How to apply online for an e-passport: documents required and fees

A passport is the most important document when travelling abroad, and losing it causes serious trouble. Here is how to apply online for an e-passport, which documents are needed and what the fee is, step by step.

An e-passport looks like an ordinary passport. The only difference is a chip embedded in the cover. The chip stores the holder's personal information in digital form, including biometric data, fingerprints and other personal details.

To identify an e-passport, look for a small golden chip symbol at the bottom of the cover. The actual chip stays inside the passport.

Anyone can apply for an e-passport, whether for a fresh passport or the renewal of an old one. However, if the e-passport has not yet reached your city, you will not be able to get one.

First, go to the official passport website. If you have not registered yet, you must do so first. Users who are already registered can log in directly.

Next, fill in the required details in the form and submit the documents. Then book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or a post office. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra, where your documents will be verified. Finally, the passport will be delivered to your home.

Some documents must be submitted to get an e-passport. For identity proof, an Aadhaar card, PAN card or voter ID is accepted. An electricity bill can be given as proof of address. A birth certificate is needed as proof of date of birth.

There has been no change in the fee, which remains as before. A 36-page booklet costs Rs 1,500, while a 60-page booklet costs Rs 2,000. If the urgent service is chosen, the fee can rise to between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,000.

So if you need a passport quickly, you can apply for an e-passport now, which will make your foreign travel easy and smooth.