The process of obtaining a passport is a significant step for anyone planning international travel. In Chandigarh, the passport office offers a variety of services to ensure residents can secure their passports with ease and efficiency. The Passport Office in Chandigarh is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable passport services to the residents of the city and its surrounding areas.
Strategically located to serve a diverse population, the office handles everything from new passport applications to renewals and verifications. The aim is to simplify the passport acquisition process, making it as straightforward and accessible as possible. Whether you need to apply for a new passport, renew an old one, or require other related services, the Chandigarh Passport Office is well-equipped to assist you.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the passport office in Chandigarh, from its services and types of offices to the necessary documents and tips for applicants.
Types of passport offices in Chandigarh
There are different types of passport offices in Chandigarh
- Regional Passport Office (RPO): The RPO in Chandigarh is the main office responsible for processing passport applications and handling other passport-related services for the entire region. It oversees the issuance, renewal, and verification processes
- Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): Passport Seva Kendras PSKs are auxiliary centres that work under the RPO. They help manage the high volume of passport applications by offering services such as document verification and biometric data collection.
- Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK): POPSKs are extensions of PSKs, set up in collaboration with India Post. These centres bring passport services closer to people in remote areas, offering most of the services provided by PSKs but with limited capacity.
Services offered at Chandigarh passport offices
Chandigarh passport offices offer various services that includes:
- New passport issuance: The office assists with the application process for first-time passport applicants, ensuring all procedures are followed correctly.
- Passport renewal: Services are available to renew expired passports or those nearing their expiry date.
- Tatkal passport service: This expedited service is available for urgent travel needs and comes at an additional cost.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): PCCs are issued for those needing it for travel to certain countries or for specific job applications abroad. For such cases, obtaining the police clearance certificate for passport is very crucial.
- Document verification: The Chandigarh passport office conducts the verification of all the supporting documents submitted with passport applications.
- Biometric data collection: This passport office also collects the fingerprints and photographs as part of the application process.
- Address update: Chandigarh passport office offers services to update the address on existing passports due to relocation or other reasons.
- Passport status enquiry: Applicants can check the status of their passport application through this service at the passport office in Chandigarh.
List of documents required to submit at the passport office in Chandigarh
Following are the required documents to be submitted at the Chandigarh passport office:
- Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving licence, or any other government-issued ID.
- Proof of address: Utility bills, rental agreement, bank statements, or any document with the applicant's current address.
- Proof of date of birth: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any government-recognised document stating the date of birth.
- Citizenship proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any document that verifies Indian citizenship.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs (as per specific dimensions and background requirements).
- Old passport (if applicable): Required for renewals or reissue cases.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable): Necessary for name changes post-marriage.
- Annexures/declarations: Various annexures like Annexure A (affirmation of personal details), Annexure C (for government employees), etc., might be required depending on the case.
Read more: Documents required for passport