How to Fill in a Passport Application Form?

Nowadays, you can fill in passport application forms online or offline, depending on your convenience. You can complete a physical form and deliver it to a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Online applications are submitted through the official Passport Seva website, allowing for rapid and easy submission.

ICR scanners read these forms and reject applications if they are filled incorrectly. Keep reading to learn how to fill in a passport application form to avoid any inconvenience later on.

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Criteria to Fill the Form
Filling the Passport Application Form
Fees Associated with Passport Application
Payment Methods
Things To Remember While Filling Form
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Things to Consider While Submitting Form
Frequently Asked Questions

Criteria Required to Fill Out the Passport Application Form

When filling out the passport application form, it is important to ensure you meet the necessary criteria to avoid any delays or issues. Here's a checklist of key requirements to keep in mind:

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	You need to be an Indian citizen before applying for a passport. Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or national ID, is required.
Age	Ensure that you meet the age limits set by the passport offices. Minors, adults, and senior citizens generally have different application processes.
Residential Proof	Prove that you live at any given address as per utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements, among others.
Identification Proof	Valid proof of identity, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or driver’s licence, must be produced.
Photographs	Recent passport photographs meeting certain size and quality requirements according to passport guidelines should be enclosed.
Supporting Documents	Add other documents depending on your type of application, e.g., marriage certificates for name change cases or educational papers in some categories of passports.
Previous Passport	Give details concerning your previous passport, including whether it is renewed or reissued and whether you want it reissued. This will help determine your previous travel history.
Criminal Record	You must reveal all criminal records or ongoing investigations as part of this verification process so that you do not qualify illegally.

Meeting these criteria ensures that your passport application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Process to Fill in a Passport Application Form

Once you’ve reviewed the criteria, check your eligibility for the passport.

If yes, go through the following segment that summarises how to fill in the passport application form online and offline with relevant details:

1. Service Required:

Select or enter the information in the following spaces available in the online passport application form:

Application for: Reissuance of a passport or a new passport

In case of reissue, provide reasons for the same:

Exhaustion of pages in a passport booklet
Validity of passport lapsed within 3 years or is still due to expire
Validity of passport expired 3 years ago or more
Damaged passport
The passport has been lost
Change in existing personal information

In case you select the last option, then provide reasons for the same:

Appearance
Name and surname
Date of birth
Signature
Address
Spouse's name
Delete ECR
Other reasons
Application Type: Tatkal or Normal
Type of Passport Booklet: 60 or 36 pages
Validity of Passport Required (for minors between the age group of 15-18 years): Choose either 10 years or up to 18 years of age. Usually, the validity of a passport is 10 years from the date it is issued for adults and can be reissued. A passport is valid for 5 years for a minor applicant or till they are 18 years of age, whichever is earlier.

2. Details of Applicants:

Enter the relevant details in each of the following fields available in the passport application form:

Name
Known by any other name (if yes, furnish details in Column 1 of Supplementary Form)
Ever changed your name (if yes, provide details in Column 2 of Supplementary Form)
Date of Birth
Birthplace (city, town or village), including details of the country, district and state

If you are born before 15.08.1947 in place of Bangladesh or Pakistan, mention 'Undivided India.'

Marital status
Gender
Indian citizenship
Voter ID and PAN card details
Employment Type: Select the appropriate option to verify your employment status:
Public Sector Undertaking or PSU
Government
Self-employed
Private
Statutory body
Homemaker
Not employed
Student
Retired-private service
Retired government servant
Owners, directors and partners of companies that are members of FICCI, ASSOCHAM and CII
Others
If you are employed in a statutory body, PSU and Government, provide the organisation's name.
Specify if either parent (applicable for minor applicants) or spouse is a government servant.

Besides, fill in other information under this column:

Educational Qualification
If eligible for the Non-ECR category
Visible distinguishing mark
Aadhaar Number

3. Details of Family Members:

Specify the details in the following fields:

Father's and Mother's Name
Legal Guardian's Name
Spouse's Name

In the case of minor applicants, enter the following relevant details:

Parent's Passport Details: Include the following:

Father or legal guardian's file or passport number
Father or legal guardian's nationality, in case the citizenship is not Indian
Mother or legal guardian's file or passport number
Mother or legal guardian's nationality, in case the citizenship is not Indian

4. Details of Present Residential Address:

Enter the relevant details in each of these fields:

House number and street name
Details of town, city or village
Details of the district, state or UT, police station and PIN code
Contact number and email ID
Specify whether the permanent address is similar to the current residential address. If you choose 'no', provide the information in Column 4 in supplementary form.

5. Emergency Contact Details of Applicants:

Submit the following details mentioned below:

Name and residential address (specify the residential address if it is not similar to your current address)
Contact number and email ID

6. Details of Previous Passport or Application:

Provide the information for the following:

Passport or Identity Certificate Number
Issuance and expiry dates
Place of issue
Whether you have applied for a passport and it is not issued. In case you select 'yes', then provide the file number, year and month of application, and passport office name where you have applied.
If you own or have already owned a diplomatic passport, submit the information in Column 6 of Supplementary Form.

7. Other Details:

Enter the relevant details for the following:

If there are any pending criminal proceedings against you
In case you have been convicted by an Indian court
You have been refused to get a passport
If you have applied or been granted a foreign citizenship
If you have returned to India on an Emergency Certificate

8. Details of Fees to Be Paid:

Mention the details of the following:

Amount of fee
If you paid the fee via demand draft, submit the DD issue date, number, expiry date, name and branch of the bank

9. Enclosures:

Attach or submit the relevant documents, such as Voter ID and Aadhaar card, along with the duly filled application form.

10. Self-Declaration:

Put your signature or thumbprint, place, date, month and year to complete the offline and online passport application form fillup.

Fees Associated with Passport Application

When applying for a passport, it's important to know the application fees. Following is the detailed fee structure for passport application:

Service Description	Application Fee	Additional Tatkal Fee
New Passport or Re-issue (10 years, 36 pages) due to full visa pages	₹1,500	₹2,000
New Passport or Re-issue (10 years, 60 pages) due to full visa pages	₹2,000	₹2,000
New Passport or Reissue for Minors (5 years or until 18, 36 pages)	₹1,000	₹2,000
Replacement of Passport (36 pages) due to loss, damage, or theft	₹3,000	₹2,000
Replacement of Passport (60 pages) due to loss, damage, or theft	₹3,500	₹2,000

Also, beware of additional charges for other services such as expedited processing, SMS alerts or physical delivery. These charges are usually displayed during payment and vary based on selected services.

Different Payment Methods for Passport Application

You must know all the payment methods available to make a comfortable and easy choice. Here's a detailed overview:

1. Online Payment:

You can pay the fee online via Passport Seva’s official website. Payment methods allowed are credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and others. This method is convenient and gives instant confirmation that you have paid.

2. Payment through Bank Challan:

Get the bank challan form from the Passport Seva website, fill in all information, and pay the fee at the selected bank. A receipt from the bank is required to be attached to the application form.

3. Payment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):

Fees can also be paid at the Passport Seva Kendra by calling the office in person. Cash payments are commonly accepted here, and debit and credit cards may also be used. Check with the PSK for the accepted payment options.

Knowing these will facilitate the smooth submission of your passport application through proper understanding of application fees and available payment methods.

Things to Remember While Filling in the Passport Application Form

Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any inconvenience while filling up the passport application form:

Use capital letters to fill up the passport application form offline.
Use standard fonts.
Write with blue or black ballpoint pens.
Maintain clear writing throughout to avoid confusion.
Mark 'cross' where you need to select one or more options. For example, if your gender is female, mark the box with a cross against the female option.
Do not mark the boxes with tick marks or dots.
Mention information within the boundaries of the boxes without touching them.
After each complete word, leave one box blank.
Do not specify details outside the given boxes.
Strike out the word or character in case you have mentioned any incorrect details.
Do not smudge or fold the passport application form.
Do not mention 'Not Applicable' in case the option does not appear relevant to you. Leave those boxes or columns blank.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out a Passport Application Form

Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly streamline your passport application process. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for:

Incomplete Information:

All fields required to be filled in completely should be completed. Missing information can delay processing or lead to rejection.

Incorrect Details:

To avoid errors, always double-check all personal details, including name, date of birth, and address, when filling out an application form.

Wrong Photo Specifications:

You must adhere to the guidelines regarding the size and quality of passport photos. If the image is poor or of the wrong size, it may be rejected.

Not Signing the Form:

When necessary, sign the application form. Any unsigned forms will not be processed because they are incomplete.

Failure to Provide Proof of Citizenship:

Include valid proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or national ID. Omitting this can delay or halt your application.

Submitting Unverified Documents:

Every document should be genuine and verified appropriately. Submitting uncorroborated or counterfeit documents is not accepted.

Incorrect Fee Payment:

Verify the correct fee amount and payment method before submission. Incomplete payment can prevent your application from being processed.

Not Keeping Copies:

Make copies of all documents and forms submitted. Having a backup can be useful in case of any issues or discrepancies.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient passport application process.

Things to Consider While Submitting Passport Photos for the Application Form

If you are submitting a passport application format at District Passport Cell, Citizen Service Centre or Authorised Speed Post Centre, follow the instructions carefully while pasting your photograph on the application form:

Paste one colour passport size photograph with a dimension of 4.5 cm in length x 3.5 cm in width.
The background colour of the photograph should be white, and the colour of your dress colour should be dark.
The photograph should fit in the box given in the application form.
Your front face should be visible in the photograph with a neutral expression and eyes open, while your head's position should be at the centre and ensure that facial edges and ears are visible.
Wearing coloured or dark glasses in a photograph will not be accepted.
Computer printed photographs are not accepted, and photos printed on superior quality photo paper are permissible.
Your hair should not cover the eyes.
Glares on eyeglasses are not acceptable.
Damaged photos are not accepted.
Covering of the head is only permissible in the case for religious purposes.
Shadows on your face or in the background in a photograph should not be there.
Photos derived from group photographs are not acceptable.
Do not put your signature on the pasted photograph.

Note: You do not need to submit photographs if you submit the application form at Passport Seva Kendra.

Thus, now you know how to fill in a passport application form. Knowing about it will streamline the process of filling out the application form without any hassle. This will simplify the process, allowing you to complete the form smoothly and without stress. Being informed about each step ensures you can tackle it efficiently and avoid unnecessary issues.

FAQs Related To Filling a Passport Application Form

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How to rectify a mistake found in an online passport application form?

If you notice a mistake in your online passport application form, request Citizen Service Executive at Post Office Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Seva Kendra, that is, at Counter-A, to rectify the incorrect detail.

Can you download the passport application form and submit it offline?

Yes, you can download the passport application form from the official portal of Passport Seva. Take a printout and submit it offline if you do not have access to an internet connection to submit an online application.

When can I apply for a re-issue of a passport?

You can apply for a re-issue of your passport before 1 year the expiry and not earlier.

What documents are required for a passport application?

Essential documents include proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of citizenship. Additional documents may be needed for special cases or renewals.

How can I obtain a passport application form?

Passport application forms can be downloaded from the official Passport Seva website or obtained at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).

Can I fill out the application form online?

Yes, the passport application form can be completed and submitted online through the Passport Seva website for added convenience.

Do I need to provide a photograph with the application?

Yes, passport applications require recent passport-sized photographs that meet specific guidelines. Ensure your photos comply with the required specifications.

Is there a difference between the application form for a new passport and renewal?

Yes, the forms differ. A new passport application requires additional documents for proof of citizenship, while a renewal application focuses on updating existing information.

Can I submit the application form by mail?

In most cases, applications must be submitted in person at a Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office. Check the latest guidelines for any mail-in options.

How do I know if my application has been received?

After submitting your application, you should receive a receipt or acknowledgement slip. You can also track the status online using your application reference number.

What if my application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons. You can address the issues, resubmit the application, or appeal the decision if applicable.

Can I apply for a passport if I have an existing one?

Yes, you can apply for a new passport if you need additional pages or if your current passport is lost or damaged. Ensure you follow the correct procedures for such cases.

What should I do if I have not received my passport by the expected date?

If your passport is delayed beyond the expected processing time, contact the Passport Seva Kendra or use the online tracking system for updates and further assistance.

What is the fee for applying for a passport?

The fee for a standard adult passport (10 years validity) is ₹1,500, while a minor's passport (5 years validity) costs ₹1,000. Additional charges apply for expedited services.

Does a passport need a PAN card?

No, a PAN card is not required for a passport application. However, a PAN card can be used as proof of identity or address if it applies to your documents.

What are the tatkal passport fees?

The Tatkal passport fee is ₹3,500 for adults and ₹2,000 for minors. This fee is applicable for expedited processing of the passport.

How much time does a passport take?

A standard passport typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Tatkal applications are processed faster, usually within 1 to 3 weeks.

Is a PAN card proof of citizenship?

No, a PAN card is not considered proof of citizenship. It is a valid proof of identity and address but does not establish citizenship. Documents such as a birth certificate, voter ID, or passport are required to prove citizenship.