How to apply for a passport in India (2025–26): Traveller tips on how to get your passport within a week |

Planning to apply for a passport? A number of people still find it a taxing and timetaking task. But getting a passport in India now is easy and has become streamlined in recent years, thanks to more online services and digital document verification via DigiLocker. Then, the country is also set to introduce e-passports which come with embedded chips under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0. So here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for a passport in India (2025-26):Eligibility Only a citizen of India can apply for an Indian passport. Minors require consent from both parents or legal guardians. These passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years (or until 18th birthday) for minors. With new Passport Seva Programme upgrades, all ordinary passports issued in India are now e-passports with a RFID chip having all biometric and personal information.How to applyStep 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal

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The official Passport Seva Portal is passportindia.gov.inClick “Register Now”. Fill your details (name, email, mobile).Verify your email and login with your credentials.It is suggested to use your Aadhaar details for smooth verification and link your mobile number and email as used in other ID proofs.Step 2: Fill the Application FormClick on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue”Choose one category:Fresh Passport (first-time)Re-issue / RenewalSelect one:

Normal (standard processing)Tatkaal (for urgent with faster processing)Fill in your personal information, your address, family, emergency contacts. Also you need to upload digital photo/signature as asked.Make sure all the details are correct because any mismatches can cause delays or even rejections.Step 3: Fees and AppointmentPay the fee online via:Debit/Credit CardNet BankingUPISBI e-challan (offline at bank)Fee structure (approx 2025–26)

Service Type Normal Fee Tatkaal Additional Total (Tatkaal)Adult (36 pages) ₹1,500 ₹2,000 ₹3,500Adult (60 pages) ₹2,000 ₹2,000 ₹4,000Minor (36 pages) ₹1,000 ₹2,000 ₹3,000After the payment is done, you’ll have to choose a date and time for the appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). An Appointment Reference Number (ARN) will be generated which you need to save as it is important for your appointment.Step 4: Visit PSK / POPSKOn the day of the appointment:Do carry all the original and self-attested documents.These documents will be verified, biometric data (fingerprints) will be taken, and a passport-size photograph will be captured.Standard documents include proof of address, identity, date of birth, and any additional forms if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate).Accepted documents:Aadhaar CardVoter IDBirth certificatePAN cardUtility bills / rent agreement(Custom lists vary slightly; always check the portal before submission.)Step 5: Police VerificationMost first-time and some re-issue applications require police verification at your residence. A local police officer will be assigned who will come to your house for verification process. He will check your documents and address and later submit his report. Step 6: Track Your Passport

You can track the application status on official website.After all the approvals, your passports will be sent via Speed Post to your address. Expect delivery within 7–21 working days for normal service and faster for Tatkaal.Traveller tips on how to get your passport within a weekThe biggest problem that one faces with a passport is the time duration when a person gets it. Sometimes it takes quite long while a person needs to travel on an immediate basis. Here are some tried hacks by travellers to get your passport within a week.Smita Mishra, a frequent global traveller, says that you have to be absolutely sure that the name, address, phone number and other personal information mentioned on the application are correct. There should be no typos or errors. In case of any mismatch, your passport can be delayed or even cancelled.

Similarly, another traveller Prashant Srivastava, told that he faced some challenges during the police verification process. It was because his home address was different from his work address. He was not physically present during the police verification time due to which his passport was delayed. He suggested that it is important to be present for a timely passport.Sharing her passport experience, Khushboo Sinha, a business traveller, mentioned that her date of birth was different in the two official IDs she had shared, which created issues for her. She advises to get all these numbers fixed before applying for a passport which hampers the timeline. If you want your passport to be delivered within a week, make sure you follow these tips. If you miss out on any of these, your passport will be delayed or rejected.