Frequently Asked Questions when Applying for an Indian Passport

This FAQ contains answers to the frequent queries that are asked on the Passport and Visa forum on India Mike. In addition you should check the FAQ's on the official website that answer a lot of the basic questions.

1. I currently live in XXX city/town, while my hometown/permanent address is YYY. Can I apply in XXX with address of YYY. Or Can I apply in YYY with YYY. Can I have permanent address mentioned though I do not currently stay there.

The address that needs to be filled in needs to be the current one and one cannot use an address that one is not currently true. So you need to apply in XXX with current XXX address.

2. I applied in XXX RPO and the application is still pending. Can I apply in another city or RPO or apply again in the same RPO?

No, you can not apply in another RPO/PSK while an application is still pending or unresolved. You need to either get the old application resolved and passport issued, or closed and get a closure report. Alternatively you can also get the application transferred from one RPO to another.

3. I applied under Normal, but now want the passport urgently. Can I apply again under Tatkal.

An application under Normal can be converted to Tatkal by speaking to the RPO/PSK staff. Under no cicumstances should another application be made for any reason while another is pending at any RPO.

4. I missed my passport Appointmnet made at the RPO/PSK due to (any) reason. Can I just walk in or do I need a new appoitment or do I need to complete a new application.

It is not a good idea to miss an Appointment. If you do miss one, You can not just walk in, you need to fill the entire applicatiion again under a new ID and make a fresh appointment. The data already entered is apparantly deleted.

5. How long does a Normal passport application take from application to passport in hand.

While no timelines can be promised (no one here works for the RPO) and a lot depends on the specifics of each applicants case, as also RPO applied at, time of year etc, the RPO advices that it endeavours to issue a passport in 45 days time. Going by the timelines posted on this site, It generally takes between 2 and 3 months in practise however in most RPO's.

6. My pasport was refused or is pending because of wrong info furnished by the agent/me as I was unaware of the procedure. Or I had an adverse Police report. Or I have been penalised for falsification. How to resolve this.

The best way is to be honest and truthfull on the passport application form and with all officialdom. And ignorance is no excuse. Deal with the issues as soon as possible and with honesty and humbleness (if you have made a mistake). That is the only advice that can be given in general on a general website/forum.

7. I do not have a Birth Certificate. What is the alternative. My BC does not have my name, will it be accepted.

If you were born on or after 26/01/1989, then you do need a BC, and there is no alternative. If you were born before, a Class X or another document that has your birth date will be acceptable. All BC's issued should have the name of the person.

8. I do not have any Proof of Address on my name. What is the alternative.

THe Proof of Address need not be on the name of the applicant. However you need to provide a document that proves how you are linked to the name on the Porof of Address. E.g If proof of address is in Parent's name, a Birth cerificate or Education certificate with that parents name.

9. I am married. I do not have a Marriage certificate.

All passports issued to married persons are required to now have the name of the spouse mentioned on the passport. Those married in the past decade or so, will need a Marriage certificate for a passport. However there does not seem to be a fixed cut off date like one exists for the BC. For those whose passports were issued before marriage, renewal/reissue will be with the spouse name.

10. I am recently married. Do I need to change my name/surname to my husband's before applying for passport. If I already have a passport, do I need to apply for change of name after I get married.

It is not mandatory to change either the name or the surname or both after marriage. However the choice is entirely yours and if you decide to do so, you should get the passport reissued under your new name, as well as the other documents like PAN card etc that you have..

11. I want to apply for a passport for my Baby/minor child. What do I need.

In addition to the regular documents required for a minor, Annexure H is required to be submitted. Although the Official FAQ clearly mentions that the parent(s) need not have a passport before making an application for a Minor's passport, practical experience shows that in most cases atleast one parents passport is required to be available. Most RPO's insist on the spouse name to be endorsed on both passports of minor's father and mother. If either of the parents does not have a passport, it is a better to apply for minor's and spouse's passport together. If either of the parents is not currently in India, they should provide an Affidavit permiting the other parent to apply for the minor's passport. The affidavit should be certified by the nearest consulate of India.

12. I am separated from my spouse. Can I get the spouse name removed.

Spouse name can only be removed in case of death or a legal court issued divorce.

13. The passport tracker shows XXX status and has not changed for YYY days. What does it mean.

The resons could be many or none at all. Some steps in the process do take time due to the nature of the activity and the multiple levels of beuraucracy involved. For example, the Police verification involves the RPO sending the request to the Area SP of Police office who in turn sends the request to the concerned local area Police Station. The verification report, once completed once again returns through the step way back to the RPO.

Unless you have any reason to believe that the process is stuck or it has indded taken an inordinate amount of time, there may not be much to do than wait.

14. Mobile Application "mPassport Seva" has been launched to to offer a wide variety of services to smartphone users such as Passport Application status tracking, locating the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and general information on various steps involved in obtaining a Passport. This will help people in getting anytime anywhere information on basic Passport-related procedures and services.

mPassport Seva has been made available first on the android platform. The latest version of the application could be downloaded from Passport Seva Portal .

15. Status messages on the Passport Application tracker do not seem to make sense or do flow in a linear order.

See Step 5 "Track your Application"above.

16. Is Aadhar Card accepted for Passport Applications?

Yes, Effective Jan '2013, Aadhar Card is now accepted both as a Proof of Identity and as a Proof of Address.