.
2	Identity Proof: ( Two Documents) PAN Card Voter ID Aadhar Card Driving Licence Government ID
3	Address Proof: ( One Document) Aadhaar Card/E-Aadhaar, Voter ID (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission. Valid Driving License Copy Utility Bills: Electricity bill, Water bill, Gas connection bill, Landline telephone bill Rent Agreement: along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord and the landlord’s proof of address/ownership. Government Bank passbook with photo and stamp.
4	Qualification: ( One Document) 8th Pass Certificate Class 10th Pass Marksheet Graduation Degree Certificate

Online Application Prices

SERVICE TYPE	FEES 36 PAGE	FEES 60 PAGE
New	1,500	2,000
Fresh Tatkaal	3,500	4,000
Minor	1,000	2,000
Minor Tatkaal	3,000	3,500

How to Apply for a Fresh Passport

The entire application process for a fresh passport is now online. The following steps are:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Register Online	Visit the official Passport Seva website
Fill Application Form	Complete the online form carefully. Ensure all details match your existing documents.
Upload Documents	Upload all relevant supporting documents (like address proof, old passport copy) online
Submit Application	After filling the form, take a printout. Finally, submit your application.
Pay the Fee	Pay the applicable fee online as per the instructions of the issuing office
Appointment	Next, take an appointment and go to the respective office.

Police Verification for Fresh Passport

Police verification is mandatory for a fresh passport application.

Fresh Passports: Police verification is typically conducted before the passport is issued. However, in some cases, for senior citizens or minor applications, it may be done after you receive the passport
Processing Time: The police verification procedure generally takes about 3 weeks from the receipt of the application. The overall passport processing time is a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks.

Difference Between Re-issue and Fresh Passport

Feature	Fresh Passport	Re-issue Passport
Definition	You are applying for a passport for the first time. You have never held an Indian passport of the same category (e.g., Ordinary, Diplomatic) before.	You are applying for a new passport instead of an existing or expired passport.
When to Apply	When you have never possessed a passport. Also, if your last passport expired more than 3 years ago, it is treated as a fresh application.	Validity expired, due to expire, exhaustion of visa pages, change in appearance, lost, damaged, or change in personal particulars.

Question & Answers for Fresh Passport

Q. How to transfer a visa to a new passport?

A. If you have a valid visa (e.g., for the USA, UK, or other countries) in your old passport, you generally do not “transfer” it. You can travel with both the old and fresh passports during travel.

Q. New passport, how many days will get?

A. As per the rule, you get your fresh passport within 25 to 30 days. If there is any issue with your application, it may take some time to get your passport.

Q. When is police verification done for a fresh passport?

A. After the appointment is complete in the Passport Seva Kendra, your police verification will be done within 21 days. Also, more time to take your police verification. You go to your local police station or complain to the regional office with documents.

Q. What disqualifies you from getting a passport?

A. A passport application can be rejected or stopped due to failed police verification, criminal records, pending court cases, or incorrect documentation. Common reasons are name or date of birth mismatch in documents, address police verification failures, or legal court case issues.

Q. What are the 4 types of passports in India?

A. Four types of passports are Blue, White, Maroon, and Orange. Blue is for regular travel, White is for a government official or business, Maroon is for diplomats/high officials, and Orange is (ECR) for individuals requiring an emigration check.

Q. Who has a VIP passport in India?

A. The maroon colour of the passport is a VIP passport. It is an issue for only high-ranking officials like diplomats, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.

Q. Can a passport come in 15 days?

A. Yes, a Tatkaal passport comes 7 to 10 days after the appointment. But this passport needs three documents with the same name and address.

Q. How many years is a fresh passport valid for?

A. A normal passport is valid for 10 years. Minor passport valid for 5 years, and if any criminal case, the passport is valid for 1 year.

Q. Which is better, 36 or 60 pages passport?

A. 36 or a 60-page passport is the same. 36-page charges Rs. 1500 and 60-page charges Rs. 2000. Also, 60-page is better for more travel.

Q. What should I wear for my passport photo?

A. You can wear a normal or smart shirt during the photo shoot at the passport office.

Apply for a Fresh Passport