How to check passport status in 2026 — Passport Seva tracker + Tatkal

1. Find your File Number on the receipt from PSK or Post Office PSK (POPSK).
2. Visit passportindia.gov.in → top right “Track Application Status”.
3. Enter File Number (15 digits) + Date of Birth + captcha.
4. Status timeline shows: Application Submitted → Police Verification → Granted → Printing → Despatched. Each stage colour-coded.
5. For Tatkal, PV may be deferred until after issuance (“Post-Police Verification”). Check delivery via India Post tracking number on the same portal.
6. If status shows “Adverse Police Report” — see our RTI for Police Verification adverse remarks guide.

What we hear from RTI Wiki users: Meera, a 31-year-old IT consultant in Pune, applied for Tatkal passport for an urgent UK conference. Status sat at “Police Verification Pending” for 14 days despite Tatkal's 1-3 day SLA. She filed an RTI under §6 (citing §7(1) life-and-liberty 48-hour proviso for urgent travel) to SP-CID Pune asking (a) PV file location, (b) reason for delay beyond 3-day Tatkal SLA, © officer-in-charge contact. Reply in 36 hours showed the file was wrongly routed to a different police station. Re-routed; PV done in 24 hours; passport delivered in time.

• Police Verification adverse remarks — most common stuck reason. Police flagged criminal record, address mismatch, or unverified identity. Fix: separate RTI to SP-CID for adverse-remark reasons.
• Address proof rejected — utility bill > 1 month old or rent agreement not registered. Fix: submit fresh proof.
• Document mismatch — name/DOB on PAN/Aadhaar doesn't match application. Fix: gazette notification or affidavit.
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree missing for surname change. Fix: upload via portal.
• Tatkal eligibility unclear — applied without strong urgency proof. Fix: re-submit with confirmed visa, ticket, medical letter.
• Stuck at “Printing” for >7 days — printing centre delay (Bengaluru/Hyderabad). File RTI to RPO for printing-queue status.
• Returned undelivered — addressee unavailable. India Post returned to RPO. Fix: re-arrange delivery.

• Tatkal route is faster (1-3 days post-PV) but costs Rs. 3,500 (Rs. 1,500 normal + Rs. 2,000 Tatkal premium). Worth it for genuine urgency. See our full Tatkal passport application guide.
• Aadhaar-based ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) is automatic for senior citizens, ITR-filers, and graduates — no separate ECR endorsement needed.
• Post Office PSKs (POPSKs) are often less crowded than full PSKs — check passportindia.gov.in for your nearest. Same fees, same processing.
• Children's passports valid only 5 years (under 18). Re-issue at 18 without delay; expired children's passports often stuck due to mistaken assumption of standard 10-year validity.
• MADAD grievance portal (madad.gov.in) is faster than RTI for non-PV-related delays — typically 7-14 day disposal.

Passport Seva: 1800-258-1800 (24/7) · MEA MADAD: madad.gov.in · Email: [email protected] · Twitter: @PassportSevaMEA

The official SLA on this service is published. If your status is stuck beyond it, you have a statutory right under §6 RTI Act 2005 to demand information from the public authority. Reply mandatory in 30 days.

File an RTI to: Regional Passport Office (RPO) + SP-CID/Special Branch (for PV)

Ask these 5 questions:

1. date file reached PV stage
2. officer-in-charge of PV
3. status of PV report
4. reason for delay beyond 21-day SLA
5. projected printing/dispatch

→ Use our free AI RTI Drafter to generate a complete §6(1) application in 60 seconds. The Drafter pre-fills your name, address, fee statement, and the 5 questions above.

→ Or speak it in हिन्दी / English / 9 other Indian languages via AwaazRTI.

→ For deeper case-law on this scenario: Read the full RTI guide for passport status.

For passport renewal status, passport reissue status:

1. Open passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status.
2. Enter your 15-digit File Number + DOB.
3. Status shows current stage in the renewal pipeline.

Reissue applications go through the same Police Verification (PV) route as fresh applications unless you've held the previous passport for less than 1 year — then PV is waived.

For tatkaal passport status, tatkaal passport days:

Tatkaal applications skip the regular queue: 3 working days for fresh, 1-3 days for reissue, BUT police verification still happens (after delivery, post-issuance).

1. Track at passportindia.gov.in using your File Number.
2. Granted in 3 working days assuming all documents are in order.
3. Tatkaal fee: Rs 2,000 over and above regular fees.
4. Eligibility: anyone aged 18+ with adequate documentation. Government employees and NRIs get priority.

1. SMS STATUS [File Number] to 9704100100.
2. You get current stage as a reply.
3. Charge: standard SMS rates.

For passport pv status, police verification passport status:

After application + appointment, your file goes to the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) of the police district where you reside. The LIU sends a constable to your home for verification.

Track PV separately at passportindia.gov.in → Police Verification Status using your File Number.

PV outcomes:

• Clear — no adverse report; passport approved.
• Adverse — police flagged something; you'll be called for explanation.
• Incomplete — police couldn't visit; reschedule via the same portal.

See also: full Police Verification status guide and RTI for Police Verification adverse remarks.

• passport status — generic; covers all application types.
• passport file number — 15-digit number from acknowledgement.
• passport seva — alternate name for passportindia.gov.in.
• passport reissue — same as renewal.
• passport tatkaal — fast-track 3-day service.
• passport pcc — Police Clearance Certificate (separate service).

Checking your passport application status online is the fastest and most reliable method. The Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in, managed by Tata Consultancy Services under MEA supervision) provides real-time status for every passport application filed in India.

What you need before you start:

1. Your File Number — a 15-digit alphanumeric code printed on your PSK/POPSK appointment receipt (format: KA0112345678921)
2. Date of Birth as entered in your application
3. A device with internet access (mobile, tablet, or desktop)

Step-by-step online tracking:

1. Go to passportindia.gov.in
2. Click “Track Application Status” (top-right corner, visible without login)
3. Select the application type (Fresh, Re-issue, Tatkal, PCC, etc.)
4. Enter your 15-digit File Number in the field provided
5. Enter your Date of Birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
6. Type the captcha characters shown
7. Click Submit

The portal displays the current processing stage with a colour-coded indicator: Green (progressing normally), Amber (waiting on action or verification), or Red (action required from you — e.g. document resubmission or adverse PV).

No File Number? If you lost your receipt:

1. Check your registered email — the acknowledgment is sent automatically
2. Log in to passportindia.gov.in → View Saved Applications
3. Use your Aadhaar number if Aadhaar was linked at application time
4. Contact the PSK where you applied (carry photo ID)

Related guides:

1. How to apply for Tatkal passport
2. Lost/duplicate passport application
3. All status-check guides on RTI Wiki

The File Number is the single most important identifier for your passport application. It is generated when your application is successfully submitted and an appointment is booked at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

File Number format explained:

Where to find your File Number:

1. Appointment confirmation email — subject line: “Appointment Confirmation”
2. PSK/POPSK acknowledgement receipt — printed and handed to you after biometrics
3. passportindia.gov.in dashboard — login → “View Saved/Submitted Applications”

Tracking with File Number:

1. Use the Track Application Status page
2. Enter the File Number exactly as printed (case-insensitive for letters)
3. The system shows the complete timeline from submission to dispatch
4. If you see “No record found” — wait 24 hours after appointment, then retry

File Number not working? Common causes and fixes:

Once your passport is printed, it enters the dispatch phase. The passport is handed to India Post (Speed Post) and shipped to your registered address. You can track the dispatch in real time.

How to check dispatch status:

1. On passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status → look for stage “Despatched”
2. The status message includes the India Post tracking number (13-character consignment, e.g. ED123456789IN)
3. Copy the tracking number and enter it at India Post Speed Post tracking

Dispatch timeline expectations:

If dispatch is delayed beyond the above timelines:

1. Check if the address on file is correct and complete (including landmark, pin code)
2. Verify no one was unavailable when the postman attempted delivery
3. Track the India Post consignment — if it shows “Undelivered — Addressee not available,” visit your local post office with photo ID
4. If India Post has returned it to the RPO (status: “Returned”), contact the RPO to re-initiate dispatch
5. If more than 15 days since “Despatched” with no delivery, file an RTI to the RPO asking for dispatch details and proof of posting

Tatkal (also spelled “Tatkaal”) is the fast-track passport service designed for citizens with genuine urgency. Understanding the exact timeline helps you plan travel accordingly.

Tatkal vs Normal timeline comparison:

Key differences in Tatkal processing:

1. Post-Police Verification: For Tatkal, the passport is issued first and police verification happens after delivery. This is the reverse of normal applications.
2. No PV in certain cases: If you are a government servant, already hold a passport, or are re-applying within 3 years of expiry, PV may be entirely waived.
3. Premium fee: Rs 2,000 over and above the standard fee (total: Rs 3,500 for 30-page, Rs 4,000 for 60-page)
4. Documentation must be flawless: Unlike normal applications where minor errors can be corrected later, Tatkal requires all documents to be valid and matching at the time of submission

Tracking Tatkal status specifically:

1. Track at passportindia.gov.in with your File Number
2. Tatkal applications typically move from “Granted” to “Despatched” within 48 hours
3. If your Tatkal application shows “Pending for Police Verification” for more than 3 days, this is abnormal — see RTI for passport delay or read the full Tatkal passport application guide

“Pending for Police Verification” is the single most common reason passport applications are delayed. Over 60% of passport delays in India are caused by PV-related issues, according to MEA data referenced on the MEA passport services portal.

Why police verification gets delayed:

How to check PV status separately:

1. Visit passportindia.gov.in → Police Verification Status
2. Enter your File Number + DOB
3. Status shows: Not Initiated → Initiated → Report Submitted → Cleared/Adverse/Incomplete
4. See our detailed Police Verification status guide

If PV is pending beyond 21 days (Normal) or 7 days (Tatkal):

Related resources:

1. RTI for Police Verification adverse remarks — what to do when police flag something
2. Passport verification report must be disclosed under RTI — CIC ruling
3. CIC ruling on Passport Seva and RTI — landmark case

When your passport application exceeds the published SLA and informal follow-ups fail, the RTI Act 2005 is your most powerful legal tool. It compels the public authority (RPO, police department) to respond within 30 days — or 48 hours if you invoke the life-and-liberty provision under §7(1).

When to file RTI for passport delay:

Draft RTI application for passport delay:

To,
The Public Information Officer,
Regional Passport Office, [Your City]

Sub: Application under §6(1) of the RTI Act 2005 — Passport Application Status

Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], had applied for a [Fresh/Re-issue/Tatkal] passport. My File Number is [File Number], dated [Date of application]. The application is pending beyond the published SLA.

I request the following information under §6(1) of the RTI Act 2005:

1. The current status of my passport application (File No. [File Number]).
2. The date on which my file was forwarded for Police Verification.
3. The name and designation of the officer handling my file.
4. The specific reason for delay beyond the [21-day/3-day Tatkal] SLA.
5. The expected date of passport printing and dispatch.
6. If any document is pending from my side, the exact document name and last date for submission.

I am enclosing the RTI application fee of Rs. 10 by [IPO/Court Fee Stamp/BPO receipt].

[Signature]
[Name, Address, Phone]

If the RPO does not respond within 30 days:

1. File a First Appeal under §19(1) within 30 days of the RTI expiry date — see deemed refusal first appeal template
2. If the First Appellate Authority also fails, file a Second Appeal to the CIC within 90 days — see second appeal to CIC guide
3. For understanding the difference between first and second appeals, read First vs Second Appeal strategy

Relevant case law on RTI for passport delay:

1. CIC ruling on passport delay (2024) — CIC directed RPO to disclose processing status
2. Gujarat HC on passport delay (2025) — Court ordered expedited processing
3. CIC on Passport Seva RTI (2021) — PV reports are disclosable under RTI

File your RTI now: → 🪄 AI RTI Drafter — 60 seconds, no login → 🎤 AwaazRTI — voice in 11 languages

Passport re-issue (also called renewal) is required when your passport is expiring within 1 year, has expired, or has run out of pages. The re-issue process shares the same tracking system as fresh applications but has some important differences.

Re-issue vs Fresh application — key differences:

Tracking re-issue status:

1. Same portal: passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status
2. Use the new File Number generated for the re-issue application (NOT the old passport number)
3. Stages are identical: Submitted → PV → Granted → Printing → Despatched

When PV is waived for re-issue:

1. Previous passport was issued less than 1 year ago
2. You are re-applying within 3 years of expiry for the same personal particulars
3. Government servants with NOC already on file
4. In all these cases, the status jumps directly from “Submitted” to “Granted” within 3-5 days

Related guides:

1. Lost passport — apply for replacement
2. Surrender Indian passport (for those acquiring foreign citizenship)
3. Visa fraud recovery guide

Passports for minors (under 18) have different validity, documentation, and processing rules. Tracking the status follows the same portal but the timeline and PV requirements differ.

Minor passport key facts:

Tracking minor passport status:

1. Track on passportindia.gov.in using the minor's File Number
2. Use the minor's Date of Birth (not the parent's)
3. Status typically shows “Granted” quickly since PV is often waived

Common issues with minor passports:

Understanding what each passport status message means is crucial for knowing whether to wait, act, or escalate. Below is a comprehensive table of every status message you may encounter on the Passport Seva portal.

When the Passport Seva helpline cannot resolve your issue, you need to escalate to the Regional Passport Office (RPO). Each RPO has jurisdiction over one or more states.

Escalation hierarchy (lowest to highest):

1. Level 1: Passport Seva helpline — 1800-258-1800 (toll-free)
2. Level 2: MADAD grievance portal — madad.gov.in (MEA-administered; 7-14 day response)
3. Level 3: Visit RPO in person — carry File Number, appointment receipt, and photo ID
4. Level 4: RTI application to RPO — 30-day statutory response
5. Level 5: First Appeal (§19(1)) — if RTI unanswered
6. Level 6: Second Appeal to CIC — if First Appeal fails

Major RPOs and their jurisdictions:

When to escalate:

1. Status stuck beyond SLA (21 days Normal, 3 days Tatkal)
2. Adverse PV report you believe is incorrect
3. Passport returned undelivered and RPO not re-dispatching
4. No response to RTI within 30 days
5. Printing stuck for 7+ days

State-specific help: For state-specific RTI filing procedures and Public Information Officer (PIO) details, see our state-by-state RTI portal directory.

The mPassport Seva app (Android and iOS) is the official mobile application from MEA for tracking passport applications on the go. It mirrors the web portal's tracking functionality.

Features:

1. Track application status by File Number
2. Locate nearest PSK / POPSK
3. View appointment details
4. Access fee calculator
5. Contact helpline directly from app

How to use:

1. Download from Google Play (mPassport Seva) (Android) or App Store (iOS)
2. Open app → “Track Application Status”
3. Enter File Number + DOB → Submit
4. View current status with colour-coded stages

App vs Web portal: Both show identical status data. The app is convenient for quick checks; the web portal offers more detailed information (full timeline, document upload, grievance filing).

Indian citizens living abroad apply for passports through Indian Embassies/Consulates in their country of residence, not through passportindia.gov.in. The tracking system is separate.

How NRIs track passport status:

1. Visit the website of the Indian Embassy/Consulate where you applied
2. Use the consular services portal or contact the consular wing directly
3. Example: Indian Embassy websites — find your country's embassy

Common NRI passport issues:

1. Longer processing times (30-60 days, as booklets are printed in India and shipped)
2. Police verification may be done at the Indian address listed on the passport
3. Emergency Certificates (one-way travel documents) for stranded citizens — contact the nearest Embassy

For MEA consular services: MEA Consular Services portal

Knowing the correct fee helps you verify whether additional charges are legitimate and avoid fraud.

ECR (Emigration Check Required) and ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) are categories that affect passport holders travelling to certain countries for employment.

How to check your ECR/ECNR status:

1. Look at your passport's first page (observation page)
2. If there is no ECR stamp, your passport is ECNR (default since 2007)
3. If “Emigration Check Required” is printed, you are ECR

ECR countries (18 notified): Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

For emigration-related grievances: emigrate.gov.in — Protector General of Emigrants portal

Use your Aadhaar number at the same passportindia.gov.in portal — works if Aadhaar was linked at the time of application. Alternatively, log in to your Passport Seva account and navigate to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” where all your applications are listed with their File Numbers. If neither works, check your registered email for the appointment confirmation, or visit the PSK where you applied with photo ID.

File RTI to SP-CID for adverse-remark text under §4(1)(d) of the RTI Act. The adverse report may flag address mismatch, criminal record, or identity discrepancy. Once you know the specific reason, prepare rebuttal documents (address proof, court clearance, gazette notification) and represent to the RPO with a written explanation. See our detailed RTI for adverse PV guide for step-by-step instructions.

Tatkal is worth it if your travel date is less than 30 days away. Tatkal costs Rs 2,000 more (Rs 3,500 total for 36-page vs Rs 1,500 Normal) but delivers in 1-3 days vs 21-30 days. For travel more than a month away, Normal saves Rs 2,000. Read our full Tatkal application guide for eligibility and documentation.

Yes. SMS “STATUS [File Number]“ to 9704100100. You receive the current processing stage as a reply within seconds. Standard SMS rates apply. This service works on all Indian mobile networks.

File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately. Then apply for re-issue (not duplicate) at a PSK. The Tatkal route is available for lost passport re-issue. If the lost passport had an adverse PV or was cancelled, you may face additional scrutiny — file RTI for any adverse history. See our lost passport application guide.

Printing typically takes 2-4 working days for Normal applications and 1-2 working days for Tatkal. If status shows “Pending for Printing” for more than 7 days (Normal) or 3 days (Tatkal), file an RTI to the RPO asking for the printing queue status and expected date. Printing happens at centralized facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

“Granted” means the RPO has approved your passport. Printing and dispatch follow within 2-5 days (Normal) or 1-2 days (Tatkal). If more than 7 days pass with no update after “Granted,” check if the printing queue is backed up (common during peak season March-June). File an RTI if the delay exceeds 10 days post-grant.

No. The dispatch address is fixed at the time of application and cannot be changed online. If you have relocated, the passport will be dispatched to the original address. If India Post cannot deliver it (addressee unavailable), it is returned to the RPO. You can then request re-dispatch by visiting the RPO with proof of your new address. Alternatively, you can collect it in person from the RPO.

There is no practical difference — “renewal” and “re-issue” are used interchangeably on the Passport Seva portal. Both refer to applying for a new passport when the old one is expiring or expired. The official term is “Re-issue of Passport.” See our passport surrender guide for those acquiring foreign citizenship.

Use the minor's File Number and Date of Birth (not the parent's) on passportindia.gov.in. PV is generally waived for minors, so status typically moves quickly from “Submitted” to “Granted.” If status is stuck at “Pending for Police Verification” for a minor, file RTI asking why PV was initiated when MEA policy waives it for children under 18.

Yes, the mPassport Seva app is completely free on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). It provides the same status tracking as the web portal. No subscription or in-app purchases.

India Post attempts delivery twice. If no one is available at the registered address, the passport is returned to the RPO. You will receive a notification. You must then visit the RPO in person (with photo ID and File Number) to collect the passport or request re-dispatch. If not collected within 30 days, the passport may be cancelled and you will need to re-apply.

Yes, but through a different system. NRIs apply through Indian Embassies/Consulates, not passportindia.gov.in. Track via the specific Embassy's website (find yours at indianembassy.gov.in). Processing takes 30-60 days as booklets are printed in India and shipped. For urgent cases, contact the consular wing of the Embassy directly.

To check status: use the official portal listed above with your reference number. SLA is published; if stuck beyond it, file a free RTI.

• If status is normal → wait the published SLA, then download/use your document
• If status is delayed → click 🪄 AI RTI Drafter now; complete §6 application in 60 seconds
• If status is rejected → demand reasons under §4(1)(d) RTI Act; appeal/represent
• For state-specific guidance → see state-by-state guide
• For PV-specific delays → see Police Verification status guide

• 🪄 AI RTI Drafter — type problem, get §6 application
• 🎤 AwaazRTI — voice-to-RTI in 11 Indian languages
• 🔮 Outcome Predictor — score your draft's win-likelihood
• ⚖️ First Appeal Generator — §19(1) draft on Day 31
• 📬 PIO Reply Checker — analyse evasive replies
• 📅 Timeline Calculator — track 30-day window
• 💰 Fee Calculator — state-wise fees
• 🔍 RTI Research — AI Q&A from this site

• Master guide: Full RTI for passport status
• PV adverse remarks: RTI for Police Verification adverse remarks
• Tatkal application: How to apply for Tatkal passport
• Lost passport: Lost/duplicate passport guide
• Surrender passport: Surrender Indian passport
• Visa fraud: Visa fraud recovery guide
• State-by-state: Pick your state
• Citizen RTI playbook: All 100+ scenarios
• The RTI Act 2005: Complete guide
• All status-check guides: All 25 status-check pages
• Police verification guide: Full PV status guide
• Appeal templates: First and Second Appeal templates
• PV disclosed under RTI: CIC ruling on PV disclosure
• CIC passport case: CIC on Passport Seva RTI
• CIC passport delay: CIC ruling on passport delay (2024)
• Gujarat HC case: Gujarat HC on passport delay (2025)

• RTI Act 2005 §§4, 6, 7, 19
• passportindia.gov.in — official Passport Seva portal (status tracking, fee schedule, RPO contacts)
• MEA Passport Services — Ministry of External Affairs passport policy and circulars
• madad.gov.in — MEA Consular Grievance Portal
• India Post Speed Post tracking — dispatch tracking
• emigrate.gov.in — Protector General of Emigrants (ECR/ECNR)
• indianembassy.gov.in — Indian Embassies and Consulates directory
• Passports Act 1967 + Passport Rules 1980
• CIC and High Court case law: CIC 2024, Gujarat HC 2025, CIC 2021

Last reviewed: 10 July 2026.

Passport status check 2026 — complete guide on tracking your Indian passport application, police verification, and common issues:

1. Step 1: How to apply for an Indian passport. (a) the passport application — is done through the Passport Seva portal — passportindia.gov.in — under the Ministry of External Affairs, (b) the steps: (i) register on the passportindia.gov.in — and login, (ii) fill the application form — with the personal details — and the address, (iii) pay the fee — online — (Rs 1,500 for 30 pages, Rs 2,000 for 60 pages — for the normal, Rs 3,500 for Tatkal), (iv) schedule the appointment — at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), (v) visit the PSK — with the documents — and the biometrics — are captured, © the documents: (i) the Aadhaar card, (ii) the birth certificate — (for the date of birth proof), (iii) the address proof — (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill), (iv) the old passport — (for the re-issue).
2. Step 2: How to check passport status 2026. (a) online — on the Passport Seva portal: (i) visit passportindia.gov.in — and click “Track Application Status”, (ii) select the file number — or the application reference number — and the date of birth, (iii) the status — is displayed — showing: (a) “Pending for police verification” — the police verification — is in progress, (b) “Police verification report received” — the report — is received — by the RPO, © “Passport is ready for dispatch” — the passport — is printed — and being dispatched, (d) “Passport dispatched” — with the tracking number — and the dispatch date, (e) “Application is under review at RPO” — the RPO — is reviewing — the application, (f) “Application has been rejected” — with the reason, (b) through SMS: (i) the status — is sent by SMS — at each stage — to the registered mobile, © through the mPassport Seva app: (i) download the mPassport Seva app — from the Google Play Store — or the App Store, (ii) login — and track the application status.
3. Step 3: Police verification process for passport. (a) the police verification — is mandatory — for the passport issuance — and is done — after the PSK visit, (b) the process: (i) the RPO — sends the verification request — to the local police station, (ii) the police — visits the applicant's address — or calls the applicant — to the police station, (iii) the police — verifies: (a) the address, (b) the identity, © the references — (the two witnesses), (iv) the police — submits the report — to the RPO, © the timeline: (i) the verification — takes 2-4 weeks — in the normal case, (ii) the Tatkal — the verification — is done — after the passport — is issued, (d) the common issues: (a) the police — does not visit — or call — for weeks, (b) the police — sends the adverse report — (the address — not found — or the references — not available), © the verification — is delayed — by the police.
4. Step 4: Common passport status issues and solutions. (a) status not updating: (i) the status — is stuck — at one stage — for weeks, (ii) the reason: (a) the police verification — is delayed, (b) the RPO — is processing — the backlog, © the system — is not updated, (iii) the solution: (a) contact the RPO — or the PSK, (b) file RTI — with the RPO, (b) police verification adverse: (i) the police — sends the adverse report — and the passport — is not issued, (ii) the reason: (a) the address — not verified, (b) the references — not available, © the applicant — not available — at the address, (iii) the solution: (a) contact the police station — and clarify, (b) request the re-verification — at the RPO, © file RTI — for the verification report, © passport not dispatched: (i) the passport — is ready — but not dispatched, (ii) the solution: (a) contact the RPO, (b) file RTI — with the RPO, (d) passport returned: (i) the passport — is dispatched — but returned — due to the wrong address — or the non-delivery, (ii) the solution: (a) contact the RPO — and the Speed Post, (b) request the re-dispatch.
5. Step 5: File RTI on passport status. File RTI with the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) asking for: (a) the application status: “Provide the status — of the passport application — file number [number] — including: (i) the application date, (ii) the PSK visit date, (iii) the police verification — status and the date, (iv) the passport — printed or not — and the date, (v) the dispatch — status and the date”, (b) the police verification: “Provide the police verification report — for the file number [number] — including: (i) the verification — date and the officer, (ii) the report — clear or adverse, (iii) the reason — if adverse, (iv) the re-verification — if any”, © the delay: “Provide the reason — for the delay — in the passport issuance — for the file number [number] — including: (i) the processing stage, (ii) the pending — at the stage, (iii) the expected date — of the completion”, (d) the grievance: “Provide the grievance status — for the complaint — filed on [date] — reference number [number]”.
6. Step 6: The RPO and the Ministry of External Affairs as public authorities. (a) the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) — is a public authority — under the RTI Act, (b) the Ministry of External Affairs — is a public authority — and the CPIO — is at the headquarters — in New Delhi, © the RTI application — can be filed: (i) online — on the passportindia.gov.in — or the Department of Posts portal, (ii) by post — to the RPO — of the respective region, (iii) the application fee — is Rs 10 — by the IPO — or the online payment.
7. Step 7: Practical tips. (a) apply early (apply — at least 2-3 months — before the travel — to allow the time — for the verification — and the dispatch), (b) keep the references informed (inform the two references — about the police verification — so they are available), © check the status regularly (check the status — on the portal — regularly — and follow up — with the RPO — if delayed), (d) file RTI (if the passport — is delayed — file RTI — with the RPO — to get the status — and the reason), (e) Example: An applicant — applied for the passport — and the status — was stuck — at “Pending for police verification” — for 6 weeks — he filed RTI — with the RPO — the RTI reply showed — that the verification request — was sent — but the police — had not submitted the report — the RPO — followed up — with the police — and the report — was submitted — within 2 weeks — and the passport — was issued — within 30 days.

See Passport Status and Aadhaar Correction RTI.