How to Apply for Passport in India: Types of Passports, Colors, Required Documents

In India, applying for a passport is an easy and straightforward process. First, visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to fill out an online application form. To apply, you will need to provide your personal information such as name, address and contact details. Once completed, submit the form along with scanned copies of required documents like identity proof and birth certificate. After successful submission of all documents, pay the applicable fees via debit/credit card or net banking facility available on MEA website. Then schedule an appointment at any nearby Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for biometric verification process followed by a physical document verification session at PSK office. Finally upon successful completion of these processes you will receive your passport within 15-20 days through post or courier services depending on your choice made during registration process.

To renew a passport in India, one must create an account on the official Passport Seva website and register for renewal. This requires providing basic details such as name and date of birth, followed by creating a login ID and password. The applicant will then receive an email with an activation link to activate their account. Once signed in, they can apply for fresh or re-issue of passport from the tab provided. A passport is valid for 10 years before it needs to be renewed; failure to do so may result in loss of privileges associated with its use as evidence of identification, place of residence, and age.

Blue passports are issued to the general population and feature navy blue covers for easy identification. They contain personal information such as name, date of birth and photograph, as well as other identification proofs for immigration checks. These passports are used for ordinary travel purposes like business trips or vacations.

White passports are issued to individuals representing the Indian government on official business. The application process for a white passport is distinct from that of the regular blue passport, and holders also receive special powers in addition to standard rules and regulations.

Diplomatic passports are issued to Indian diplomats, top-ranking government officials and diplomatic couriers. Applications for such passports receive special treatment and the immigration process is simpler than that of general applicants. Legal action against holders of diplomatic passports travelling abroad is difficult to take. Reports suggest that the Government may launch an Orange passport for those who have not studied beyond class 10th; these passport holders would be placed in the ECR (Immigration Check Required) category when travelling abroad, though no official announcement has been made on this yet.

To obtain a fresh passport, applicants must provide proof of address and age. Acceptable documents for address proof include bank passbook, water bill, election photo ID card, landline/mobile bill, gas connection proof, spouse’s passport copy (first and last page), certificate from employer on letterhead, income tax assessment order, Aadhaar card, electricity bill and rent agreement. Acceptable documents for age proof include school leaving certificate/secondary school leaving certificate; birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or Registrar of Births & Deaths; declaration given by Head of Orphanage/Child Care Home on official letterhead; policy bond issued by Public Life Insurance Corporations/Companies containing date of birth; extract of service record or pay pension order attested/certified by officer in-charge of concerned Ministry/Department.

For Indian passport applications, applicants aged 50 and over are not required to submit a Transfer Certificate or other equivalent documents. However, those under the age of 50 must provide all relevant documentation regarding their qualifications.

The Ministry has taken measures to streamline the passport issuing process. Submitting applications, paying fees and scheduling appointments can all be done online through the Passport portal (www.passportindia.gov.in), which is accessible from anywhere in India at any time of day or night. For citizens living abroad, another portal – embassy.passportindia.gov.in – has been launched for them to apply online as well; 178 Missions/Posts have already been integrated with the passport seva system so far. Furthermore, one does not need access to a computer and printer to apply for passport services thanks to mPassportSeva Mobile App – where they can also pay and schedule their appointments too!

The Ministry’s mPassport Police App is being used by police authorities for verification purposes in a digital flow without paper documents involved; additionally, DigiLocker integration with PSP allows citizens to submit various documents required for passports electronically instead of hard copies as well!

To make things even easier on applicants, the Ministry has simplified its policies and rules regarding passports too – plus legal action was taken against touts/agents found guilty in related cases while special police drives are conducted regularly against such individuals as well. On a regular basis, public advisories are disseminated through Social Media to caution applicants against the activities of touts and agents. Additionally, display boards have been placed in Passport Offices to inform people about these practices.