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            In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, the High Commission of India has decided to issue Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) w.e.f. 26 August 2007. The printing of passports would be done in New Delhi on the lines of OCI card issuance system followed by Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs. The proposal for centralized printing involves using web-enabled software. Hand-written passports would be issued only in very exceptional cases. The whole process would take one month from the date of applications. It is therefore notified that all concerned may initiate action for issue of fresh passport well in advance.

            Passport applicants may apply online by visiting https://passport.gov.in.* After filling up details a web file number and application form shall be generated and can be printed by the applicant. In case applicants are unable to get the printout of the filled-up form due to any reason, the same can be printed later by entering Web File Number and date of Birth. This printed application form along with required documents and fee may be submitted to the High Commission of India.

           * The online registration is not yet made available, however till this option is made available on the said website, the applicants can approach the High Commission with manually filled-up forms.

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