Tracking Passport Status In India

Following the passport application procedure, applicants might have to wait for a period until the passport is issued. During this time, applicants can track the status of the passport application to keep themselves updated. One might want to track changes, make corrections, check the updates or make modifications pertaining to the change of name, address in the passport.

Checking Passport Status Online

An applicant may check the passport station online by visiting the Passport Seva portal (official website) www.passportindia.gov.in. The home page of this website displays the ‘Track Your Application Status’ option. A click on the displayed link will redirect to another page where one will have to enter the following information:

First, the applicant has to select from these three options:

1. Application Status

2. Diplomatic/Official Application Status

3. RTI Status

If the application is not pertaining to a diplomatic passport or RTI applications, the applicant must choose the first option and then enter the 15 alphanumeric characters of the file number mentioned on the acknowledgement document. This document is generally issued by the PSK at the end of the application process, usually at the exit counter. One can check the passport status by referring to the file number.

The applicant may also check the status of the passport by entering the date of birth.

Having submitted the required details correctly, that applicant can move to the ‘Status Tracker’ page where the following information can be viewed

• File number

• First and last name

• The application submission date

• The current status of Passport application

This information informs the stage of the procedure of a passport application. The applicant may accordingly decide whether to wait for the delivery of the passport or take any action in case of a delay.

Tracking the Passport Status Using the Passport Number

Tracking Through National Call Centre

For passport tracking inquiry, if the information is not available on the website, an applicant may contact the passport national call center by dialing their toll-free number. An applicant can also  look for the information through the IVR or by speaking with a customer care representative. The file number and date of birth are to be provided for authentication.

Tracking Through Helpdesk

Alternatively, the grievances and feedback section of the Passport Seva Kendra can also help with the relevant information. The PSKs have a help desk to assist applicants with Indian passport inquiries pertaining to application status or updates. The help desk can be physically contacted or reached via email inquiries.

Tracking Through SMS

The Passport Seva Portal offers a premium SMS service through which applicants can receive up to 9 status updates on the passport application procedure. This service is available for a charge of Rs.30 which is to be paid only once during enrollment. It can be done at the PSK when an applicant visits the PSK to submit the application. This facility will not only give automatic notifications on the application progress, but the applicant can also use this service to make their inquiries via text messages to track the application. To do so, one must send a text message or SMS by typing in STATUS<space><15 digits alphanumeric file number> and send it to 9704100100.

Tracking Through mPassport Seva app

The mPassport Seva app gives the applicant access to information on the passport status. It runs on all leading platforms like Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows. It can be downloaded from Google Play, BlackBerry World, App Store and Windows Phone. The user has to enter the file number and the date of birth to track applications through the app. Additionally, this app also tracks the passport delivery.

Indian Passport Application: Status Types

The passport application status is constantly updated as the application proceeds through the entire application and processing stages right up to the delivery chain. While tracking the passport application, various status messages help the applicants understand the progress through the system. These are the status updates that an applicant might find:

• "Application submitted." - It indicates that the application form has been submitted and the fees have been paid.
• "Application under review." (The reason for review could sometimes accompany this) - It indicates that the application is under process, or being reviewed for the lack of documents or details. The applicant might have to visit the PSK to sort this problem out.
• "Police Verification initiated"/ "Police Verification pending" / "Police Verification report submitted" / "Police Verification report under review" - It indicates the different stages of police verification process as raised by the concerned Police officer with the relevant police department. If the PV report gets held-up, the applicant may have to rectify or resolve the issue by providing the required information at the police station.
• "Passport granted" / "Passport printed" / "Passport dispatched." - When the passport application has been processed successfully, the passport will be granted. The RPO will then print and dispatch it usually via Speed Post. The post can be tracked on the India Post website.
• "Passport returned undelivered." - If the applicant or an authorized person is not present when the passport is delivered, then it will be taken back or marked undelivered.