What is a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?

Source: tcs.com

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.