Apply for a Fresh Passport

This guide is for Indian citizens living in India who have never held an Indian passport, and for parents applying for a child’s first passport. It explains which papers to carry, how Normal and Tatkaal differ, and what the revised 2026 fees look like, so you can walk into the Passport Seva Kendra prepared.

Who needs a fresh passport

You need a fresh passport if you have never been issued an Indian passport before. If you already have one, even an expired one, you apply for a re-issue instead. Children need their own passport; they can no longer travel on a parent’s passport.

Adults get a passport valid for 10 years. A child’s passport is valid for five years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier. Children aged 15 to 18 may be able to choose the adult category, so check the option shown on the form.

Documents required for fresh passport

Proof of present address. This must show where you live now, because police verification happens at this address. Aadhaar is the most common choice. A recent electricity, water or gas bill, a bank passbook with your photo, a registered rent agreement or your voter ID also work.

Proof of date of birth. If you were born on or after 1 October 2023, only a birth certificate from the registrar of births and deaths or the municipal body is accepted. Older applicants can use a school leaving or Class 10 certificate, PAN card, Aadhaar, driving licence or voter ID, among others.

Non-ECR proof. If you have passed Class 10 or higher, carry that certificate. It lets your passport be marked Non-ECR, which means you do not need emigration clearance to work in certain countries. Without it, your passport may carry an ECR notation.

For minors. Bring the child’s birth certificate, parents’ passports or address proof, and the parent consent declaration: Annexure D is signed by both parents consenting to the child’s passport, while Annexure C is used when applying as a single parent without the other parent’s consent.

For Tatkaal. Tatkaal applicants need Aadhaar plus additional identity proofs such as PAN, voter ID or ration card. The exact list can change, so check the document advisor on the portal before booking.

Carry every original along with one self-attested photocopy.

Step-by-step online passport application process

1. Register on the Passport Seva portal or the mPassport Seva app.
2. Choose the fresh passport option, then pick Normal or Tatkaal and 36 or 60 pages.
3. Fill in the form slowly. Spellings of your name, your parents’ names and your date of birth must match your documents.
4. Pay online and book a slot at a Passport Seva Kendra or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
5. Arrive a little early with originals and copies. Your documents are checked, your photo and fingerprints are taken, and an officer reviews the file.
6. Police from your local station verify your address, usually by a visit or a phone call.
7. Track the status online. The passport is sent by Speed Post and must be received by you or your family at the address given.

Fees and timelines

New fees under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 apply from 1 July 2026.

Applicant	Normal	Tatkaal (total)
Adult, 36 pages	₹2,500	₹5,000
Adult, 60 pages	₹3,500	₹6,000
Minor, 36 pages	₹1,750	₹4,250

The fee amounts in the table above are base rates before discount. Children up to eight years and senior citizens over 60 get a 10 percent discount on fresh applications. A Normal passport usually reaches you in two to four weeks from your appointment, depending on police verification speed. Tatkaal passports are dispatched within one to three working days from the appointment.

Common problems and fixes

Name mismatch across documents. If your Aadhaar and school certificate spell your name differently, correct one of them first, or carry proof that links the two names.

Address proof is too old. Utility bills should be recent. If you moved recently, update your Aadhaar address before applying.

Police verification is delayed. Contact the police station listed in your status, or raise a grievance on the portal if it has been pending for weeks.

Appointment slots are full. New slots open regularly; check early in the morning or try a nearby Post Office PSK.

One parent is abroad or unavailable. The present parent can still apply for the child using the correct annexure, but expect extra questions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pick 60 pages for my child?

No. Minors are issued 36-page passports only.

Is Tatkaal fee paid in addition to the normal fee?

The 2026 schedule lists a single total for Tatkaal, such as ₹5,000 for a 36-page adult passport. Confirm the amount shown on the portal before you pay.

Do I need an agent?

No. Everything can be done yourself on the official portal. Be wary of look-alike websites that charge extra.

What if I have not passed Class 10?

You can still get a passport. It will simply be marked ECR, which matters only if you plan to work in specific countries.