Check Status of Your Passport Application: Online & Offline Process

Applying for a passport in India is now easier than ever before, with the introduction of the online passport application system. However, once you have submitted your passport application, you may be left wondering about the status of your application. Due to the many number of applicants each year, the process of issuing your passport takes a while. Let’s look at how you can check the status of your passport online as well as offline.

How to track passport status?

If you have recently applied for a new passport, you can easily check the status of your passport online. The steps to do the same are as follows:

1. Visit the official passport website

The first step of checking your passport application status in India is to visit the official passport website, which is operated by the Ministry of External Affairs. The website address is www.passportindia.gov.in.

2. Select the 'Track Application Status' option

Once you have accessed the website, you will need to select the 'Track Application Status' option. This can be found under the 'Passport Services' tab on the homepage.

3. Enter your application details

After selecting the 'Track Application Status' option, you will be asked to enter your application details. You will need to provide your 15-digit file number, which can be found on your application receipt and acts as a passport tracking number, as well as your date of birth.

4. Click on 'Track Status'

Once you have entered your application details, click on the 'Track Status' button. This will take you to a page that helps you in passport tracking status.

If you wish to do an offline tracking of your passport, you may follow these steps to do the same:

1. Contact their office

You may call the helpline number of the passport office where you have applied. You can find their number from their website, along with their timings, and call them during their working hours.

2. Drop a message

Another way to track your passport is with the help of the SMS service. Look for the number on their website which allows you to text them, and you will get your passport status in response. Make sure the body of the text is correct. For example, if you are required to message ‘Track My Passport’ along with the tracking number, put all the information properly to get an immediate reply from them.

3. Visiting the passport office

While you can always visit the passport office to know the status of your passport, you are required to take an appointment and visit the office during your allotted time slot.

Understanding passport application status

The passport application status can be one of several different categories. These include:

• Application submitted: Your passport application has been submitted but has not yet been processed by the authorities.
• Under review: Your passport application is currently being reviewed by the authorities.
• Pending for police verification: Your passport application is pending police verification. This is a standard procedure that is carried out for all passport applications.
• Police verification initiated: The police verification process has been initiated and your application is being processed.
• Passport printing initiated: Your passport is in the process of being printed.
• Passport dispatched: Your passport has been printed and is being dispatched to you.

If your passport application status is 'under review' or 'pending for police verification', you may need to wait for a few days or weeks before your status is updated. This is because the passport authorities need to carry out various checks and verifications before your application can be processed.

How does travel insurance cover your passport?

As you might know, travel insurance has various benefits that let you enjoy your trip without any hassles or worries. It financially covers your baggage and medical expenses. However, the travel insurance coverage is not limited to just baggage, medical treatment, or evacuation. It also extends to your passport. Misplacing or losing your passport can be a nightmare as it can cause legal problems. If the policy is purchased before the trip, you will be able to use it to cover the costs associated with getting a temporary passport which is issued in accordance with the rules of the Indian embassy. This allows you to finish the remainder of your trip.*

Conclusion

With these steps, checking the status of your passport application in India has become simpler and a straightforward process. If you have any questions or concerns about your application status, be sure to contact the passport authorities for assistance. With a little bit of patience and persistence, you can obtain your passport and begin your adventure. To make your travel adventures more enjoyable, make sure you opt for international travel insurance before the start of your trip.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.