India has recently started rolling out the e-passport service at select centres nationwide. The e-passport comes with a built-in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip and an antenna embedded on the cover of the physical passport. The chip contains the passport holder’s personal and biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition details for verification. Notably, these details are encrypted with global standards of protection, including basic access control (BAC), passive authentication (PA), and extended access control (EAC).
For the uninitiated, the e-passport service is currently available at Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Panaji, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. It is expected to be rolled out nationwide by mid-2025.
Step-by-step guide to apply for e-passport in India
Those willing to apply for an e-passport can do so via the Passport Seva Portal or schedule an appointment at local Passport Seva Kendras or Post Office centres for biometric enrolment.
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal and register yourself on the home page.
Step 2: Next, login to the Passport Seva Online Portal and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” link. Those applying for the first time should opt for Fresh Issuance category. The applicant shouldn’t hold any Ordinary Passport, Diplomatic Passport or Official Passport in the past.
Step 3: Now, fill in the required details and submit.
Step 4: To schedule an appointment, tap on “Pay and Schedule Appointment,” which is available under “View Saved/Submitted Applications.” Do note that online payment is mandatory for booking appointments at all PSK/POPSK/PO.
Step 5: Once you’ve completed the application, print the receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number. You will also receive an SMS with your appointment details. Save it, as you’ll be required to show it at the Passport Office.
Step 6: After completing the passport application form, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO), along with original documents, to complete the physical verification process.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
