Find out how Passport Services can facilitate getting or renewing a passport

If you’ve plans to travel abroad in the near future, then it is compulsory to have a passport. Another big advantage is that the passport, besides being used for travelling abroad, can double its function as an identity proof document for all work-related activities.

Let’s start the article on a positive note. Yes, the good news out there is that you can now apply for a passport in a matter of minutes, just with the click of a button, at the comfort of your home. If you’re yet to apply for a passport, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you apply for a passport.

Identify the type of passport service. Select the right type of service. So, here we go, the first step is to find out which passport service type you need, and next check whether you’re eligible to apply for the passport type. You’ll also be required to understand the documents that need to be submitted, in addition to your application and fees to be paid.

Getting started with your passport application is the next logical step. Once you’re ready to apply, visit the website of ‘Passport Seva’ that is under the control of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, fill up, and print the form before you need to furnish the same to the Application Centre. If you require any help, you can view a model template of the Government online passport form. When you’re filling up the form, make sure you choose a mission and passport-related service.

Note once the form is complete, make a note of the Application Reference Number (ARN), and revisit the VFS site to proceed with the following steps for the completion of application onwards submission process.  Even if you fill or submit the online form on the Government website, it does not mean that the process is complete; you’ll be required to make a physical submission of the application form and all supporting documents to your Passport Service agency.

Select an application centre, and book an appointment.  Upon the completion of your online application form, you may check with an application centre and submit an application. Once your appointment booking is over, you’ll get a confirmation email in addition to the letter of appointment. Take a print-out of it, and keep it ready to furnish on the day you’re asked to visit the application centre.

Go to an application centre on your scheduled appointment day. The completed application form should be submitted at the application centre physically. A word of caution though if the application has incomplete or missing documents, it will be rejected and you will be asked to book another appointment to reapply the form.

Lastly, you need to stay updated on the progress of your application process. You may choose to receive notifications regarding the application process through SMS/email and when there is a change in the application status.  You can also track the status of the visa application online using the reference number that you’ll be able to find on the receipt/invoice provided by the Application centre, in addition to your date of birth for accessing this service.

Renewal of Passport made simple

When it comes to renewing passport online, the applicant is first required to have a passport account on the website platform of Passport Seva. If you are looking to renew your passport, first register yourself for passport renewal on the website. There’s no need to register again if you can login using the ‘Existing User Login’. Provide all the required basic details upon which you’ll receive an email containing an activation link. Use the link in the mail to activate your account. Then, sign in to the passport account, and follow the instructions thereafter on the website. Filling in the passport renewal application is easy once you create an account. Ensure your form has been completely filled. Click upon ‘Validate’ if you want to save a copy of the filled form. Then upload the filled-in form, and complete the process clicking the Submit button. It is recommended to verify all info entered before submitting the form so as to get rid of errors. You can book your slot when it conveniences you. The payment can be made either offline or offline. To get a print-out of the form, use the ‘Print Application Receipt’ option.

When you apply for passport renewal, there are a number of documents that need to be submitted in addition to the application form. Check the ‘Document advisor’ section on the website of the Passport Seva Kendra. Depending on the type of passport you need to renew, and your age as well, the documentation required for passport renewal will vary; but first check out the general documents required for passport renewal though.