Getting a passport is a vital document and an important step in international travel. However, the passport application process in India involves police verification, which can be time-consuming and confusing.
This article aims to provide complete information about police verification for passport, including the types of police verification, required documents, how to check the police verification status, and other essential details.
What does police verification for passport mean?
Police verification for passport refers to the process wherein law enforcement authorities conduct background checks on passport applicants. This verification ensures the applicant's identity, address, and criminal record, if any, are authentic and meet the required standards for obtaining a passport. Once completed, the police verification status indicates whether the applicant's details are verified and deemed suitable for passport issuance, providing assurance of the applicant's credibility and eligibility for international travel.
What is pre-police verification for passport?
Pre-police verification for a passport involves verifying the applicant's credentials before issuing the passport. The process starts when the applicant submits their application. The local police station is notified to confirm the applicant's address, criminal record, and personal details. An officer visits the applicant's residence to gather information and verify the documents submitted. This procedure ensures the authenticity of the applicant's identity and address. If the verification is successful, the passport is issued. Pre-police verification is mandatory for first-time applicants, ensuring national security and the legitimacy of the passport issuance process.
What is post-police verification for passport?
Post-police verification for a passport occurs after the passport is issued. In this process, the passport is granted to the applicant without prior verification, but the police conduct a thorough check afterward. The applicant’s details, such as address, criminal record, and identification, are verified by visiting their residence and speaking with neighbours or local authorities. This method is often used for the reissue of passports or in urgent cases. If any discrepancies are found during the post-verification, the authorities may take necessary actions, including revoking the passport. This approach balances speedy passport issuance with essential security checks.
Why do we need police verification for passport?
One of the essential steps in the passport application process in India is the police verification process. The Indian government mandates police verification for passport to ensure the authenticity of the documents submitted for passport application and, more importantly, for national security reasons. The police verify the applicant's identity, address, and other relevant details to confirm that the applicant is a genuine citizen of India.
Ensuring national security
The primary objective of police verification for passports is to safeguard national security. By scrutinising the background of passport applicants, authorities can identify potential security threats and prevent individuals with dubious intentions from obtaining a passport.
Verification of identity and address
Police verification is crucial for validating the identity and residential address provided by the passport applicant. This step helps in confirming that the information furnished is accurate and genuine, minimising the risk of identity fraud or misuse of passports.
Preventing criminal activities
The process of police verification for passport aids in preventing individuals with a criminal background from obtaining passports. By cross-referencing the applicant's details with law enforcement databases, authorities can ensure that passports are not granted to those involved in criminal activities.
Also, read: Passport online appointment
What is the process of police verification for passport in India?
The process of police verification for passports in India involves the following steps:
- Application submission: After applying for a passport online, applicants must schedule an appointment and submit their documents at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Police visit: Local police authorities conduct a physical verification of the applicant's residence to verify their identity and address.
- Passport police verification status: The police submit their findings to the Passport Office, which determines the applicant's eligibility based on the verification report.
Types of police verification for passport
There are mainly three types of police verification for an Indian passport:
Pre-police verification
This is the most common type of police verification for a passport. The verification process is initiated after the applicant submits the passport application. The police conduct a background check to verify the applicant's residential address and criminal record, if any. And, the passport police verification documents include address proof, identity proof, and sometimes, references from neighbours or local authorities.
Post-police verification
In some cases, the passport is issued before the police verification is completed. The verification process is conducted after the passport is dispatched to the applicant. This type of verification is usually faster but is less common and subject to certain conditions. Similar to pre-verification, including address proof and identity proof.
No police verification
Certain categories of applicants, such as government employees, may be exempt from police verification for a passport if they provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This streamlines the process and reduces the waiting time for passport issuance.
Also, read: Types of passports in India
Online passport police verification process
The online process for police verification for passport involves:
- Application submission: Applicants apply for a passport online and provide necessary documents.
- Verification request: Passport authorities forward the applicant's details to the local police station.
- Police verification: Local police conduct inquiries and visit the applicant's residence to verify identity and address.
- Status update: The status of police verification for passport is updated online, indicating if the verification is pending, completed, or requires further action.
- Passport issuance: Upon successful verification, the passport is issued to the applicant. If discrepancies are found, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents or explanations.
Also, read: Police clearance certificate for passport
Offline passport police verification process
The process of police verification for passport is an important step in getting a passport and can take up to a few months. Here are the steps involved in the process:
Step 1:
Passport application submission: Submit the passport application along with the required documents at the passport office.
Step 2:
Document verification: The passport office scrutinises the application and checks for valid documents.
Step 3:
Forwarding the application to local police station: The passport office forwards the application to the respective police station for verification.
Step 4:
Police verification: The police verify the applicant's details and address by visiting their residence and workplace.
Step 5:
Submission of police report: The police submit the verification report to the passport office.
Step 6:
Passport approval: Once approved, the passport is printed, and the applicant is notified via SMS or email.
You must keep a check on the status of your passport in India. This will keep you updated with the documentation and verification of the passport.
Documents required for police verification for new passport
The effectiveness of the process of police verification for passport depends on the precision and authenticity of the documents submitted by the passport applicant. You will require the following documents for passport police verification:
- Proof of identity: Aadhar card, voter ID, PAN card, or any other government-issued ID.
- Proof of address: Utility bills, rent agreement, or any document verifying the applicant's current residence.
- Passport application form: A copy of the submitted passport application form with all relevant details.
- Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs as per the prescribed guidelines.
- Additional documents: Depending on the specific requirements, additional documents may be requested by the authorities. These could include marriage certificates, educational certificates, or any other document deemed necessary for verification.
Also, check the list of documents required for Indian passport..
Documents required for passport re-issue/renewal
Following are the documents required to apply for passport re-issue/renewal:
- Old passport: Original and a photocopy of the first and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page, and page of observation, if any.
- Proof of address: Updated address proof such as Aadhaar card, utility bills, or bank statements.
- Proof of identity: Any government-issued ID like Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID.
- Proof of date of birth: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or PAN card (if the date of birth has changed).
- Self-attested copies: Photocopies of all required documents, self-attested by the applicant.
- Additional documents: If there are any changes in personal details like name or address, additional documents like marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll are required.
Read more: How to apply for reissue of passport
How to check the status of police verification for passport?
Your passport application undergoes a police verification process to assess your eligibility. The police assign a status to your application based on the verification results. There are three possible statuses:
- Clear: Your application is approved, and there are no issues with your address, identity, or legal records.
- Adverse: The verification is pending due to issues with your address or identity. Your passport might be delayed or cancelled until these issues are resolved.
- Incomplete: Your application lacks necessary documents or information. This could be due to a short stay at your current address or other reasons.
How to check your passport police verification status:
- Passport Seva Website: Visit the official website.
- Toll-free number: Call 1800 258 1800.
- SMS: Send "STATUS FILE NUMBER" to 9704 100 100.
- mPassport Seva App: Use the mobile app.
Note: If your status is adverse or incomplete, you may need to provide additional documents or address discrepancies to proceed with your passport application.
Situations when police verification for passport is exempted
Following are the conditions when police verification for passport is not required:
Government employees
Government employees can be exempted from police verification for passport if they provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This expedites the process.
Minors and senior citizens
Minors below 18 years and senior citizens above 65 years may get exemptions if they provide relevant passport police verification documents, such as birth certificates or age proofs.
Diplomatic and official passports
Individuals applying for diplomatic or official passports are usually exempt from police verification due to their official status and responsibilities.
These exemptions help streamline the passport issuance process while ensuring necessary security protocols.
Police verification for passport is an essential process to ensure the authenticity of the documents submitted and for national security reasons. With this article's information on the types of police verification, the required documents, passport police verification status tracking, and the online submission process, applicants can be more equipped to complete the process successfully. Remember to follow the relevant guidelines and provide only genuine documents to ensure a hassle-free passport application experience.
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