How to Check Passport Application Status Online/Offline?
In India, passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) offices. Once an individual applies for a passport, they can easily check its status online or offline.
The process is streamlined through various online platforms, thus offering applicants real time updates and peace of mind. Let’s see the simple steps to check passport status in India through both online and offline channels:
What Details Do I Need to Check My Passport Application Status?
In order to check passport application status by any channel, you will need:
- File number of your passport (It is a 15-digit number that you get after submitting the passport application).
- Your date of birth.
Once you have these details handy, let’s look at how you can check passport application status online and offline:
How to Check Passport Application Status Online?
To check your passport application status online, there are two ways.
1. Check Passport Status Online through Passport Seva Portal
2. Check Passport Status Online through mPassport Seva Mobile App
Are you browsing the internet "how to check passport status online?" End your search and follow this simple step-by-step guide:
Check Passport Application Status Online through the Passport Seva Portal
- Step 1: Visit the official website of "Passport Seva" and click on the "Track Application Status" tab.
- Step 2: The page redirects to "Track Application Status".
- Step 3: Here, select your application type. Also, enter your date of birth, and 15-digit file number. Click on "Track Status".
The next page will display your current passport application status.
Check Passport Application Status Online through the mPassport Seva Mobile App
mPassport Seva is an online app provided by the government of India for all passport related services. It is available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. Follow these easy steps to track your application via mPassport Seva app:
- Download and install the mPassport Seva app on your smartphone.
- Launch the app and complete the registration process by submitting your details.
- Select the 'Track Application Status' option from the home screen.
- Choose the type of application, file number and your date of birth.
- Once you submit all the information, click on the 'Track Status' button to view the current status of your passport application.
How to Track Passport Application Status Offline?
You can also track your passport application status offline by the following methods:
1. Track Passport Application Status via SMS
You can get updates on your passport application status on your phone itself. Send "STATUS FILE NUMBER" from your registered mobile number to 9704100100. You can opt for this paid SMS service during your application time.
2. Track Passport Application Status via National Call Centre
You can call on the National Call Centre’s toll-free number 1800-258-1800. A Citizen Service Executive is available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. An Automated Interactive Voice Response is also available 24/7. Hence, you can also access information regarding your passport application status during non-working hours.
Please note: Residents of Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East states can communicate via the following contact details:
- Jammu Kashmir - 040-66720567 (paid)
- North-east States - 040-66720581 (paid)
3. Track Passport Application Status via Helpdesk
Visit the Passport Seva Kendra or send an email to get updates on the application status of your passport.
How to Track the Passport Dispatch and Delivery Status?
Once you have tracked the status of your passport and have the 13-digit tracking number handy, here is how you can track its dispatch and delivery status:
1. Track Passport Dispatch Status through the Official Website of India Post
You can track the dispatch and delivery of your passport through the official website of India Post.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of India Post.
- Step 2: Click on the tools available on the website and navigate to "Track Consignment."
- Step 3: Enter your 13-digit tracking number in the "Consignment Number" section and enter the code visible on your screen. Click "Search."
If you do not notice any delivery tracking data, this means that your passport has not been dispatched.
2. Track Passport Dispatch Status through the India Post SMS Service
You can also track the delivery status of your passport through the Indian Post's SMS service. Send your 13-digit tracking number in the format POST TRACK <Your 13-digit tracking number> to 166 or 51969.
India Speed Post usually dispatches an applicant's passport to the communication address (as mentioned in the passport application form). Keep track of your passport delivery status by using Speed Post- Tracking Utility.
Often, the online delivery status is different from the real-time delivery status. Hence, it is ideal to contact your nearest Speed Post Centre regarding this. If a Speed Post Centre Personnel cannot locate your address, it gets returned to the sender. In such circumstances, kindly contact your Regional Passport Office for further help.
Can you Collect the Passport from Regional Passport Office?
Yes, but only in case of an emergency, you can collect the passport from the Regional Passport Office.
Remember you must fill in an application form stating the reason for collecting the passport urgently. The Regional Passport officers can accept or reject your application for collecting the passport in person from their office.
A passport is an essential document serving as an identity and age proof. Therefore, applying for the same at the earliest is important. Moreover, you can also track the passport application status online. Keep these pointers in mind when you check passport status for a hassle-free experience.
FAQs About How to Check Passport Status in India
What information do you need to provide when contacting the National Call Centre to check passport application status?
You need to provide the file number and date of birth to the National Call Centre executive to check the passport application status.
How can I use my mobile number to check the status of my passport?
You can use my mobile number to send an SMS to 9704100100 to find out the status of your passport. When sending an SMS, you must include the 15-digit alphanumeric file number that was generated following the successful submission of a passport application at a Passport Seva Kendra or passport camp.
Does the national call centre offer customer assistance around the clock?
Users get access to this service every day of the week from 8 am to 10 pm. Customers can sometimes use automated IVRS to find solutions to their queries.
What is PSK?
A PSK or passport seva kendra is a regional office that serves as an extension of passport offices. They accept applications for new passport or modification of old passport.
What is the passport tracking file number?
On submitting the passport application, people are assigned a 12-digit alphanumeric code. You can use this number to track your passport and other details related to your passport.
Once you have received your passport, you can also find this number on the last page of your passport.
What is PRFN?
PRFN or passport reference file number is the other name for passport tracking file number. It’s a 12-digit alphanumeric code where:
- The first four digits indicate the city or state where the application was submitted.
- The next two digits indicate the year when the application was submitted.
- The remaining six digits indicate the application number.
How do I know the reason why my passport is stuck?
When you track your passport status at the passport seva platform, it provides you with all information on your passport being stuck and the reasons therein. It also recommends the action to be taken to get your passport dispatched faster.
Is the national call centre available 24/7 to track passport status?
Yes, the national call centre has an automated interactive response facility available 24/7 and service executives available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How do I apply for an e-passport?
To apply for an e-passport, follow the following steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva portal, register and log in with your credentials.
- Step 2: Choose between “Apply for Fresh Passport” and “Re-issuance of Passport” as per your requirements.
- Step 3: Fill in your details, upload your documents, pay the required fees and schedule your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.
How can I check my passport status using my mobile number?
You can SMS <STATUS FILE NUMBER> from your registered mobile number to 9704100100 and track the status of your passport.
Can I track my passport status without entering file number
No, you can’t track your passport status without entering file number. You can find the file number on your application receipt or, in case you’ve missed it, you can reclaim it from the local regional passport office.
Can I track my passport status without entering date of birth?
No, it is compulsory to provide your date of birth for tracking the passport status.
How to check the passport police verification status?
The passport tracking also provides information on the police verification status. You can track your passport via any means and check the information.
How many days does it take to get a passport?
A normal passport in India can take 30-45 days to arrive after you submit your application and documents. A tatkal passport takes 1-3 days normally.
Can I download my passport online?
No, you can’t download a soft copy of passport.
What happens if police verification is not done in 21 days?
If a police verification is pending even after 21 days, i.e. 3 weeks, you can visit your local police station and meet the SP/ CP personally.
Do police come home for passport verification?
Yes, for passport police verification in India, the police personnel of the respective jurisdiction visit the applicant’s home and verifies their personal information like name, age, address etc.
Do I get notified about the police verification visit to my home in advance?
Yes, generally you receive a notification via SMS or mail that the police personnel might be visiting your residence on the particular day.
What is the next step after police verification is done?
After the police verification is done, and things are in place, they send a report, with approval, to the passport seva kendra. Post this, you can expect to receive your passport within 3-5 working days.
How can I track my passport after police verification?
Post police verification, you can track the status online on the official website of passport seva, as discussed in the article. When the passport is dispatched from passport office through India post, you can track the dispatch and delivery status on the Speed Post- Tracking Utility.
What is the longest time a passport can take?
As per the citizens’ charter from the ministry of external affairs, a fresh passport in ‘Normal’ category will be issued within 30 working days, excluding Police Verification.
In case of re-issue of an ordinary passport, it will be issued within 7 working days in cases where pre-police verification is not required, and within 30 working days (excluding PV) in cases where PV is required.
How much time a normal passport takes?
Generally, a normal passport is processed within 30-45 days.
How much time a tatkal passport takes?
Generally, a tatkal passport is processed within 1-3 days.