Passport is a must while you are travelling abroad and is also an important identity proof. Earlier, it was a humungous task to apply for a passport. But, recently in June, the task was simplified. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched a new scheme under which a person can apply for a passport from anywhere in India irrespective of the place of stay.
The minister also launched a mobile application, available in Android and iOS platforms, that would have the facilities for applying, paying and scheduling appointments for acquiring a passport. The application can be submitted irrespective of whether the person’s present residential address was within the jurisdiction of the selected Regional Passport Office (RPO) or not, a ministry of external affairs (MEA) statement said.
Here’s how you can apply for an ordinary passport online under the new scheme:
Takal Passports:
Depending on the requirement and urgency for a passport, there are two types of application you can make. Normal & Tatkal. While Normal is considered as the standard application process, the Tatkal passport deals with applying for a passport when you need it urgently and willing to pay an additional amount to get your application processed. Under the Tatkal system, a passport is dispatched strictly within 3 business days.
Steps to apply for a Tatkal passport: