Few Queries Regarding Indian Passport

If the applicant’s permanent and present addresses are different, is it necessary to endorse the permanent address on the passport instead of the present one?

The applicant needs to endorse only the present address on the passport and not the permanent one.

If an applicant has lived in multiple addresses during the previous year, where will the police verification be done?

The police verification in such a case will be done at all the addresses in which the applicant has lived during the previous year.

What if the applicant had mentioned a paying guest or hostel address as the current address in the passport application form but has moved to a different address before the police verification?

If an applicant changes the current residence before the police verification, the nearest Police Station’s Department in Charge should be informed.

If a self-employed individual has recently relocated to a new city and wishes to apply for a passport under the Tatkal mode, how can he/she apply for it without having an address proof?

It is mandatory for all applicants to submit the address proof while applying for the passport. Either of these documents has to be attached -

• Aadhar card

• Registered rent agreement

• Voter ID/Bank statement of an active account/Driving License/Telephone bill/Water bill/Electricity bill/Income Tax Assessment/Gas Connection.

• A copy of spouse’s passport provided that the applicant’s current address is the same as the address mentioned in the spouse’s passport.

• For minor applicants, a copy of the parent’s passport should be submitted.

In case a mentally challenged individual wishes to travel overseas for treatment but lacks adequate address proof, what can be done?

Such an applicant may submit the address proof of his/her parents/guardians and seek the approval of the competent authority of APO/RPO/CPV Division.

What are the timings of the Passport Seva Kendra?

All PSKs are open between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.on weekdays. The tokens are issued between 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The lunch break is between 1.30 p.m and 2.00 p.m.

When are SVPs (Short Validity Passport) issued?

SVPs are issued in the following circumstances:

• For Students: During an urgency, students can apply for an SVP by producing admission letters if they have to appear in examinations like TOEFL, SAT, etc. for which a valid passport is mandatory. Such types of application can be processed under the Tatkaal Scheme. However, the verification certificate as prescribed, as well as the proof of urgency must be furnished to the Passport Office.

• For Non-delivery of Passport: In case the passport is not delivered to the applicant due to its loss in transit or in the post offices, an SVP may be issued to the applicant if it is urgent. The validity of such passports is to be extended to a full term when the applicant completes all the formalities.

• For Indians Residing Overseas: who live abroad and are visiting India for a brief period may also be issued an SVP immediately. Such a passport will remain valid only for a year. It is mandatory for the applicant to produce their return ticket to the country from which they have come, along with an identity proof, such as driving license or a Green Card or an employment permit or a social security card or a health card or a labor card etc., to prove the applicant's identity and nationality. In case the application is made for the issue of a duplicate passport in lieu of a damaged passport, then the damaged passport may be accepted as proof of identity, provided that the personal particulars are clearly visible and legible.

• For Criminal Cases: In case of an active yet pending criminal case against the applicant in any Court, the applicant may be issued an SVP. However, a written permission granted by the court, which states that the person is allowed to travel abroad must be submitted along with the application. Normally an SVP is valid for one year only.

What is the validity of a passport when a Short Validity Passport is renewed?

If a fresh passport is granted to an applicant, the validity of the same would be 10 years. However, if another SVP is granted then its validity is entirely upon the discretion of the Regional Passport Officer or the Assistant Passport Officer.

What is to be done if incorrect details are printed on the passport?

If the printed particulars in the passport are different from the details provided in the application form, the passport may be returned for rectification. An additional fee could be charged, based on the case and the nature of the error. The amount is decided by the Regional Passport Officer or the Assistant Passport Officer. If a misrepresentation of facts is discovered, a penalty could be imposed.

What value of the stamp paper is required for the affidavits?

Affidavits should be executed on non-judicial stamp papers of a minimum value.

If the applicant is unable to come to the PSK due to health issues, can someone else do the formalities on their behalf?

No, it is compulsory for the applicant to be physically present at the Passport Seva Kendra to process the application.

What are Special Passports?

Special Passports are for traveling to Sri Lanka or Bangladesh only. These can be used exclusively for visiting that specific destination country without a visa. These passports cannot be used for visiting any other nation.