First, The Financials
As of July 1, 2026, the fee for a new or re-issued 36-page passport under the normal scheme is ₹2,500. If you need a 60-page booklet, the cost is ₹3,500. For those in a hurry, the Tatkaal service comes at a premium: ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport and ₹6,000
for a 60-page one. It's crucial to know that payment is mandatory before you can book an appointment slot on the Passport Seva online portal. This online payment system is designed to streamline the process and confirm your intent to attend the appointment. Without completing this payment, you won't be able to secure a date and time at your chosen PSK.
Your Document Dossier
Arguably the most critical step is gathering your documents. Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is a leading cause for application rejection. You will need original documents plus a set of self-attested photocopies. For a standard adult fresh passport, this includes proof of your current address and proof of your date of birth. Accepted address proofs often include an Aadhaar card, recent utility bills, a voter ID card, or a bank account statement. For date of birth, a birth certificate issued by a municipal authority, PAN card, or a school-leaving certificate are commonly used. The single most important rule is consistency; your name and other details must be identical across all documents to avoid a mismatch, which can lead to delays or rejection.
The Digital Groundwork
Before you can even think about an appointment, you must register on the official Passport Seva website and create a user ID. Once logged in, you need to meticulously fill out the online application form. Double-check every detail—name, address, parents' names—for accuracy before you submit, as changes cannot be made afterwards. Once the form is submitted, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated. This ARN is your unique identifier throughout the entire process. You will need it to schedule your appointment and track your application status, so keep it safe.
Perfecting the Passport Photo
Do not underestimate the strict requirements for your passport photograph. An incorrect photo can halt your application. The photo must be a recent colour picture, sized 2x2 inches (51mm x 51mm), with a plain white or off-white background. Your face should take up 80-85% of the frame, showing a full frontal view with your eyes open and a natural, neutral expression. There should be no shadows on your face or in the background. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, and even then, your entire face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible. Wearing dark-coloured attire is often recommended to create contrast against the white background.
Navigating The Appointment Itself
With your payment made and ARN in hand, you can proceed to the 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' section on the portal. You'll choose your preferred PSK, and the system will show you the next available slot. On the day of your appointment, arrive with all your original documents and their self-attested photocopies. At the PSK, you will go through several counters for document verification, biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo), and a final check by a Granting Officer. One of the final hurdles is police verification, where your local police station confirms your address and background. Any discrepancy found during this field verification, like not being present at the given address, can result in an 'adverse' report and rejection of your application.
