Applying for passport online isn’t messy anymore
There is a myth that getting a passport in India is still messy. Let us clear one thing; we are not living in the offline world anymore. Government of India has taken every possible way of easing the process of getting a passport through online services. There are two ways of applying for a passport. Online method is less time-consuming.
If you are looking to either renew or get a fresh passport. Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for passport online.
Visit the official website of Passport Seva. If you are an existing user then you can log in with the same user ID and password. If you are applying for the first time, then you have to register yourself and create an account.
How to register
Click on ‘New User Registration” and fill all the required details. Once you register yourself, use the ID and password to log in.
You will have to choose your application type. There are four application types. Fresh passport/passport reissue, Diplomatic passport/official passport, police clearance certificate and Identity certificate. Choose the first option of fresh passport/passport reissue.
Application form
Fill in the details in the online application form and submit online. The application form can also be downloaded and after you fill it, you can upload it. Uploading of documents is optional.
Once you submit the application form, book an appointment and visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. These appointments are released region-wise. You need to click ‘Schedule Appointment’ link to book the appointment. Options of available slots will be provided and you will have to choose a date when you can visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
Online payment will be required before you schedule your appointment. A payment of Rs 1,500 will be charged if you have selected a 36-pages passport or Rs 2,000 will be charged if you have selected a 60-pages Passport. For minors(less than 15 years of age) Rs 1,000 will be charged. Price for a duplicate 36-page passport is Rs 3,000 and for 60-page duplicate passport, you will be charged 3,500.
Click the Schedule Appointment Link and select the appointment quota (Normal Quorta or Tatkal Quota) select the nearest Passport Sewa Kendra and then click the next button. Click the Pay and Book Appointment button which will direct you to State Bank of India’s Multi Option Payment System (MOPS). Select your mode of payment and once you select them, go through the below process.
Online payment can be made using three modes. Credit /Debit card, Internet Banking (State Bank of India and Associate Banks Only) and SBI Bank Challan are the three modes which give enough options for our convenience.
Once the payment is completed, take the print out of the receipt of Application. Carry it along with you when you visit the Passport Seva Kendra.
You will need to visit Passport Seva Kendra to get your documents verified. The individual is needed even though he/she is minor for biometrics and photographs.
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Required Documents
-Proof of citizenship and date of birth
-A Bonafide Certificate from School/College or A HR certificate on the letterhead
-Gas connection bill, electricity bill, water bill or telephone bill in the name of the applicant with a valid address proof.
-Voter ID Card, Bank Account Statement
Police verification is done in two ways. They are obligated to come to your home, but you know how dedicated our local police is. Sometimes they come at home; sometimes they call you at the police station. You must carry original and self-attested copies of all your documents when you are going for the police verification at the police station. You must coordinate with the police station regarding the timings so that when they arrive at the mentioned address, you must be there.
Once your documents are verified and approved from the Passport office, it will go for further process in the police station. Police verification will be done within 21 days of post-approval from the passport office. If the verification process isn’t completed within 21 days then the application gets rejected. This will lead to the re-verification of your passport.
The passport will be delivered at the mentioned address in less than a month time. The ideal time for Passport delivery after the successful police verification ranges between 7 to 30 days.
You must be present at home at the time of delivery of the passport. The presence of a candidate is required to receive the passport at home.
Note– While you are filling the application form, a column will ask to put the name of local references. So, get in touch with your neighbours (local references) who can testify for you. The police will need signatures of two different neighbours to confirm your presence at the mentioned address.
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