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 In this age of globalization, having a passport is essential. It's
something that you may need at any point of time, and so it's
better to keep it ready rather than have to rush at the last
moment to get one made. A passport is mandatory if one is planning
to go to any foreign country and it is also important as proof of
nationality.
So how does one go about acquiring a passport? The procedure is
not really very difficult, but it is better to have complete
knowledge of the procedure in order to avoid delays and
rejections.
The first step is to register for a passport and obtain the
application form. Nowadays, free application forms are available
online on the website
www.passport.nic.in. Application form 1 is
used for issue of a new form or reissue. A form can be reissued
upto 3 years after and I year before the 10 year validity expires.
Renewal of passport is different- it entails extending the
validity period of passports initially made for duration of less
than the full term of 10 years. For this, application form 2 is
required. This form is also used for getting a change of address,
inclusion of spouse's name, getting a police clearance certificate
and other reasons. A personal particulars form is required for the
police verification report. Forms need to be filled carefully with
a black or blue ball pen in block letters. Incomplete forms will
be rejected. |
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 On the website, you can
also register for a passport. You will be allotted a date on which
you can submit the passport at the passport office which in the
case of Mumbai is at Manish Commercial Centre, 216-A, Dr. Annie
Besant road, Worli, Mumbai 400025. Additionally, passport forms
can also be submitted at passport form collection centers such as:
1.
The Commissioner of Police, Special Branch near Sr. Xavier's
College
2.
Additional Police Commissioner, Chembur police station
3.
Additional police Commissioner, near Thakur College, Kandivali
4.
Additional Police Commissioner, Carter road and
5.
10 post offices at Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Mandvi, Mumbai central,
Chinchbunder, Dadar, Mahim, Andheri, Chembur and Borivali
District Passport Cells and speed post passport service are also
available.Passport application form collection centers are usually
open for a short time and only a few applications are accepted. So
it is important to make sure of these details so that your trip is
not wasted.
It is important to have all your paperwork in order when you
submit the application. You need proof of address, which can be in
the form of a ration card, electricity/ telephone/ water bills,
election cards and other relevant documents. Proof of birth can be
in the form of birth certificates issued by the government, or
date of birth certificates provided by reputed educational
institutions. Citizenship documents are required if you are a
citizen by registration or naturalization. In addition, various
categories of people require other documents. Proof of educational
qualification is also required. Original documents are required
along with self-attested photocopies. Photographs also need to be
kept ready- they need to be 3.5x3.5cms, coloured photographs taken
against a light (preferably white) background, which provide a
frontal view of the full face. Photographs taken against a dark
background, black and white photographs, photographs taken while
wearing a uniform or coloured/ dark glasses, Polaroid or computer
prints will not be accepted. |
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Fees for a full duration
passport range from Rs. 1000 to 1500. Passports for minors or
short duration passports cost Rs. 600. Duplicate passports (issued
in the case of loss, damage or theft of passport) cost Rs. 2500-
3000. Additional fees need to be paid for change of address (Rs.
1000) or to get the police clearance certificate and other
endorsements (Rs. 300). If you want a passport to be issued in a
shorter period of time, you have to apply under the Tatkaal
scheme. In this case, to get a passport in 8-14 days, you have to
pay Rs. 1000 besides passport fees, and to get it in 1-7 days, you
have to pay Rs. 1500 in addition to passport fees.
After that, you just need to wait for around 45 working days,
which is usually the time it takes to receive a passport. The
above are basic guidelines. It is not a difficult procedure, so
there is nothing to worry about. You do however need to be careful
and well informed. So do get a passport if you don't have one
already. You never knows when it might come In handy. |
