Passport Seva Services | Passport Seva Questions

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Passport Seva

PSP Division
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Applicants having appointments at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Patna, kindly note the new address of PSK Patna: PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA, PLOT NO VI /1 & 2, PATLIPUTRA INDUSTRIAL AREA, PATLIPUTRA, PATNA, BIHAR-800013

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Passport Services Overview

Q1:

What are the various passport services and which form has to be filled in?

The various passport services are:

Issue of Fresh Passport: You can apply for fresh passport if applying for the first time in the applied category.
Re-issue of Passport: You can apply for re-issue of passport if you want another passport in lieu of an existing passport for any of the following reasons:
- Change in existing personal particulars.
- Validity expired within 3 years/ Due to expire within one year.
- Validity expired more than 3 years ago.
- Exhaustion of pages.
- Damaged passport.
- Lost passport.
The applicant must apply under fresh category, in case they did not hold previously any Ordinary Passport, even if they currently hold Official/Diplomatic Passport.

The applicants for Official/Diplomatic Passport must apply under fresh category in case they did not hold previously any Official/Diplomatic Passport, even if they currently hold Ordinary Passport.

Miscellaneous Service:
- Issue of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Background Verification for Global Entry Program (GEP): To conduct background verification for Indian citizens enrolled with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Program (GEP). Refer link (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/international-arrangements/global-entry-indian-citizens) for details
- Surrender Certificate: Issued to applicants surrendering their passport at the Passport Offices for renunciation of Indian citizenship and acquiring foreign nationality.
- Line of Control (LoC permits): LoC Permits are issued by Passport Offices at Jammu and Srinagar to those residents of UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh who want to visit their relatives living across the Line of Control (LoC) for valid reasons.
- Certificate of Identity: Certificate of Identity is issued to Stateless persons, including Tibetan refugees residing in India.

Q2:

What types of passports are issued in India?

Following three types of passports are issued in India:

Ordinary Passport: An ordinary passport consists of 36/60 pages. Generally, for adults it is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be re-issued. For minors' passport, the validity is restricted to five years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier.
Diplomatic Passport: Issued to designated members authorised by the Government of India.
Official Passport: Issued to designated Government servants or any other person specifically authorised by the Government deputed abroad on official assignment.

Q3:

How do I apply for a Passport or Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

For issue of fresh/re-issue of Passport and PCC, applicant should fill in the application form online at www.passportindia.gov.in .

Note: It is mandatory for all applicants, including infants, to be physically present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to give their biometrics (fingerprints) and photographs and follow prescribed procedures.

Minor

Q4:

What is the definition of minor for issue of passport?

Applicants less than 18 years of age are considered as minor for issuance of passport.

Q5:

I have a one-month old baby? Does the baby require a separate passport or his/her name can be endorsed in one of the parent's passport?

Endorsement of child's name in parent's passports is not allowed anymore. As per the amended instructions, a minor should have a separate passport.

Q6:

In case of minor's passport, whose father is abroad, is it mandatory to obtain father's consent to apply for the child's passport? If so, what is the procedure?

Ideally, both the parents/legal guardian should sign Annexure ‘D’ in fresh or re-issue cases (to safeguard the interest of minor applicants). Both parents shall be present at the PSK/POPSK while applying for passport for their minor children or one parent with passports of both the parents may be present (PSK in-charge may call for other parent, if not satisfied with the signature on Annexure-D). In case either parent is resident abroad, the parent who is submitting the application in India will sign the application form and obtain the consent of other parent in Annexure-‘D’. In the cases where consent of either parent is not possible to be obtained, declaration in form of Annexure-C may be provided with applicable reason. .

Q7:

I am a minor who is 16 years old. Is it possible for me to obtain a full validity passport of 10 years?

Children between the ages of 15 and 18 have the option to apply for a minor passport valid until he/she attains the 18 years of age or full validity passport of 10 years. Different fees are applicable for different validity.

Q8:

What would be the validity of a minor's passport?

The validity of a minor's passport is restricted to five years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. Minors aged between 15 to 18 years may refer to question 7 above.

Q9:

Who can apply for my minor child passport in India if I am offshore?

Refer to question 6 above.

Q10:

Is it true that passport applications for minors under 18 require consent of either both parents or legal guardian?

Ideally, both the parents should sign Annexure ‘D’ in fresh or reissue cases (to safeguard the interest of minor applicants). Both parents shall be present at the PSK while applying for passport for their minor children or one parent with passports of both the parents may be present (PSK in-charge may call for other parent, if not satisfied with the signature on Annexure-D). However, when consent of either parent is not possible, the parent who is submitting the application may provide declaration in form of Annexure-C with applicable reason must submit a declaration in the form in Annexure-‘C’ stating the reasons. Following documents have to be submitted in the given cases:

S.No.	Case	Documents to be submitted
1.	Passport application of a minor with consent of both parents	Annexure "D"
2.	Applied by Legal Guardian	Annexure "D"
3.	Minors with single parent (One parent deceased)	Annexure "D" along with Death Certificate of deceased parent
4.	Applied by one parent/guardian when consent of one or both parents is not possible	Annexure "C"

Q11:

My spouse is living in another country. How do I get his/her signature for consent while applying for my child's passport?

Please refer to question 6 above.

Q12:

I want to apply for my child's passport. Are signatures of both parents mandatory on Annexure D to be submitted along with the application? What if my spouse is refusing to sign the form?

Please refer to question 10 above.

Q13:

I wish to apply for a passport for my child who is 12 months old. Can I apply for a 60 pages (Jumbo) booklet?

No, only 36 pages passport booklet are issued to minors.

Q14:

If parents have valid passport, however, the background details of the parents is adverse in the passport database, can passport be issued to minor on an urgent basis?

In such cases, minors can be issued passport under Tatkaal scheme subject to the approval of the Competent Authority.

Q15:

Do I need to carry photographs of my 3 months old child while visiting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/ Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)/ Passport Office (PO)?

Minor applicants below the age of 4 years need to carry a passport size photograph for the processing of application at the PSK/POPSK/PO. For applicants above the age of 4 years, photographs will be captured at the PSK/POPSK/PO itself. Please Click Here for guidelines for capturing photographs for minors below 4 years of age.

S.No.	Dos	DONT's
1.	Paste ONLY ONE COLOUR photograph as per the specifications given below	Do not paste black and white photographs
2.	Paste your recent passport size photograph (4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) in colour in the box meant for affixing the photograph	Dimensions of photograph should not be smaller than the box (i.e. 4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) provided in the application form
3.	Background of the photograph should be plain white and the dress should be in dark colour	Photograph with dark background or in uniform, or with eyes hidden under coloured or dark glasses will not be accepted
4.	Photograph should fit within the given box	Photograph in computer print will not be accepted
5.	Frontal view of the full face should be visible in the photograph	Photograph is NOT to be signed
6.	Photograph should be printed on good quality photo paper	Distracting shadows on the face or on the background should not be there
7.	Print of the photograph should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality	Eyes must not be covered by hair. Glares on eyeglasses should be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the head
8.	Expression of the face should be natural (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)	Photograph should not be damaged, for example: torn, creased, or marked
9.	Eyes must be open and both edges of face must be clearly visible	Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible
10.	Head should be in the centre of the frame and both ears should be visible	Photographs cut from group photographs are not acceptable

Q16:

What is the fee payable for the passport of a minor?

Please refer to Fee Calculator on the home page. A rebate of 10 per cent is given on the applicable passport fee for all fresh applications for minors up to the age of 8 years.

Senior Citizen

Q17:

What benefits do senior citizens get for issuance of passport?

The Ministry announced a new scheme with effect from 24 June, 2017 in respect of senior citizens (age of 60 & above) under which a discount of 10 per cent is given on the applicable passport fee for all fresh applications for passports to such persons. Senior Citizens are also provided assistance at PSK/POPSK with special token to ensure expedited processing.

Students

Q18:

I am a student staying away from my parents. Where do I apply for a passport and what proof of residence do I have to furnish?

Students studying away from home should apply online at www.passportindia.gov.in
_ On the date of appointment, applicants need to visit the PSK/POPSK nearest to their hostel/institute address where s/he is currently staying. Mentioning parental address in the permanent address column of the application form is mandatory. They may also apply at any other PSK/POPSK of his/her choice irrespective of applicant's present address declared in the application form.

Employees of Government/PSU/Statutory Body

Q19:

Is Identity Certificate mandatory for Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees?
OR
Can a government employee apply as an ordinary citizen without submitting the additional documents?

For issuance of a passport, Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees need to submit either Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure "A" or No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure "G" or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "H" as an additional document along with the application form. If he/she submits Annexure "A", passport will be issued without police verification and if he/she submits Annexure "G", passport will be issued on post police verification basis and if he/she submits Annexure "H", passport will be issued on pre police verification basis.

Q20:

What benefits do government employees get for issuance of passport?

Refer to question 20 above.

Q21:

If a Government employee wants to apply for change in name in passport, is he/she required to publish declaration/advertisement regarding change of name in a leading newspaper ?

If a Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employee wants to make a change in name, then he/she has to submit the following additional documents:

Gazette Notification changing name in applicant's department
Fresh ID Certificate in changed name

Owner, Partners and Directors of Companies which are members of CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM

Q22:

I am a Director of a company which is a member of CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM? What additional documents do I have to submit?

There is no specific document required for the above categories. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Citizenship of India (Other than by Birth)

Q23:

Explain citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization.

The citizenship of India is defined as per The Citizenship Act, 1955 and subsequent amendments. Please refer the same for complete information. However, indicative definition of citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization is as under: -

Citizen of India by birth: You are Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by descent: You are Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by registration/naturalization: You are Citizen of India by Registration/Naturalization if you have been granted Indian Citizenship by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.

* Above information is indicative only, please refer to The Citizenship Act, 1955 for complete information.

Q24:

Can an Indian passport be issued to applicants born outside India?

Indian passport can be issued to the "Citizen of India by Descent" i.e. person born to Indian parent(s) outside India subject to fulfillment of provisions in the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Dependent Family Members of Government/PSU/Statutory body employees

Q25:

Can dependents of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees apply for a passport in the normal process without submitting any affidavits?

Dependent family members of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees can be issued passport (validity of passport for minor dependent restricted to the age of 18 years) without police verification, if they submit "Identity Certificate" in original as per Annexure "A" (of dependent) as an additional document.
Otherwise, passport would be issued to them on pre police verification basis, or post police verification basis - if they apply under Tatkaal scheme with required documents.

Applicants who have changed their names in past

Q26:

I recently got married/divorced. How do I change my surname on my passport?

To change the surname in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q27:

I am a married lady and want to apply for a fresh passport. I am unable to provide the prescribed marriage certificate or joint affidavit due to marital discord or separation. What should I do?

Married applicants are not required to provide any marriage certificate or joint affidavit.

Applicants who are convicted or if a court case is pending against them

Q28:

What do I do if I have a Court Case against me?

If a criminal case is pending against you in any court, you can be issued a passport subject to the condition that you enclose a written permission by the court concerned allowing you to travel abroad. Normally, a short validity passport valid for one year is issued, subject to conditions if any, mentioned in the Court order as per GSR 570 (E) dated 25 August, 1993.

Validity Expired

Q29:

My passport expired 4 years ago. Can it be reissued? What is the procedure to re-issue it?

You have to fill up the Passport Application Form and apply for "Re-issue of Passport". Fresh police verification is initiated if the passport has expired more than three years ago. Hence, fresh police verification will be required in your case.

Q30:

What are the additional requirements if passport has expired more than three years ago?

Fresh police verification would take place if you apply for re-issue of passport after expiry of old passport more than three years ago.

Q31:

I'm 25 now, but my last passport was issued when I was 15. What should I do?

You need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport

Damaged Passport

Q32:

What is the definition of damaged passport?

Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.:

Damaged Passport - Passport number is readable, name is legible and Photo is intact
Damaged beyond recognition

Q33:

What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport?

Duplicate passports are not issued however; a new passport with different passport number may be issued with fresh validity. The applicant has to apply in re-issue category with reason as Lost/Damaged passport.

Lost/Stolen Passport

Q34:

What do I do if I lose my passport?

Loss of passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office or Indian Mission, if abroad. If required, you can apply for "Re-issue" of passport. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q35:

I lost my passport recently. I've applied for a duplicate passport. I want to know if the new passport will have the same number as my old passport, or a new number?

Duplicate passports are not issued, however, a new passport with different passport number may be issued with fresh validity.

Q36:

I recently lost my valid passport, but do not have the details. Will it be possible for the Passport Office to trace the details from your system and give them to me for filling my application form for a duplicate/new passport?

You need to visit your nearest Passport Office.

Q37:

What can I do if I have lost my passport and have to travel to India urgently due to an emergency like serious illness or death in the family?

You need to contact the respective Indian Mission/Post. Generally, an Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued for returning to India after verification of Indian nationality/origin/particulars.

Q38:

I am an Indian living abroad. I lost my Indian passport but I don't have photocopy of the same. What should I do?

Photocopy of the old passport is not a mandatory document to be submitted in case of lost/damaged/stolen passport. It should be produced, if it is available. But you will be required to produce, the previous passport details like Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and place of issue, while filling the passport application form. If you do not have that information, then contact the respective Indian mission/post in that country.

Exhaustion of Pages

Q39:

The pages in my passport booklet have exhausted, but it has a validity of 5 years still left. What is the procedure to apply for new booklet?

You need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport with reason “Exhaustion of Pages”. A new passport would be issued to you with a new number and fresh validity.

Q40:

When an additional booklet/additional pages issued?
OR
My passport is nearly full but is valid for another 4 years, is it possible to add extra pages?

Additional pages are not added to a passport booklet. For more detail, please refer to question 39 above.

Validity Due to Expire

Q41:

My passport will expire in 2 years. What should I do?

You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry and not earlier. However, in case of any change of personal particulars, lost/damaged, Exhaustion of pages you may apply for re-issue of passport.

Q42:

How long is a passport valid?

In case of adults, generally, 10-year validity passport would be issued. In case of minors, the validity of passport is restricted to 5 years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable for different validity. Further, most of the foreign missions/embassies insist on the passport validity of at least of six months to one year before they consider issuing visas. Accordingly, it is advisable to apply for re-issue well before time to avoid last minute rush.

Q43:

My passport is about to expire, but I have lost my birth certificate. What are my options?

To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q44:

What will be the validity of passport if I apply for renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP)?

If you apply for renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP), then the validity of passport would be decided on case to case basis.

Change of Appearance

Q45:

My appearance has changed. What should I do?
OR
What is the procedure to change photograph of a child in the passport?

To change the photograph in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Change of Name

Q46:

My name has changed. Can I travel in my previous name? Otherwise how do I change the name in my passport?

It is not advisable to travel in your previous name. To change your name in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q47:

What documents are required when there is a change in surname on account of marriage/divorce?

No additional document is required for change of surname of female application on account of marriage/divorce.

To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q48:

There is a mistake in the spelling of my name in the passport. What can I do?

Applicants are requested to take utmost care when applying online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data. Also, every applicant is given opportunity to verify particulars at Counter-A of PSK/POPSK.
However, if you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form submitted, please return the passport for necessary rectification at Regional Passport Office concerned. If the rectification is approved by the competent authority a new booklet with new passport number would be issued. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case. In certain cases, applicant can be advised to apply for re-issue of passport too.

Q49:

The Surname field is blank on my passport. And my full name is written in the Given Name field. What is the process to add the surname to my passport?

Refer to question 48 above.

Change of Date of Birth / Place of Birth

Q50:

What is the process to change the date/place of birth in the passport?

To change the date/place of birth in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page.
However, more documents may be sought by competent authority. Each case for change of date/place of birth would be examined and request may also be refused, if not found in order.

Q51:

I want to get the DOB changed in the passport since there is a typing error. What should I do?

Please refer to question 48 above.

Change of Spouse's Name

Q52(a):

What is the process to endorse spouse's name on my passport?

To endorse the spouse's name on your passport, you have to apply for a 'Re-issue' of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q52(b):

My spouse is a foreign citizen. What document(s) do I need to submit along with my passport application to include his/her name in my passport?

Refer to question 52 (a) above

Q52(c):

My spouse is a foreign citizen. So while applying for a passport, do I need to add prefix/suffix with his/her name that denotes nationality of the belonging country?

While mentioning name of foreign spouse in the passport application form, no prefix/suffix denoting nationality of the spouse should be added. Only the actual name of the spouse needs to be mentioned.

Q53:

What documents are required for deletion of spouse's name on account of divorce/separation?

No additional document is required for deletion of spouse's name on account of divorce/separation. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Change of Address

Q54:

How do I change the address on my passport?

To change the address in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Deletion of ECR

Q55:

My passport was issued at Passport Office, Hyderabad. Presently, I am working at Chandigarh for the last one year. Can I apply for Non-ECR status at Chandigarh and what are the documents required?

To change ECR status, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport for deletion of ECR at PSK/POPSK for your choice. For this purpose, you need to submit the following documents:-

Original and self attested photocopy of your passport.

To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q56:

My child has ECR status printed on his passport? What should I do?

To change the ECR status printed on your child's passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. All minor when issued passport with validity of 5 years or till the age of 18 years are automatically given ECNR passport. However, when validity is over 18 years a valid ECNR proof is required.
Please click here to check the Documents required for ECNR.

Q57:

I'm eligible for Non-ECR (previously ECNR - Emigration Check Not Required), the same was stamped in my previous expired passport. But there is no Non-ECR stamp in my reissued passport. Am I covered under Non-ECR category?

The practice of placing the Non-ECR (ECNR)/ECR stamp has been discontinued. Instead of placing stamp, only ECR status is printed on the top of the last page of the passport. If nothing is printed on last page in this regard, it is a Non-ECR passport.

Change of Gender /parents name

Q58:

Can I apply for change in my gender or change in father's/mother's name in the passport? What additional documents do I have to submit?

To change your gender or your father's/mother's name, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.
Each case would be examined and request may also be refused, if not found in order.

Issue of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Q59:

How do I apply for a Police clearance Certificate (PCC)in India and Indian Mission abroad?

For Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) you need to fill the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form online via Online Form Submission after registering as PSP User (on PSP portal (www.passportindia.gov.in) or mPassport Seva mobile app (available on Android and iOS platforms)). The following documents are required: -

Passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page (previously ECNR) and the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority and validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.

Please also note that the inherited personal particulars i.e. Given Name, Parents Name, Gender, DOB, POB printed in Passport and PCC should be same. For applicants whose details in current PCC Application form are different than the Passport held then they have to apply for re-issue of the passport with changed/current particulars as provided in the PCC application form. However, change of address and addition of spouse name (due to marriage post issuance of passport) is allowed. Relevant documents are required to submitted along with the application.

Q60:

In how much time will Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) be issued?

PCC is automatically dispatched to the address of applicant after receipt of clear Police Verification report.

Q61:

What is the validity of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

There is no validity specified for PCC. PCC is not exactly a Passport Service. PCC is a requirement of foreign governments for grant of immigration/ work/residence/family visa/permit. Generally, it is considered valid for six months.

Q62:

Can Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) be issued for more than one country through one application form?

No, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can only be issued for one country through one application form.

Q63:

What is the age limit for getting the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

There is no age limit specified for getting the Police Clearance Certificate.

Q64:

Are minor citizens required to apply for Police Clearance Certificate?

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can be issued to minors, if a foreign government asks for the same.

Q65:

If applicant's details are different in current PCC Application form than the Passport held, what should the applicant do?

The inherited personal particulars i.e. Given Name, Parents Name, Gender, DOB, POB printed in Passport and PCC should be same. For applicants whose details in current PCC Application form are different than the Passport held then they have to apply for re-issue of the passport with changed/current particulars as provided in the PCC application form. However, change of address and addition of spouse name (due to marriage post issuance of passport) is allowed. Relevant documents are required to submitted along with the application.

Issue/ Re-issue of Diplomatic/Official Passport

Q66:

I am preparing for official travel. How do I obtain my diplomatic or official?

You need to fill the Diplomatic/Official Passport online form. Normally applications for diplomatic and official passports are entertained only at the Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division, Patiala House, New Delhi. However, you may also apply at the Passport Office attached to your present residential address (except in Delhi). Accordingly, please select CPV Division for submission at CPV Division, Delhi and RPO concerned for submission at RPO. Please submit the following documents along with the application form: --

For existing Ordinary Passport (if any): Proof / Certificate of Safe Custody done at your office.
For existing Diplomatic/ Official Passport (i.e. in Re-Issue applications) : the original Diplomatic/Official Passport for cancellation. If the same is kept in the safe custody of the Ministry of External Affairs, the original surrender/safe custody certificate. If the same has been cancelled by Ministry of External Affairs, the original cancellation certificate.
A copy of your Official Identity (ID) Card (or that of the Head of Office)
A copy of Certificate issued by the Head of Office in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website
The Official Request from Forwarding Officer in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website
The Political/PMO Clearance Certificate, if applicable

If you are retiring in less than six months from the date of application, please give an undertaking from your office that you will surrender the Diplomatic/Official passport to your office immediately after return from official assignment.

Tatkaal Related

Q67:

I am travelling very soon. How can I get a passport urgently?
OR
have to travel to the UK next week on a company assignment. I don't have a passport. Can I get a new passport under the Tatkaal Scheme?

You can apply under the Tatkaal scheme, if you are eligible (refer to question 72 below) you have to pay the additional Tatkaal fee of Rs. 2,000. If your age is 18 or above, you must submit three out of the thirteen documents from the List of Acceptable Documents. If your age is below 18 years, you must submit two out of the six documents from the List of Acceptable Documents.
To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q68:

Can I apply for a passport under the Tatkaal scheme?

The final authority of the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the Passport Office. But, there is list of applicants who cannot apply for passport under the Tatkaal scheme. To check the list of applicants who cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme, please refer instruction booklet. Click Here to download Instruction Booklet.

Q69:

I have submitted my passport under the normal procedure, but now I need my passport urgently. Can I convert my application to a Tatkaal application?

Generally, change from normal to tatkaal is not allowed. However, you may visit Passport Office concerned with proof of urgency.

Q70:

Is Tatkaal Passport Process same as Normal Passport Process?

Under the Tatkaal scheme, an applicant needs to submit additional documents and additional fees along with his/her application form. Also, police verification will be done after the issuance of passport. To check the list of additional documents, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page and to check the fee structure, please click on "Fee Calculator" link on Home page.

Emigration Check Required (ECR) Related

Q71:

I have a passport with ECR status printed on it. What does this mean?

Emigration clearance is required for employment in the following countries (18 in total): United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon, Thailand, and Iraq. ECR passport holders taking up employment in the above-mentioned list of 18 countries require emigration clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India; otherwise, they will be stopped from traveling at the port of exit. Please Click Here to download the instruction booklet. ECR passport holders traveling abroad for a purpose other than employment, to any of the list of 18 countries, will be allowed to leave the country on production of valid passport, valid visa and return ticket at the immigration counters of an international airport in India.

Q72:

What are the categories eligible for Non-ECR status and what documents do they have to submit?

To view the complete list of Non-ECR categories and the documents to be submitted, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q73:

I have ECR status in my passport. Can I get it on the basis of my provisional matriculation or above certificate issued by the University/Board concerned?

You need to apply for Re-issue of passport for deletion of ECR. You are entitled to Non-ECR status if you possess qualification of Matriculation or above from recognized Board/University. You can get Non-ECR status on the basis of provisional matriculation certificate if the mark sheets of all semesters/years of your course are available with you. To check the complete list of Non-ECR categories, please click on "Documents Advisor" link on Home page.

Q74:

I am a salaried person and income tax is deducted from salary. What are the documents I need to submit for Non-ECR status?

Following documents have to be submitted for Non-ECR (previously ECNR) status:

Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for last one year; or
Income Tax returns statement (with income tax being paid by the applicant) for last one year that is stamped by income tax authorities and a copy of the PAN card.

For complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page.

Q75:

I have a passport with ECR status. Is emigration clearance required if I want to visit a country other than the list of 18 countries mentioned in the instruction booklet?

No, emigration clearance is not required, if you want to visit a country other than the list of 18 countries mentioned in the instruction booklet/question 71 above.

Q76:

I have a passport with ECR status and have an employment visa on it. Do I require emigration clearance?

Please refer to question 71 above.

Q77:

I have ECR status printed on my passport. I want to go to Malaysia urgently. What is the procedure I need to follow?

Please refer to question 71 above.

Other Service Related Queries

Q78:

Can I apply for services at a Passport Office other than the Passport Office where my previous passport was issued?

An applicant can apply for passport from anywhere in India. Applicants can choose the Passport Office (PO) and thus the desired Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/ Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) under the PO where they wish to submit their application irrespective of whether the present residential address specified in the application form lies within the jurisdiction of the selected PO or not. The Police Verification would be conducted at the address specified in the application form. The passport will be printed and dispatched by the PO selected for application submission by the applicant to the present residential address printed on the passport.

Q79:

I shifted to Delhi 7 months back from Bangalore. I want to apply for a passport. Can I apply for a passport at Passport Office, Delhi? If so, please let me know the procedure.

Please refer to question 78 above.

Q80:

Can I obtain a new passport if I am in USA on a visitor's visa?

Visitors from India on B1 /B2 visa who are not normally resident in USA are advised to hold passports which are valid for the period of their visit. In such cases, where it becomes necessary due to unavoidable reasons, passport would be reissued after clearance from the original Passport Issuing Authority.

Q81:

I had applied for a passport last year but the same was not issued. I want to again apply for a passport. Should I put a cross against "Fresh Passport" or "Re-issue of Passport" in Column 1.1 of the Passport Application form?

You have to apply for "Fresh Passport", if you were not issued passport last time and have never held a passport, however, if had earlier held a passport, you have to apply for re-issue of passport. Also, you need to provide the previous application details like file number, month and year of applying and name of the Passport Office where applied, in Column 7.2 of the Passport Application form.

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