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Applying for a passport in India has become much simpler with the government’s Passport Seva online portal, which allows citizens to complete most of the process digitally. Whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, the application can be submitted online, and an appointment can be booked at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

However, applicants must first submit the online application form and pay the required fee before they can schedule an appointment for document verification and biometric processing.

The portal also allows applicants to track their application status, reschedule appointments, and update details if needed, making the entire process more convenient and transparent.

Step-by-Step Process to Book a Passport Appointment Online

If you want to apply for a passport and schedule an appointment online, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal

Go to the official Passport Seva website and log in using your registered account credentials.

Step 2: Access the Dashboard

After logging in, your dashboard will display details of new or existing passport applications, along with their current status.

Step 3: Open the Application Form

Click on the menu icon or three-dot option next to your application and select View to open the submitted form.

Step 4: Choose Online Payment

Before booking an appointment, you must pay the passport application fee. Select the Online Payment option available on the portal.

Step 5: Select Application Category

Choose the application category based on urgency:

• Normal – Standard processing time

• Tatkaal – Faster processing with higher fees

Step 6: Choose Passport Seva Kendra

The system will automatically show the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra based on your current address.

Step 7: Verify Application Details

Carefully review all the information provided in your application form to ensure accuracy.

Step 8: Pay and Book Appointment

Click Pay and Book Appointment to complete the payment process through the gateway.

Step 9: Confirm Appointment Slot

Once payment is successful, select an available date and time slot for your appointment and confirm it.

After confirmation, the portal will display the appointment details and acknowledgement receipt.

Can You Reschedule Passport Appointments?

Yes, applicants can reschedule their appointment if necessary.

However, there are limits:

• Normal applications: Appointment can be rescheduled up to three times

• Tatkaal applications: Only one rescheduling attempt is allowed

Documents Required for Passport Appointment

When visiting the Passport Seva Kendra, applicants must carry original documents for verification. These generally include proof of address and proof of date of birth.

Accepted Address Proof Documents

You may submit any one of the following as proof of residence:

• Aadhaar Card

• Electricity Bill

• Water Bill

• Landline or postpaid mobile bill

• Income Tax Assessment Order

• Voter ID card

• Gas connection proof

• Bank passbook with photograph

• Rent agreement

• Employer certificate on official letterhead

• Spouse’s passport copy (if address matches)

• Parents’ passport copy for minors

These documents confirm your current residential address.

Documents Accepted as Date of Birth Proof

Applicants must also provide proof of their date of birth. Acceptable documents include:

• Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or Registrar of Births and Deaths

• School leaving certificate or matriculation certificate

• PAN Card showing date of birth

• Driving licence

• Voter ID card

• Service record or pension order (for government employees)

• LIC policy bond

For individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, the birth certificate issued by the municipal authority is mandatory.

How to Track Passport Application Status

Once your passport application is submitted, you can track its progress online.

Steps to check status:

1. Visit the Passport Seva portal

2. Log in to your account

3. Go to the Track Application Status section

4. Enter the application number and required details

The portal will show the current stage of processing, including document verification, police verification, and passport printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or reschedule my passport appointment?

Yes. The Passport Seva portal allows applicants to cancel or reschedule appointments directly through the dashboard.

Is it possible to book a passport appointment without paying the fee?

No. Payment must be completed first before an appointment slot can be booked.

Can I choose any Passport Seva Kendra?

Applicants are usually assigned a Passport Seva Kendra based on their current residential address.

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