Sunday, December 23, 2012

Applying for a New Passport

Continuing from my last post...

After knowing the kind of passports available, we now come to the important question of applying for a new passport.

How to apply for an Indian Passport?

Fortunately the Indian system of applying and renewing passports has come a long way from the days when you had to hunt for agents and look for people who knew someone at the passport office. A large part of the process can now be completed online and it has become remarkably convenient if you know the process and the formalities involved:

  1. Step one is to log on to the passport site (click here)
  2. Once on the site you need to find out your Local Passport Seva Kendra
  3. This can be done by (clicking here). You can search by the name or just enter the PIN code of the city where you permanently reside or even currently reside and can produce a residential proof off
  4. In case you wish to apply for a fresh passport or re-issue and existing one. Start by filling out the online form. Click Here to download the form
  5. Alternatively you can also submit the online form by (Clicking here)
  6. The above page will also give you the next steps
For Any specific questions regarding Passports you can also call the Help Line - 1800-258-1800 (toll free)

All Days 8AM to 10PM

Types of Passports issued in India

Hi,

I am starting this blog to answer as many questions as possible about getting a valid  Indian passport. I am neither a passport agent nor a travel agent.

I wanted to help as many people as possible so that they don't face the kind of trouble I faced while getting my passport. I know that a lot of people have various questions and that is the reason I am trying to write the entire blog in a Q&A format. I will answer specific questions in every post.

This post will cover the following question:
  1. What are the different types of Passports issued in India?
What are the different types of Passports issued in India?

There are three broad categories of Passports issued in India:

  1. Regular Passport (Deep Blue): Issued for ordinary travel like vacations and business trips
  2. Diplomatic Passport (maroon): Issued to Diplomats, top ranking government officials
  3. White Cover Passport: Issued to individuals representing the Indian Government
Two other categories:
  1. ECNR: Emigration check not required
  2. ECR: Emigration Check Required
More details can be found here