How To Apply Passport for Government Employees ?

The Indian Government has helped in simplifying the procedure for issuing Passports to Government employees, PSUs or Autonomous bodies. Some Government employees might find it difficult to get the Identity Certificates (IC) or No Objection Certificates (NOC). In order to resolve this issue, the Government has introduced a novel feature called 'Prior Intimation (PI) letter.' The passport applicant may send this letter to the Controlling Authority prior to submitting their application. It helps in speeding up the process and reduces its complications.

Application Procedure

Government employees found it difficult to apply for passports in the older system in which they had to obtain a NOC or No-Objection Certificate from their employer and then directly walk into the PSK without a prior appointment. The NOC, in such cases, would ensure that the passport process commences. Earlier, the police verification would be done later. However, the system has changed now, and the new system, which has simplified the process, has taken away some privileges.

Here are the rules to be followed:

• The employee is required to submit a Prior Intimation Letter. It has to be directly submitted to their controlling authority, informing them about the passport application.

• In case the administration or authority has an objection, they can directly contact the RPO. In such a scenario, the passport process will be the same as that of regular application.

• Family members of such employees undergo the regular process of passport application.

• An online application is mandatory by registering with the Passport Seva website followed by filling and submitting the application form.

• After successfully submitting the form, payment should also be made online.

• The appointment is to be booked after a successful payment.

• The applicant should be physically present at the PSK on the date and at the time of the appointment.

• The applicant has to collect a token, submit the documents, provide the biometric record and get a photograph clicked as per requirements.

• A successful verification process will issue a receipt.

• Police verification may or may not be required - depending upon the documents submitted.

• The passport will be couriered to the address.

Documents Required For Govt. Employees

Government servants, employees of PSUs and employees of Statutory bodies must submit the following documents:

• Copy of the PI (Prior Intimation) letter to the controlling authority/administrative authority

• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the controlling authority/ administrative authority

• Identity Certificate from the controlling authority/administrative authority

Passport Application Fees For Govt. Employees

Government employees have to pay the following fees online for the process of application for a passport:

• Rs.1500 for a normal passport of 36 pages

• Rs.2000 for a normal passport of 60 pages

• Rs.3500 for a Tatkal passport of 36 pages

• Rs.4000 for a Tatkal passport of 36 pages

After submitting the form, applicants must click on “view saved or submitted applications.” They will get the option to pay for and schedule an appointment. Successful online payment will let them book an appointment. Passport fees are non-refundable. If the passport fees have been paid, but the applicant hasn't booked an appointment within a year, the paid amount will be forfeited. In case of multiple payments made for the same cause, the RPO will refund excess amounts. Here are the various payment options available:

• Credit Cards (VISA or MasterCard) - It has an additional charge of 1.5% + service tax

• Debit Cards (VISA or MasterCard) - It has an additional charge of 1.5% + service tax

• Internet Banking - It can be done through SBI and Associate Banks at no extra charge

• SBI Challan - The money can be deposited through any branch of SBI at no additional cost (after 3 hours and within 85 days of generating the challan).

Police Verification For Government Employees

• If the application has a Prior Intimation Letter attached to it, the police verification is done before the passport is issued.

• If the applicant submits an Identity Certificate in original (as per Annexure-B) with a Prior Intimation Letter attached to it, the police verification can be skipped.

• If the applicant submits a NOC (as per Annexure-M), the police verification will be done after the passport is issued.

• Retired government employees can submit the Pension Payment Order for post police verification.

• Police verification is applicable in case of reissue of passport.

• Family members of government employees can skip the police verification process if they submit an original Identity Certificate as per Annexure-B (as a dependent) along with a Standard Affidavit as per Annexure-I.

Prior Intimation Letter for Passport

The Prior Intimation (PI) letter is basically a letter from the applicant to the controlling authority, informing him/them about the passport application. This intimation letter has to be sent prior to submitting the passport application. Annexure-N is the format to be used. Once the passport application has been submitted, a copy of the PI will be sent back to the same controlling authority. If the authority doesn't approve the issuance of the passport, they may revert to the RPO (Regional Passport Office) with reasons of disapproval. The Passport Issuing Authority will then take the final decision.

No Objection Certificate

The NOC is another document issued by the controlling authority/administrative authority as per Annexure-M. This document helps all Government servants and PSU employees in obtaining their passports. However, police verification is required irrespective of submitting the NOC, and the passport is issued only after the police verification.

Identity Certificate

The controlling authority/ administrative authority of the applicant issues an Identity Certificate as per Annexure-B. It helps the government servants/PSU employees/employees of autonomous bodies in obtaining their passport. If the IC is issued, the police verification may be skipped.

The spouse and dependent children (up to 18 years of age) of Government employees can also submit the Identity Certificate for a quick issue of passport.

Provisions

• The applicant must submit the IC issued on the Official Stationery/Office letterhead along with Annexure T.

• NOC can be submitted on plain paper but must contain the signature or stamp of the issuing authority.

• Prior Intimation is to be submitted by the applicant on plain paper.

• All these three documents are considered valid for six months from the date of issue.

• The telephone number, fax and email ID of the controlling authority must be mentioned on all of these three documents to facilitate the passport office to confirm the details.

• Military personnel posted at APO address can submit their applications at the station of posting. Alternatively, they can also submit the application by mentioning their permanent address. In such cases, the passport may be received by hand or through the post. The same procedure is applicable to the Navy and Air Force personnel.

• Government employees should take prior permission from their reporting authority before traveling abroad.