What is a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?

Passport Seva Kendra is an extended branch of the passport offices in India. These offices are responsible for delivering passports and other related services in tier 1 and 2 cities. Additionally, they extend online services, thereby eliminating the need for applying through agents. This also makes passport applications safer, transparent and quicker.

Now that you know what Passport Seva Kendra is, let's delve into learning other important details.

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Roles and Responsibilities of PSK
Application Process at PSK
Check Online Appointment for PSK
Procedures to Follow During Appointment
Track the Application Status of PSK
Operational PSKs in India
Protocols to Follow at PSK
Other Services Offered by PSK
Frequently Asked Questions

Roles and Responsibilities of PSK for Passport

Passport Seva Kendras are responsible for performing the following roles and responsibilities:

Acceptance and Verification of Passport Application
Issuance or Re-Issuance of Passports to Eligible Candidates
Police Verification
Performing Background Checks
Printing and Final Delivery of Passports
Handling Passport Queries
Maintaining Passport Records
Ensuring Compliance with Passport Regulations and Guidelines

What is the Application Process to Apply for a Passport at a Passport Seva Kendra?

Follow the simple steps to apply for a passport at Passport Seva Kendra online and offline:

How to Apply Online & Schedule Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra?

Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva. If you are not a registered member, first register yourself with the portal.

Step 2: Once you create your username and ID, log in with that credential.

Step 3: Select "Apply for Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport". Fill in the form with the relevant information such as your name, contact details etc.

Step 4: Select "Pay and Schedule Appointment" available under the "View Saved or Submitted Application".

Step 5: Online payment is mandatory to book an appointment in Passport Seva Kendra. Choose from the following payment options:

Internet Banking (State Bank of India and other associated banks).
Credit or Debit Card (Visa or MasterCard).
Bank Challan of SBI.

Step 6: Select "Print Application Receipt" to take a printout. Carrying this application receipt is no longer mandatory. An SMS summarising your appointment details, including your Appointment Reference Number, is also accepted during the appointment day.

How to Apply Offline & Schedule Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra?

Step 1: Download the e-form from the portal.

Step 2: Complete it with relevant information, such as the type of application, your name, and place of birth.

Step 3: Upload it during the online application.

After submitting your application online, visit your nearest PSK on the scheduled date with all original documents.

How to Check Availability of Online Appointment for PSK?

Mandatory biometric check of the applicants is essential while applying for a passport. For that, you need to visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra after submitting your application online. Accordingly, you need to schedule a convenient slot for an appointment.

Follow the simple steps to check the availability of appointment slots in Passport Seva Kendra:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Passport Seva. Select "Check Appointment Availability"

Step 2: Select "Passport Office". Enter the verification code and click "Check Appointment Availability."

Step 3: You can now see the location, address and appointment date of your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

You can also reschedule or cancel your appointment as well on this online portal.

Procedures to Follow During Appointment Day at PSK Office

Follow the procedures mentioned below during your appointment day at the Passport Seva Kendra:

1. After you enter the main office, provide the appointment receipt and original documents to the passport official. He/she will issue a token.

2. Now you have to walk-in in three counters - Counter A, B and C.

Type of Counters	Role of the Counter	Average Time Taken at the Counter
A	You have to go through the biometric data test at this counter. Additionally, it also includes verification and uploading of your documents.	10 to 15 minutes.
B	On this counter, a passport officer verifies your original documents and put a stamp on the documents and your passport	20 to 30 minutes
C	A senior officer verifies your document. He/she asks a few questions and lets you know whether your passport application is successful. He/she also confirms whether any police verification is needed during or after this.	15 minutes
Exit Counter	Submit your token at the exit counter. A PSK personnel will issue a passport application receipt. This includes your passport file number, which you can use to track your application status online.	NA

How to Track the Application Status of PSK Online?

You can check your passport application status online through by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva portal. Select "Track Application Status"

Step 2: Select the Application Type and enter your 15-digit file number and date of birth. Click "Track Status" to view your application status on the screen.

How to Track the Application Status of PSK Offline?

You can also check your passport application status offline through the following modes:

SMS Services (Send <STATUS FILE NUMBER> to 9704100100).
National Call Centre (Contact number – 18002581800).
Directly Visit Your local Passport Seva Kendra

How Many Passport Seva Kendra are Operational in India?

There are approximately 81 Passport Seva Kendra in India. Take a look at the availability of other passport offices in India:

Passport Offices	Availability in India
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra	424
Regional Passport Offices	36
Passport Seva Laghu Kendra	15

You can locate your nearest Passport Seva Kendra online through the Passport Seva portal.

Protocols to Follow on Appointment Day at Passport Seva Kendra Office

Following these simple guidelines ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience at the Passport Seva Kendra office on your appointment day.

1. Arrive on Time:

As you go to the passport office, it is advisable to get there slightly earlier than expected just in case you need to go through security checks and find out where the particular counter you need to go is.

2. Bring all Necessary Documents:

Ensure these documents are in your possession before you leave your house for a passport. This consists of your application form, photos, identity proof, address proof, and other documentation needed when appearing at the Passport Seva Kendra.

3. Dress Appropriately:

Formal attire is not required, but one should dress modestly in what is comfortable during one’s appointment. Do not wear provocative clothing or clothes with nagging or provocative sayings on them, as this will also create a problem.

4. Follow the Rules:

When you are inside the Passport Seva Kendra office, there are certain dos and don’ts that you should adhere to. This entails waiting in the specified waiting areas, not using mobile phones, and not creating havoc.

5. Be Patient:

However, sometimes a Passport Seva Kendra may be very busy, meaning that if your number is called, you have to wait for it before your turn is called. Do not allow yourself to get irritated or angry because your communication partner will most likely be unable to understand you. Still, you must remind yourself that the staff is doing everything they can to ensure you get your passport.

6. Ask for Help if You Need it:

If you are unsure of something or need help filling out the application form, feel free to approach any of the officials. They are there to help you and will, therefore, be more than willing to help you should you have any questions.

Other Services You Can Avail at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Several services other than applying for a passport and the renewal are available on the Passport Seva portal. The services you can avail are given below: The services you can avail are given below:

Certificate of Police Clearance:

An identification document, particularly a passport, is very essential. The police verification is therefore necessary before the visa is issued because the passport could fall into the wrong hands.

As a result, if your application is a fresh or a reissue, the Passport Office (PO) will decide whether you shall undergo a police verification before your application passport is finally granted to you. The two options through which users can apply for a police clearance certificate are electronic, that is, e-form submission or online form submission, and in-person, that is, in-person application. Please refer to the external link for the in-person application.

Identity Certificate:

It is understood that, based on recommendations received from the Dalai Lama’s office in New Delhi, the Regional Passport Office in Delhi, or RPO Delhi, issues Identity Certificates (IC) to Tibetan refugees living in India from time to time.

Apart from the enumeration, Boehm refers to Tibetian refugees as stateless people living in India who may also need an identity certificate from the concerned passport office, which comes under the authority of the State where they reside.

However, before releasing the ID, any person needs consent from the Ministry of External Affairs (Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division. Further, the Department of Home Affairs/police and the FRRO have to give the NOC for putting an Identity Certificate with a NORI stamp.

The Passport Seva Kendra, available in every Indian city, aims to meet the rising demand for passports in that particular area. Knowing what Passport Seva Kendra is and applying for a passport through it is necessary for a smooth application process. Further, the online platform has made it convenient to avail of contactless passport-related services in this current global health crisis.

FAQs about Passport Seva Kendra

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Can you visit Passport Seva Kendra without an appointment?

You can only visit a Passport Seva Kendra without an appointment only for emergency, medical reasons, and other pre-approved cases. Remember that it is at the discretion of the Passport Officer to render services to you.

What is the validity of a passport application?

If an applicant fails to visit the Passport Seva Kendra within the 90 days of online submission of the application form, he/she needs to apply for a new application.

Can someone submit another person’s passport application at PSK?

No, it is not possible to submit another person’s passport application at PSK. The applicant must be physically present while submitting the application.

What is Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a government-run passport issuance and renewal facility in India. Here, citizens can apply for their passports and complete various related services.

What services are provided at Passport Seva Kendra?

Passport Seva Kendra provides various passport-related services, such as applying for a new passport, renewing an existing passport, updating or modifying personal information on the passport, and applying for a police clearance certificate.

How can I apply for a passport through Passport Seva Kendra?

To apply for a passport through Passport Seva Kendra, register on the website, fill out the application form, and pay the applicable fees. To finish the application process, make an appointment at the closest Passport Seva Kendra.

How long does it take to get a passport through Passport Seva Kendra?

The time taken to get a passport through Passport Seva Kendra depends on various factors, such as the type of passport application, the number of applications being processed, and the time taken for document verification. Generally, getting a passport through Passport Seva Kendra takes around 2-3 weeks.

What is the fee for getting a passport through Passport Seva Kendra?

The fee for getting a passport through Passport Seva Kendra varies depending on the type of passport application, such as a fresh passport, renewal, Tatkaal, or under the normal category. The fee also depends on the number of pages and the duration of the passport's validity. You can check the fee structure on the official Passport Seva website.

How many copies are required for a passport?

When applying for a passport, typically, you are required to submit two copies of your application form along with photocopies of necessary documents such as proof of identity, address, and citizenship. Additionally, recent passport-sized photographs are also required.

What are the 3 counters in Passport Seva Kendra?

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) operates with three main counters: Counter A (where the application and documents are verified), Counter B (where further scrutiny and verification are conducted), and Counter C (where granting decision is made and further processing is completed).

What is the difference between Passport Seva Kendra and Passport Office?

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a facility where applicants submit their passport applications and undergo the necessary verification processes. The Passport Office (PO), on the other hand, is responsible for the actual issuance and administration of passports. While PSKs handle the front-end services, POs oversee the back-end processing.

Who is the owner of Passport Seva?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India owns Passport Seva. The initiative aims to streamline and enhance passport-related services, providing citizens a more efficient and user-friendly experience through the Passport Seva Project.

Which company manages Passport Seva Kendra?

Under the Passport Seva Project, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) manages Passport Seva Kendras. TCS provides the necessary technological and operational support to ensure smooth functioning and enhanced service delivery at these centres.

Which ministry is responsible for Passport Seva?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India is responsible for Passport Seva. This ministry oversees all activities related to the issuance and management of passports, ensuring that the process is efficient and user-friendly.

Which is better, RPO or PSK?

The choice between the Regional Passport Office (RPO) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) depends on the applicant's specific needs. PSKs are better for initial application and verification due to their efficient and user-friendly services. RPOs, however, handle more complex issues and administrative tasks related to passport issuance and management.

How many papers are there in the passport?

A standard Indian passport typically contains 36 pages for normal passports and 60 pages for frequent travellers. These pages include personal information, visa pages, and other necessary endorsements for international travel.