A passport is a very important document for citizens of all countries. It is a citizenship and identification (ID) proof that makes you verifiable and identifiable. Apart from this, a passport is a basic requirement for a person wanting to travel abroad. Without a passport, you can not travel outside of the country.

If you have been planning to go abroad recently and have been wondering how to apply for a passport online, Jaagruk Bharat has the answer to all your questions.

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What Is A Passport?

A passport is a document issued to an individual by their country which authorises them to visit foreign countries through different modes of transportation such as air, water, road or rail. A passport is also an identity proof of the passport holder.

Why Is A Passport Required?

As per international and global rules and regulations, a person is required to have a passport if they plan on travelling outside of their country. Moreover, it helps foreign officials identify your nationality in times of need. The Passport Act 1967 governs the issuing and all other issues related to passports in India.

What Are The Benefits Of A Passport?

A passport helps you immigrate to or visit different countries through different modes of travelling. Having a passport has multiple benefits such as being able to visit some countries with an arrival visa or no visa, depending on the strength of the passport of your country.

Moreover, in case you are required to show proof of your identity in a foreign country, your passport is the most legitimate and acceptable identity proof.

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Are There Different Types Of Passports?

Yes, there are different types of passports that are issued to different individuals. Ordinary passports are issued to civilians and ordinary citizens. Diplomatic passports denote that the person is a diplomat from a country and holds a higher value. They are different in appearance.

Official passports are held by government authorities on higher posts such as the Prime Minister. They represent the ‘State’ in the form of passports. In many cases, the government also issues certificates of leave or medical certificates for travelling abroad.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Applying For A Passport?

The eligibility criteria to apply for a passport are given below:

• Minors under 15 years of age are issued a passport that is valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.

• Minors between 15 and 18 years of age can apply for a passport that is valid for 10 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier. However, a 10-year validity passport is only issued after a police verification report is received.

• People who are 65 years old or older and do not live in Jammu and Kashmir can apply for a passport. In Jammu and Kashmir, women must be at least 60 years old and men must be at least 65 years old.

• The person must not be wanted under any crime or other offence in India.

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Documents Required To Apply For A Passport

The following documents are required to get a passport:

• Aadhaar Card

• Driving licence

• Voter ID card

• Date of Birth certificate

• School Leaving certificate

• Leave by court in case of ongoing trial.

How To Apply For A Passport In An Offline Mode?

To apply for a passport in the offline mode, you will have to visit a Passport Seva Kendra along with documents such as proof of residence, address proof, identification proof, birth proof, etc.

You can approach an officer at the Seva Kendra and they will collect your information, documents and biometrics to start the process.

After the application has been processed and approved, a police verification will be conducted at your home or wherever the address/residence proof indicates.

You can locate a passport Seva Kendra by visiting this page.

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How To Apply For A Passport In An Online Mode?

If you do not want the hassle of having to go to the passport Seva Kendra and stand in queues, you can apply for a passport online simply using the passport online application service. To apply for a passport in an online mode, follow the steps given below!

• Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal.

• Click on the ‘New User Registration’ option.

• Fill in all the details such as your name, address, phone number, date of birth, etc.

• Set a Login ID for yourself along with a password that you will remember.

• Enter the captcha and click on the register.

After registering yourself,

• Visit the passport seva portal again and login using your Login ID and password.

• Fill in the required details and upload supporting documents.

• You will be given an option of choosing from a tatkaal/ordinary passport.

• If you want a passport urgently, within a few days, choose the tatkaal option. In case you can wait, choose the ordinary option.

• Schedule an appointment and pay the application fees using any one of the multiple payment options available.

• Click on ‘Submit’.

You can check the appointment availability status by clicking here.

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How Much Application Fee Is Charged For Passport Application?

The fees for different passport applications vary. For the reissue of a passport, a passport for a person under 15 years of age, new passport issue, the fees are different. You can find the different passport fee rates in this list:

Service Required	Application Fees	Additional Tatkaal Fees
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport including additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages (36 pages) of 10 years validity.	Rs.1,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport including additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages (60 pages) of 10 years validity.	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport for Minors (below 18 years of Age), of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 whichever is earlier (36 pages)	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of Passport (36 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport	Rs.3,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of Passport (60 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport	Rs.3,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	Rs.500/-	NA
Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR / Change in personal particulars (10-year validity)	Rs.1,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of Passport (60 pages) for deletion of ECR / Change in personal particulars (10-year validity)	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ Change in personal particulars for Minors (below 18 years of Age), of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 whichever is earlier.	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-

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Conclusion

Having an accurate and updated passport is very important. Even if you do not have recent plans to go abroad, you must keep a passport handy as you never know when you might need it. Moreover, it is also an ID and citizenship proof. Follow the steps, and get your passport made now!

For any information, query or grievances, call the passport seva Kendra at 1800-258-1800.

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