Check the process and documents required for police verification for Passport applications in India. Ensure a hassle-free experience with our detailed guide.
Check Domestic Travel Cover! 06-September-2024Getting a passport is a vital document and an important step in international travel. However, the passport application process in India involves police verification, which can be time-consuming and confusing.
This article aims to provide complete information about police verification for passport, including the types of police verification, required documents, how to check the police verification status, and other essential details.
Police verification for passport refers to the process wherein law enforcement authorities conduct background checks on passport applicants. This verification ensures the applicant's identity, address, and criminal record, if any, are authentic and meet the required standards for obtaining a passport. Once completed, the police verification status indicates whether the applicant's details are verified and deemed suitable for passport issuance, providing assurance of the applicant's credibility and eligibility for international travel.
Pre-police verification for a passport involves verifying the applicant's credentials before issuing the passport. The process starts when the applicant submits their application. The local police station is notified to confirm the applicant's address, criminal record, and personal details. An officer visits the applicant's residence to gather information and verify the documents submitted. This procedure ensures the authenticity of the applicant's identity and address. If the verification is successful, the passport is issued. Pre-police verification is mandatory for first-time applicants, ensuring national security and the legitimacy of the passport issuance process.
Post-police verification for a passport occurs after the passport is issued. In this process, the passport is granted to the applicant without prior verification, but the police conduct a thorough check afterward. The applicant’s details, such as address, criminal record, and identification, are verified by visiting their residence and speaking with neighbours or local authorities. This method is often used for the reissue of passports or in urgent cases. If any discrepancies are found during the post-verification, the authorities may take necessary actions, including revoking the passport. This approach balances speedy passport issuance with essential security checks.
One of the essential steps in the passport application process in India is the police verification process. The Indian government mandates police verification for passport to ensure the authenticity of the documents submitted for passport application and, more importantly, for national security reasons. The police verify the applicant's identity, address, and other relevant details to confirm that the applicant is a genuine citizen of India.
The primary objective of police verification for passports is to safeguard national security. By scrutinising the background of passport applicants, authorities can identify potential security threats and prevent individuals with dubious intentions from obtaining a passport.
Police verification is crucial for validating the identity and residential address provided by the passport applicant. This step helps in confirming that the information furnished is accurate and genuine, minimising the risk of identity fraud or misuse of passports.
The process of police verification for passport aids in preventing individuals with a criminal background from obtaining passports. By cross-referencing the applicant's details with law enforcement databases, authorities can ensure that passports are not granted to those involved in criminal activities.
The process of police verification for passports in India involves the following steps:
There are mainly three types of police verification for an Indian passport:
This is the most common type of police verification for a passport. The verification process is initiated after the applicant submits the passport application. The police conduct a background check to verify the applicant's residential address and criminal record, if any. And, the passport police verification documents include address proof, identity proof, and sometimes, references from neighbours or local authorities.
In some cases, the passport is issued before the police verification is completed. The verification process is conducted after the passport is dispatched to the applicant. This type of verification is usually faster but is less common and subject to certain conditions. Similar to pre-verification, including address proof and identity proof.
Certain categories of applicants, such as government employees, may be exempt from police verification for a passport if they provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This streamlines the process and reduces the waiting time for passport issuance.
The online process for police verification for passport involves:
The process of police verification for passport is an important step in getting a passport and can take up to a few months. Here are the steps involved in the process:
Passport application submission: Submit the passport application along with the required documents at the passport office.
Document verification: The passport office scrutinises the application and checks for valid documents.
Forwarding the application to local police station: The passport office forwards the application to the respective police station for verification.
Police verification: The police verify the applicant's details and address by visiting their residence and workplace.
Submission of police report: The police submit the verification report to the passport office.
Passport approval: Once approved, the passport is printed, and the applicant is notified via SMS or email.
You must keep a check on the status of your passport in India. This will keep you updated with the documentation and verification of the passport.
The effectiveness of the process of police verification for passport depends on the precision and authenticity of the documents submitted by the passport applicant. You will require the following documents for passport police verification:
Following are the documents required to apply for passport re-issue/renewal:
Your passport application undergoes a police verification process to assess your eligibility. The police assign a status to your application based on the verification results. There are three possible statuses:
Note: If your status is adverse or incomplete, you may need to provide additional documents or address discrepancies to proceed with your passport application.
Following are the conditions when police verification for passport is not required:
Government employees can be exempted from police verification for passport if they provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This expedites the process.
Minors below 18 years and senior citizens above 65 years may get exemptions if they provide relevant passport police verification documents, such as birth certificates or age proofs.
Individuals applying for diplomatic or official passports are usually exempt from police verification due to their official status and responsibilities.
These exemptions help streamline the passport issuance process while ensuring necessary security protocols.
Police verification for passport is an essential process to ensure the authenticity of the documents submitted and for national security reasons. With this article's information on the types of police verification, the required documents, passport police verification status tracking, and the online submission process, applicants can be more equipped to complete the process successfully. Remember to follow the relevant guidelines and provide only genuine documents to ensure a hassle-free passport application experience.
Related article
Police verification for passport is a component of the passport application process in India. The process involves police verifying the applicant's identity, address, and other relevant details to establish the applicant's authenticity and citizenship.
Why do we need police verification for passport?Police verification for passport is necessary for national security reasons to ensure the applicants are genuine Indian citizens and to prevent fraudulent passport issuance.
What is the processing time for passport police verification?The processing time for passport police verification varies depending on the applicant's location, any unforeseen circumstances, and other factors. Typically, it can take up to six weeks for the verification process to be completed.
How does police verification happen for passports?Police verification for passports involves a physical visit by the police personnel of the concerned jurisdiction to the applicant's permanent and present address. During the visit, they will collect information about the applicant's background and verify their address and other details.
How many days does it take to get a passport after police verification?The time taken to get a passport after police verification varies and depends on several factors, including the location and jurisdiction of the passport office, the backlog of applications, and the efficiency of the verification process.
How will I know if police verification for passport is completed or not?You will receive an SMS or email notification from the Passport Seva Kendra once the police verification for your passport is completed. Additionally, you can check the status online on the Passport Seva Portal using your application reference number and date of birth.
What are the documents asked by the police during passport verification?During the police verification for a passport, the police typically ask for address proof (such as utility bills, rental agreement, or bank statements), identity proof (like Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or PAN card), and sometimes references from neighbours or local authorities.
Is there an extra charge for police verification for passport?No, there is no extra charge for police verification for a passport. The cost of police verification is included in the overall passport application fee paid during the submission of the application.
Is police verification for passport mandatory?Yes, police verification for a passport is mandatory for most applicants. It ensures the applicant's identity and address are verified and checks for any criminal records. However, certain categories like government employees with an NOC may be exempt.
Do you need witnesses for police verification for passport?Yes, during the police verification for a passport, you might need witnesses, typically neighbours or local authorities, who can confirm your identity and residence. Their statements help validate the information you provided in your application.
How do I know police verification status for passport?To know the police verification status for your passport, visit the Passport Seva Portal, use the mPassport Seva app, or contact your Regional Passport Office or local police station for updates.
What to do if police verification is not done in 21 days?If police verification is not completed within 21 days, visit the local police station or contact the Regional Passport Office to inquire about the delay and request expedited processing.
How many witnesses are required for passport police verification?Typically, one or two local witnesses are required for passport police verification to confirm your identity and address. They should be reliable individuals who reside in the same area as you.
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