When applying for a passport, each individual receives a Passport Reference Number, a unique 12-digit identifier. This number enables applicants to check the status of their application online via the official website.
To know more about when and how to obtain this Passport Reference Number, keep reading.
When to Get Passport Reference Number?
A Passport Reference Number is issued to the applicant only after the application has been successfully submitted. As this number is crucial for monitoring the application’s status, it is important to keep it secure.
How to Get Passport Reference Number?
After the application form has been submitted and the required fees have been paid, the applicant will be issued the Passport Reference Number. This number is crucial for tracking the passport application. If the Passport Reference Number is misplaced, applicants can retrieve it from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) with assistance from an official.
Uses of Passport Reference Number
Some of the primary uses of the Passport Reference Number are listed below:
- Track the status of the passport application.
- The Passport Reference Number is often used during the police verification procedure.
When a passport application is approved, the applicant can expect to receive their passport within two to three weeks if applied under the normal scheme. For applications submitted under the Tatkal scheme, passports can be received within one to three days.
If the passport is delayed beyond the mentioned time, applicants can track the status using their Passport Reference Number.
Breakup of Passport Reference Number
The Passport Reference Number comprises 12 digits. A breakdown of these components is:
- The first four digits indicate the city or state where the applicant resides and the application was submitted.
- The fifth and sixth digits relate to the year of the application.
- The last six digits represent the specific application number within that city or state.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for an Indian Passport?
Indian citizens aged 18 years or above are eligible to apply for an Indian passport.
Minors under the age of 18 can also apply for a passport. The benefits of applying for a minor passport are detailed in the official application instructions. A newborn can be included if the application is approved and all necessary paperwork complies with the rules and regulations.
When Is the Passport Reference Number Created?
The Ministry of External Affairs oversees the centralised passport application process. Applicants must complete the application, and for verification, the completed application must be submitted along with the required documents.
If an applicant wishes to physically submit the application form and supporting documents, they must choose an available time slot and visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
The system issues the Passport Reference Number once the applicant submits the form, necessary biometrics, and all required paperwork.
Conclusion
This article explains what a Passport Reference Number is and how it is obtained only after a successful application submission. This number allows applicants to track their application’s progress, especially during delays, and is also useful during police verification processes. As a unique 12-digit identifier for each applicant, it prevents discrepancies.
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