"Opening a passport" most commonly refers to the process of applying for a new passport. The official procedure typically involves online registration and submission of an application form, followed by in-person verification.
Online Passport Application Process
To begin the process of obtaining (or "opening") a passport, you generally need to apply through the designated official online portal. This method is outlined in the provided reference.
Here are the initial steps for applying online via the Passport Seva Online Portal, based on the reference:
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register through the Passport Seva Online Portal | Create a new user account on the portal. |
| 2 | Login to the Passport Seva Online Portal | Use your registered Login Id and password. |
| 3 | Click "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport" link | Select the appropriate application type. |
| 4 | Fill in the required details in the form | Complete the online application form accurately. |
| 5 | Submit the form | Finalize the online submission. |
Key Steps Explained
Let's break down the initial stages of the online application:
- Online Registration: Before you can apply, you must first register on the official Passport Seva Online Portal. This involves creating a unique account using your personal details. Think of this as setting up your profile before you start your application.
- Logging In: Once registered, you will need to log in using the Login Id and password you created. This grants you access to the application services available on the portal.
- Selecting Application Type: Within the portal, you'll find links for various services. To apply for a passport, you must specifically select the link related to "Apply for Fresh Passport" or "Re-issue of Passport," depending on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport.
- Filling and Submitting the Form: The core of the online process is filling out the detailed application form. This requires accurate information about your identity, address, family details, and previous passport history (if any). Accuracy is crucial to avoid delays or issues. After completing all sections, you will submit the form electronically through the portal.
After submitting the online form, the process continues with scheduling an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for document verification and biometrics capture. You will also need to pay the applicable fees online.
This online process initiates your application to "open" or obtain a passport, leading you through the necessary steps to get your official travel document.
