Getting a passport used to mean agents, long queues and weeks of running around. Today, the whole process starts on your phone, and the only time you step out is for one short appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
There is also some good news for 2026: since Passport Seva 2.0 went live in May 2025, all newly issued passports are e-passports, with a small chip inside that stores your details securely.
This page walks you through Passport Seva login, the passport application, renewal, booking a Seva Kendra appointment, the fees, and the passport size photo rules, in plain words.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| Official portal | passportindia.gov.in |
| App | mPassport Seva (Android and iPhone) |
| New passports | e-passports with a chip (since Passport Seva 2.0) |
| Normal fee (36 pages, adult) | ₹1,500 |
| Tatkal fee (36 pages, adult) | ₹3,500 |
| Where to go | Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK) |
| Network | 37 Passport Offices, 93 PSKs and about 450 POPSKs |
| Helpline | 1800-258-1800 |
| Official portal | Click Here |
What Changed With Passport Seva 2.0?
| Change | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| e-passports for all new passports | Your new or renewed passport has a chip that stores your data (old passports stay valid till expiry) |
| AI chat and voice help | Easier help with forms and doubts on the portal |
| Auto-filled forms and simpler uploads | Less typing, fewer mistakes |
| UPI and QR payments | Pay fees easily |
| Faster police verification | Data moves electronically between passport offices and police |
Passport Fees 2026
| Service | Booklet | Normal | Tatkal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh / renewal (adult) | 36 pages | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh / renewal (adult) | 60 pages | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Minor (below 18) | 36 pages | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
In simple words: Tatkal costs ₹2,000 more than normal. Choose Tatkal only if you need the passport urgently. Fees can be revised by MEA, so check the Fee Calculator on the portal before you pay.
Who Needs Which Application?
| You want to | Choose this on the portal |
|---|---|
| Get your first passport | Fresh passport |
| Renew an expired or expiring passport | Re-issue of passport |
| Change name, address or other details | Re-issue (change in particulars) |
| Replace a lost or damaged passport | Re-issue (lost / damaged) |
| Passport for a child | Fresh passport (minor) |
Documents You Need
| Document | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proof of address | Aadhaar, electricity / water / phone bill, bank passbook with photo, rent agreement |
| Proof of date of birth | Birth certificate, 10th marksheet, Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence |
| Identity proof | Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN |
| Old passport | For renewal / re-issue |
| Extra documents (if needed) | Marriage certificate for name change, annexures for minors |
Tip: Carry originals and one self-attested copy of each document to the appointment.
Passport Seva Login and Registration
- Open the Passport Seva portal. To open it directly, Click Here.
- Click on “Register Now” (first time) and choose your nearest Passport Office.
- Fill in your name, date of birth, email and create a Login ID.
- Activate your account using the link sent to your email.
- Now use “Existing User Login” with your Login ID and password to sign in.
You can also do the same on the mPassport Seva app.
Passport Apply Online: Step-by-Step
- Log in on the Passport Seva portal.
- Click “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport”.
- Fill in the online form (personal details, family details, address, emergency contact). Save as you go.
- Upload documents if the portal asks.
- Go to “View Saved / Submitted Applications” and click “Pay and Schedule Appointment”.
- Pay the fee online (UPI, card or net banking) and choose a PSK or POPSK and a date.
- Print or save the appointment confirmation.
- Reach the Kendra a little early with original documents.
- At the Kendra: token, document check, photo and fingerprints, and officer approval.
- Police verification happens (before or after issue, depending on your case).
- Your passport is printed and sent by Speed Post. Track it on the portal.
| Time to get passport | Usual time after appointment |
|---|---|
| Normal | About 7 to 14 working days (can be longer if police verification is slow) |
| Tatkal | About 1 to 3 working days |
Passport Renewal (Re-issue)
- Log in and choose “Re-issue of Passport”.
- Select the reason: validity expired / expiring, change in details, pages exhausted, or lost / damaged.
- Fill the form and pay the fee.
- Book a slot and visit the Kendra with your old passport and documents.
- Your new e-passport is sent by post.
When to renew: You can apply for renewal within one year before expiry or after expiry. Many countries need at least 6 months’ validity to enter, so do not wait till the last month.
Passport Seva Kendra: PSK vs POPSK
| Point | PSK | POPSK |
|---|---|---|
| Run in | Separate passport centres in larger cities | Post offices, often in smaller towns |
| Services | All passport services | Most normal passport services |
| Booking | Through the Passport Seva portal or app | Same |
To find your nearest Kendra, use “Locate Passport Seva Kendra” on the portal.
Passport Size Photo Rules
At most PSKs and POPSKs in India, your photo is taken live at the counter, so you usually do not need to carry a photo for a normal application. But if your case needs a printed or uploaded photo (for example, some applications from abroad), follow these rules:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white |
| Face | Looking straight, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed |
| Clothes | Normal clothes; avoid white clothes against a white background |
| Glasses and caps | Avoid tinted glasses and caps (religious headwear allowed if face is clearly visible) |
| Photo quality | Recent, colour, sharp, no shadows, not edited |
| Size for applications abroad | Usually 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), as per ICAO standards |
About “Passport Size Photo Maker” Apps
Many people try free photo maker apps. They can be useful, but be careful:
- Use a plain white wall and soft daylight; avoid flash shadows.
- Do not use beauty filters or background-removal that blurs the edges of your hair or face.
- If unsure, go to a local photo studio and ask for an ICAO passport photo. A rejected photo means another trip.
Common Mistakes That Delay Passports
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Different spelling of name in documents | Officer asks for more proof | Make spellings match, or carry an affidavit / gazette as required |
| Wrong address or old address | Police verification delay | Give your current address with proof |
| Missing originals at appointment | Application put on hold | Carry all originals |
| Using agents or fake sites | Extra money and data risk | Use only passportindia.gov.in or mPassport Seva |
| Not checking police verification status | Delay | Keep your phone on; meet the police officer when called |
Passport Helpline
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| National Call Centre | 1800-258-1800 |
| Official portal | passportindia.gov.in |
| App | mPassport Seva |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Passport Seva?
Passport Seva is the official online system of the Ministry of External Affairs for passport services. You can register, apply, pay and book appointments on passportindia.gov.in or the mPassport Seva app.
How do I do Passport Seva login?
Open passportindia.gov.in, click “Existing User Login”, enter your Login ID and password. First-time users must register and activate their account by email.
How can I apply for a passport online?
Log in, choose fresh passport, fill the form, pay the fee, book a PSK or POPSK slot, and visit with original documents.
What is the passport fee in 2026?
For adults, a 36-page passport costs ₹1,500 (normal) and ₹3,500 (Tatkal). A 60-page booklet costs ₹2,000 (normal). Minors pay ₹1,000 (normal).
How can I renew my passport?
Log in, choose “Re-issue of Passport”, select the reason, pay the fee, book an appointment and visit the Kendra with your old passport.
What is a Passport Seva Kendra?
A PSK is a passport office where your documents, photo and fingerprints are checked. POPSKs are smaller centres in post offices.
Do I need to carry a passport size photo?
Usually not for normal applications in India, because the photo is taken live at the PSK / POPSK. Some special cases and applications abroad may need a printed photo.
What is the passport size photo for applications abroad?
Usually 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with a plain white background, as per ICAO standards.
Is my old passport still valid after e-passports came?
Yes. Old passports stay valid until their expiry date. You will get an e-passport when you renew.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Normal passports usually come in about 7 to 14 working days after the appointment, and Tatkal in about 1 to 3 working days, depending on police verification.
Can I apply through the mPassport Seva app?
Yes. You can register, fill the form, pay and book appointments on the mPassport Seva app.
What is the passport helpline number?
Call the National Call Centre at 1800-258-1800.
Sources
- Business Today: MEA rolls out Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (PSP V2.0 live from 26 May 2025; all new passports are e-passports)
- Aditya Birla Capital: passport application process, documents, e-passport and timelines (August 2026)
- ACKO: passport fees in India 2026
- Official Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in)
Important Links
| What You Need | Link |
|---|---|
| Application Form (Passport Seva Apply Online) | Click Here |
| Official Site (Ministry of External Affairs) | Click Here |
| Passport Seva Login and Appointment | Click Here |
| Aadhaar Card Download and Update | Click Here |
| Other Documents | Click Here |
| Other Yojana Info | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here= |
