Is it possible to apply for a passport anywhere in India?

Updated on 11 Dec 2025

A passport is one of the most important forms of identification for citizens of any country. It serves as official proof of both identity and citizenship of the country. Further, it opens doors to opportunities to travel abroad, whether for education, work, tour or medical needs.

Applying for a passport is now a lot easier with the ‘Apply Anywhere in India” scheme introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2018. It has extended the facility to apply for passports for people from across the country at any Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Seva Kendra (POPSK) through the normal application process, irrespective of their place of residence. This initiative removes regional restrictions and gives flexibility for students, professionals and citizens who relocate frequently.

Types of passports in India

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issues four types of passports that include the following:

• Regular passport (Blue cover): It is also called the “Type P” (Personal) passport. This is issued to ordinary Indian citizens. It is applicable for private travel, tourism, study or business trips abroad.
• Official passport (White Cover): This is also known as “Type S” or Service Passport. This is issued to government employees (like IAS, IPS officers) travelling on duty.
• Diplomatic passport (Maroon): It is issued to diplomats, officers of the Indian Foreign Service, MEA officials and officials who are given a diplomatic assignment. It shows the diplomatic status of the passport holder and any privileges that are linked to it.
• Orange passport (Emigration Passport / ECR): This is issued to Indian nationals not studied beyond class 10th. It helps identify those requiring additional emigration control, typically issued to protect less-educated workers from exploitation abroad.

Steps to apply for a passport anywhere in India

You can apply for a passport anywhere in India by following the proper procedure as mentioned below.

• Register on the Passport Seva portal: Go to ‘passportindia.gov.in’ and register as a new user.
• Log in and select the service: Login with your ID and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport”.
• Fill in the application form: Fill in the web form accurately with your personal, family, address and emergency contact details. Save and submit the form.
• Pay the application fee: Pay the required amount online through net banking, credit card, debit card or UPI.
• Schedule an appointment: Choose any nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and opt for an available time slot.
• Print the appointment receipt: Download or print the receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN).
• Visit the PSK/POPSK: Bring originals and copies of all necessary documents on the scheduled appointment day. Go through the issue of a token, document verification, and biometrics, and submit your application.
• Track your application: Once submitted, use the ARN to track the live status of your application on the portal.

Five pointers to know about the new passport scheme

Here are five key pointers to know about the “Apply Anywhere in India” passport scheme launched in 2018:

• Pan India coverage: Applicants can now apply from any Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), irrespective of their permanent address. They are no longer restricted by the jurisdiction of passport offices.
• Useful for migrants & students: This scheme is especially useful for students, working professionals and job-seeking workforce who travel to different places outside their permanent residential area on job requirements or for education. They don’t have to come back to their location just for the passport application process.
• Ease of verification: Even though police verification will continue to be a must, it will be connected to the applicant's current address, thereby making it simple and easy.
• Speeding up the process: When applicants get appointments at an earlier date at local PSKs since services are distributed, they will be able to apply for a passport much faster. This may also lead to faster issuance of passports.
• Citizen-centric move: This passport scheme reflects the government’s focus on delivering passport services to all citizens in a comfortable environment and within a reasonable time frame.

Importance of travel insurance before international trips

Traveling to foreign lands is always an adventure, but it can also be a little scary. Whether it’s a health emergency, a cancelled flight, lost luggage or passport theft, surprises can happen that can turn your trip upside down and put you into a financial burden. That’s where international travel insurance comes into play. It gives you complete protection against the above challenges and enables you to enjoy the long ride with peace of mind.

Conclusion

With the "Apply Anywhere in India" passport scheme introduced in 2018, applying for the passport has gotten easier. When you are preparing to travel abroad with your new passport, don’t forget to obtain travel insurance to secure your trip. It covers various trip disruptions and thus protects you financially in case of any unfortunate incidents. You can compare different travel insurances online to find the ideal one that suits your travel needs.

If you need expert personalised advice to find the right travel insurance policy, fill out the form on this page. We will help you get the best one.

FAQs

•  Can I apply for a passport from another state using the address and ID proof of my home state?

Yes, you can apply from another state under the “Apply Anywhere in India” scheme using home state documents, but police verification will be conducted at your current address.

•  Can I apply for a passport anywhere in India?

Yes, since 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs has allowed applicants to apply at any Passport Seva Kendra or POPSK across India, irrespective of their permanent address.

• Is police verification required for a passport?

Yes, police verification is generally mandatory to confirm the applicant’s identity, residence and background details, ensuring security before final approval and issuance of the passport.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.