Passport Seva Online Requirements
•    For Indians who reside or hold citizenship in India, it is mandatory to possess a valid passport or driving record in order to depart from or exit the country.
•    The Indian government is empowered by the Passports Act of 1967 to grant various types of travel documents and passports.
•    These travel documents and passports fall under different categories: diplomatic passports, official passports, ordinary passports, emergency certificates, and certificates of identity.

To find out if there are available appointments at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official portal of Passport Seva by going to https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/apptAvailStatusGrid.
2. Choose the specific passport office you are interested in from the options available in the drop-down menu.
3. Enter the captcha code provided on the website.
4. Finally, click on the "Check Availability" button to check the appointment availability.

   What is the Passport Office (PO)?

   ·         The Passport Office (PO) is a government agency with the power and authority to issue passports, as well as handle passport cancellations and seizures. They also oversee the Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) under their jurisdiction.

   ·         The POs are responsible for all the necessary backend tasks involved in processing passport applications, which include tasks such as laminating, printing, and dispatching passports. They also maintain communication with the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters, Union Territories (UT), state administrations, and the police.

   ·         Additionally, the POs review Police Verification Reports (PVRs) and handle matters related to establishment, legal cases, Right to Information (RTI) cases, and financial affairs.

   Mobile Passport or mPassport Seva Application: Expanding the Accessibility of Passport Services

   ·         The Ministry of External Affairs has launched a mobile passport service catering to smartphone users.

   ·         The mPassport Seva application offers an array of passport-related services, comprising user login, registration, online payments, service requests, and information on passport centers.

   ·         Additionally, the app serves as a resource for obtaining guidance on the necessary procedures for availing passport services and contact details for any inquiries.

   ·         Not only is it a user-friendly platform, but also a convenient means to easily enroll, make payments, submit applications, and schedule appointments for passport services.

   The passport website provides a detailed explanation of the diverse features and functionalities it offers. Users are able to access the following options:

   • Locate Passport Seva Kendra or District Passport Cell: This feature enables users to easily find the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or District Passport Cell according to their location.
   • Gather information about posts/missions abroad: Users can obtain valuable information regarding various posts and missions abroad, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of passport services in foreign countries.
   • Find police stations in certain areas: This feature assists users in locating police stations in specific areas, offering convenience and peace of mind during their passport application process.
   • Fee Calculator: The Fee Calculator empowers users to accurately determine the required fee for their passport application based on the chosen assistance and submission method, ensuring transparency and easy financial planning.
   • Document Advisor: The Document Advisor is a helpful tool that aids users in identifying the essential documents needed for their passport application submission. This feature eliminates any confusion or uncertainty, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
   • Passport request and delivery tracking: Additionally, users can effortlessly track the progress of their passport requests and stay updated on the delivery status. Utilizing their date of birth and file number, they can access this information conveniently.

     How to easily apply for a Passport Through the Revolutionary mPassport Seva App

     ·         The Indian government has recently unveiled a groundbreaking mobile application called mPassport Seva App, which has significantly simplified the passport application process.

     ·         This incredible app, developed by the esteemed Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) division and launched by the exceptional Sushma Swaraj, the External Affairs Minister, on the prestigious occasion of Passport Seva Diwas, is set to revolutionize the entire procedure.

     ·         With the introduction of the "Passport Application from Anywhere in India" and "Filling Passport Application Forms from Mobile Phones" initiatives, even hundreds of Indian residents planning to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage can now effortlessly navigate through the passport application process.

     In this section, we will know how applicants can utilize the Passport Seva App to initiate the process of obtaining a new passport. The steps involved closely resemble the existing system employed by the 'Passport Seva' website. The comprehensive procedure is outlined below in a clear and concise manner:

     1. Download the mPassport Seva app from either Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
     2. Launch the app on your mobile device.
     3. Select 'New User Registration' from the available options.
     4. Choose your Passport Office from the provided dropdown menu.
     5. Fill in your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and email address, among others.
     6. Enter a unique login ID for yourself (Optionally, it can match your email ID).
     7. Create a strong password to ensure account security.
     8. Select a security question and provide an answer, which will assist you in recovering a forgotten password.
     9. Enter the captcha code displayed and then click on the 'Submit' button.10.
     10. Await an email from the passport office, which will contain a verification link to activate your account.           
     11.  After clicking the verification link, you will be directed to a fresh page where you need to input your login ID for confirmation.
     12.  Once your account is successfully verified, you must exit and relaunch the app.
     13.  Proceed by selecting the 'Existing User' tab.
     14. Enter your Login ID, password, and captcha code to proceed.
     15.  Following that, choose 'Apply for a new passport'.
     16.  Fill in the necessary details in the form and carefully follow the instructions provided on the app.
     17.  Complete the mandatory fee payment.
         18. Lastly, schedule an appointment to visit a passport center for document verification.

     To find out if there are available appointments at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), you can follow these steps:

     1. Visit the official portal of Passport Seva by going to https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/apptAvailStatusGrid.
     2. Choose the specific passport office you are interested in from the options available in the drop-down menu.
     3. Enter the captcha code provided on the website.
     4. Finally, click on the "Check Availability" button to check the appointment availability.

        How to Fill out the Application Form

        You have the option to complete the application form either online or offline. If you prefer filling it out offline, follow these easy steps:
        Step 1: Download the soft copy of the application form by using the provided link.
        Step 2: Once you have downloaded it, you will find a list of different forms. Choose the one that matches your application type, such as Fresh/Reissue, Police Clearance Certificate, Diplomatic/Official, or Identity Certificate.
        Step 3: Fill in all the necessary details in the application e-form and then click on the 'Upload e-form' button.
        Step 4: After you have completed the form, submit it for further processing.
        Alternatively, you can also choose to fill out and submit the application online. The online process allows you to start at your convenience and finish it at a later time. We recommend double-checking the form before sending it to ensure accuracy.                                                                                                                                                                  Step 5: Set Up, Pay for, and Secure Your Appointment                                                                                                                                                                                                     Once you have completed the application form, a fee will be required. You have the convenience of paying this fee either online or in person at your nearest Passport Seva office. At the office, you will also need to submit your application and any necessary documents. Afterward, it's time to schedule an appointment with the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or passport office.

        Here's how you can easily make an appointment:

        Step 1: Visit the 'Applicant Home' page and click on 'View Saved/Submitted Applications'
        Step 2: You will see the details of your submitted application form. Choose the ARN for the specific form you submitted.
        Step 3: Click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' from the available options.
        Step 4: Next, choose your preferred payment method from the two options provided: online payment or challan payment.

        Important note:

        • The online fee for both regular passport appointments and tatkal appointments is the same.
        • However, for tatkal appointments, the remaining balance is due at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on the day of the appointment.
        • Payments can be made online using various methods such as credit card, debit card, net banking, or an SBI Bank challan.
        • After successfully paying the fees, applicants can track the payment status on the website and will receive a follow-up email.
        • To make cash payments, applicants need to take the challan to an SBI branch after 3 hours of generating it. This can only be done within 85 days.
        • The bank will then verify the ARN details on the challan, which may take up to two days. After this, applicants can select their preferred mode of payment.
          
          

          How to Apply for a Fresh Passport in Passport Seva?
          To initiate the application process, please follow the instructions

          1.      Login to Passport Seva:

          • Visit the official Passport Seva website.
          • Locate the 'APPLY' section.
          1. Existing Users:
          • If you already have an account, log in using your user ID and password.
          2. First-time Users:
          • If this is your first time using the website, you need to register and create an account.
          3. To begin the registration process, please follow these steps:
          • Click on the 'Register Now' button.
          • Enter your preferred login ID and password.
          • Complete the Captcha validation.
          • Press the 'Register' button to create your account.

          5.      After successfully logging into the system, you will be prompted to select the desired application type. The available options include:

          o   Fresh passport/passport reissue

          o   Diplomatic passport/official passport

          o   Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

          o   Identity Certificate
          Please choose the appropriate service from the provided list.

          When is it possible to renew a passport?
          
          

          ·         To initiate the renewal process of a passport, you can apply for a re-issue up to one year before its expiration date, but not earlier.

          ·         However, if there are any alterations needed in your personal information, or if your passport has been lost, damaged, or if you have exhausted all the available pages, you are eligible to apply for a re-issue of your passport.

           

          Is police verification necessary for passport renewal?

          ·         The police verification procedure in passport application is an essential security measure, especially in India.

          ·         Whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, police verification is an integral part of the process.

          PSK Counters
          On the day of your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra, adhere to the prescribed steps provided below:

          1. Present your appointment receipt and original documents to the passport official upon entering the main office. They will issue a token to you.
          2. Proceed to visit three counters, namely A, B, and C.

          Type of Counters:

          Counter A:

          • This counter requires you to undergo a biometric data test and provides verification and uploading services for your documents.
          • The average time spent at this counter is 10 to 15 minutes.

          Counter B:

          • A passport officer stationed at this counter verifies your original documents, applies necessary stamps on them as well as your passport.
          • The average time taken at this counter ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.

          Counter C:

          • At this counter, a senior officer verifies your documents, asks a few questions, and informs you about the success of your passport application. They also determine the need for any police verification during or after the process.
          • The average time spent at this counter is approximately 15 minutes.

          Exit Counter:

          Return your token at the exit counter where a PSK employee will issue a passport application receipt. This receipt contains your passport file number, allowing you to conveniently check your application status online.

          Benefits of Passport Seva SMS Services:

          1.      Enables initiation of Police Verification:

          o    Upon verification of our passport by the police, we are immediately notified via SMS.

          o    This indicates that our passport has been granted and will be issued upon receiving a clear report.

          o    It also serves as a reminder to be prepared for the police visit at our doorstep.

                                 

          2.      Facilitates Submission of Police Report:

          o    After the completion of the police verification process, we receive an SMS notification containing a concise summary of the report.

          o    If the report is clear, we can proceed to receive our passport.

          o    In case the report is not clear, the SMS provides essential information from the police remarks to help us plan the next steps accordingly.

          3.      Notifies Passport Printing Initiation:

          o    Once the process of printing our passport is initiated, we receive an SMS to inform us about it.

          o    We can expect our passport to be delivered to us within a few days.

          4.      Passport Printing Completion
          We are notified via SMS as soon as our passport is printed. Currently, only the dispatch process is remaining.

          5.      Passport Dispatch

          o   Finally, we receive an SMS confirming the dispatch of our passport. The SMS will also provide a speed post tracking number for us to track our passport's current location.

          o   To track it, we simply enter the tracking number on the India Post portal link. It is essential for us, as the recipient, to be present at our home address to receive the sensitive document.

          6.      Passport Hold or RPO Escalation

          o   Occasionally, a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) may hold our passport application or forward it to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further assessment.

          o   PSK officials typically avoid informing applicants about such holds to prevent potential arguments. In such cases, receiving an SMS notification from the PSK can prove to be helpful.

          o   Within seconds of any action taken by officials, we receive an SMS update. By making use of this chance, we can kindly ask about the reasons behind the passport being held at the PSK. This will be really helpful in sorting out the issue at RPO.Passport Seva Online Fees:
          •    Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport with 10-year validity (36 pages): ₹1,500 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport with 10-year validity (60 pages): ₹2,000 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport for Minors with 5-year validity or until the individual attains 18 years of age (36 pages): ₹1,000 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Passport Replacement in case it is stolen, damaged, or lost (36 pages): ₹3,000 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Passport Replacement in case it is stolen, damaged, or lost (60 pages): ₹3,500 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): ₹500 (Application Fee), NA (No Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Passport Replacement to delete the ECR or to change personal details (36 pages, 10-year validity): ₹1,500 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Passport Replacement to delete the ECR or to change personal details (60 pages, 10-year validity): ₹2,000 (Application Fee), ₹2,000 (Additional Tatkal Fee)
          •    Passport Replacement for Minors: Removal of ECR and Modification of Personal Details (36 pages, 5-year validity). Passport remains valid for 5 years or until the individual turns 18, with a fee of ₹1,000 for deletion of ECR and ₹2,000 for changing personal details.

          Advantages of Passport Seva:

          Passport Seva presents numerous benefits to individuals in need of passport services. These advantages can be categorized as follows:

          1. Fresh Passport Issuance: Individuals applying for a passport for the first time can conveniently submit their applications.
          2. Reissuance or New Passport Issuance: Passport holders can request the reissuance of their passport under the following circumstances:

          ·         Changes in personal details: Passport Seva facilitates the process of updating personal information on the passport.

          ·         Exhaustion of passport sheets or pages: When an individual's passport has run out of empty pages, Passport Seva provides a simple solution for obtaining a new passport.

          ·         Damaged passport: In the event of a damaged passport, Passport Seva streamlines the process of obtaining a new one.

          ·         Passport expiration exceeding 3 years: If an individual's passport has been expired for more than three years, Passport Seva offers a straightforward pathway for getting a renewed passport.

          ·         Lost passport: Passport Seva provides accessible options for individuals who have misplaced their passport and need to apply for a replacement.
          Passport Seva's approach simplifies the overall passport application and reissuance process, ensuring convenience and accessibility in these situations.

          Important note:

          ·         If you have had a diplomatic or official passport in the past, please refrain from holding it while applying for a new passport.

          ·         In case you previously held an ordinary passport of deep blue color and never had a diplomatic (maroon) or official (white) passport, please select the "Reissue" section.

          ·         Additionally, if you currently possess or have possessed a diplomatic (or official) passport without ever holding an ordinary passport, please apply for an ordinary passport under the "Fresh" category. If applying for a diplomatic (or official) passport, choose the "Reissue" section.

          The provision of diverse or non-matching services:
          
          

          ·         Request for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
          
          

          ·         Verification of background for Global Entry Program (GEP): various or distinct passport services to manage the screening process of passports and conduct criminality/police assessments for Indian residents obligated to enroll in the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and GEP.

          Other notable features offered by the e-passport are as follows:

          1. Fast Processing Time: In a congested airport setting, the e-passport only requires a few seconds for a successful read.
          2. Thorough Testing: The e-passport standard underwent careful evaluation in a laboratory acknowledged by the US government.
          3. Enhanced Durability: Newly issued passports are required to feature thicker covers for both the front and back sections.
          4. Embedded Silicon Chip: According to industry executives, the back cover must incorporate a compact silicon chip.
          5. Compact Design: The silicon chip's size will be smaller than a postage stamp, housing a rectangular-shaped embedded antenna.
          6. Security Measures: No private corporation or agency has been involved in the maintenance of safety protocols thus far.
          7. Ample Storage Space: The chip will possess a sizable memory capacity of 64 kilobytes.
          8. Photo and Fingerprint Storage: The chip will securely store the passport holder's photographic image and fingerprints, while also having the ability to retain records of 30 visits and international journeys.

             Passport Seva Online Contact Information
             To avail immediate assistance regarding Passport Seva services, kindly refer to the following contact details:
             Passport Seva Helpline: 1800-258-1800
             Our competent helpline team is readily available to address your queries and offer guidance.
             Call Centre & Helpdesk - Passport Seva
             Address: Joint Secretary (PSP) and CPO PSP Division, Ministry of External Affairs Room No. 27, Patiala House, Tilak Marg New Delhi - 110001
             Email ID: jscpo@mea.gov.in
             Feel free to reach out to us via email if you prefer written communication.
             Passport Seva Helpline: 1800-258-1800
             You can also reach our helpline number for any further assistance.
             
             

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