• Yes, if you hold a diplomatic passport, you can still apply for a normal (general) passport.
• If you are currently using a diplomatic passport and are employed in government services, you are eligible to apply for a general passport.
• Even if you previously held a diplomatic passport but are no longer employed in any government services or your services have ended, you can still apply for a general passport.

Diplomatic Passport

• A diplomatic passport is a special type of passport which is generally issued to diplomats and government officials who travel abroad for diplomatic purposes.
• A diplomatic passport is issued only for official government work, such as international travel for diplomatic missions or visits as a government representative. It cannot be used for personal or general international travel.
• According to international laws, diplomatic passport holders are entitled to certain privileges, such as visa exemptions, priority services, and other benefits.

Application Process for General Passport (Ordinary Passport)

• You can submit your passport application under either the Normal or Tatkal category.
• To apply online, you need to visit the Passport Seva Portal.
  • Open the Passport Seva Portal.
  • Register (if you are not a registered user)
  • Log in with your details.
• Fill the Application Form
  • Select Apply for Fresh/Reissue Ordinary Passport.
  • Enter all personal details (name, address, date of birth, etc.)
  • Upload the required documents and submit the form.
• Pay the Fees
  • The fee can be paid online via available modes, i.e. Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
  • Tatkal application fee is Rs 3,500/-, whereas the normal application fee is Rs 1,500/-.
• Select your preferred Passport Seva Kendra/POPSK and book an appointment.
• Visit the PSK/POPSK on your date of appointment with all original documents.
• The officials will verify your documents.
• After this, the police verification process will be conducted.
• Police Verification Process is a mandatory process where local police authorities will verify your residence details.
• If the report is positive, the RPO issues your passport, which is then delivered to your address via speed post.

Important Documents

• Address and Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID/ Driving License/Bank Passbook, etc)
• Proof of Birth (Birth Certificate/PAN Card/Voter ID/Driving License, etc)
• 10th Certificate (if available)
• Marriage Certificate (in its absence Annexure J form)
• Three similar identity proofs if applying under the Tatkal process.

Passport Processing Time

Under the general procedure, it takes around 15 to 25 days, while under Tatkal, it takes 10 to 15 days to issue a passport.