How to Change RPO In Passport: A Complete Guide

Regional Passport Office is a subdivision of the Ministry of External Affairs and is involved in the issuance, renewal and escalation of passports. It regulates the approvals, investigates complicated or controversial cases and monitors the Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras within its jurisdiction.

The RPO also decides where police verification takes place, where to escalate issues and which office handles special cases. Moving to a new location requires updating your RPO to avoid delays and ensure that future services are managed closer to your new place.

You should change RPO when any of the following apply:

• You have shifted residence to a different city or state and intend to use local passport services there.
• You are applying for a re-issue and want the new passport to be managed by your current local RPO.

Note: You cannot arbitrarily choose an RPO; the system assigns the RPO based on the address you provide when you apply.

So, let us get directly into the question “How to change registered RPO in Passport”.

To change your Regional Passport Office (RPO), you must apply for a passport reissue with your new address. When you mention your new address, include valid evidence; the Passport Seva system connects your passport to the RPO that adheres to your new location.

Here's what you should do:

• Complete your application for a passport reissue with your fresh address.
• Add documents that support as evidence your current address.
• Send in your application to the Passport Seva site.
• Once approved, your passport gets linked to the RPO that covers your new location.

This approach helps keep your passport details correct and updates your RPO during the re-issue procedure.

To get the latest list of the documents needed and their formats, visit the Passport Seva portal. Make sure that all the documents are current and readable.

1. Go to the Passport Seva website and log in. If this is your first visit, create your account.
2. Pick 'Re-issue of passport' from the options. Update the reason why you need it (like changing your address).
3. Fill in your information and type your new address as it appears on your address proof documents.
4. Scan and upload clear copies of all the needed documents in the right file type.
5. Make the fee payment via the internet. You can choose regular or Tatkaal service based on how fast you need your renewed passport.
6. Book a time slot at a PSK or POPSK near you to finish the biometric steps.
7. Show up for your passport RPO appointment with your original papers. After this, the police will verify your new address.

Follow all instructions mentioned on the screen to prevent making mistakes. On completion, you will be given a reference number (ARN or application number) for your RPO appointment booking. You will need this number to check the progress of your application.

Once the process for RPO appointment booking is complete, the Passport Seva system links the RPO to your updated address. You do not need to complete any additional "change RPO" form.

During your scheduled PSK/POPSK visit for passport RPO appointment, you will:

• Show your original documents for checking.
• Have your photo taken and give your fingerprints (biometrics).
• Get a receipt with your application reference number.
• Learn if you need to provide any extra documents.
  Hold onto the receipt until your passport is sent out.

When you update your address in your passport, it sets off a police check at your new home. The authorities in your area will check who you are, where you live now, and other key facts. They might do this by coming to your house or using an application or system online, based on the process followed in your city.

If they visit, they will ask to see proof of where you live, ID papers, and references. How well this check goes is key; it decides if you get your new passport or not. The duration of this verification can vary case to case and take up to a few weeks.

Normal Re-Issue

Processing has a dependence on police verification; in many cases, it takes 30–45 days, but RPO and police timelines can cause variations.

Tatkaal

This service offers quicker processing for those who need to travel and are willing to pay higher fees; police might still need to verify, but the aim is to finish processing within a few days for eligible candidates. You can check the current Tatkaal criteria and fees on the portal to apply for a tatkaal passport.

When you ask to change the RPO in your passport, some mistakes often happen. These delay the speed of your application or even lead to rejection.

• Problem: Incorrect Address or Unacceptable Proof – Applications fail when the address does not match the proof document, or when the uploaded file is in the wrong format.

Fix: Check the official Passport Seva list of accepted proofs and allowed file types before you upload.

• Problem: Using The Old Address – Your application might also get rejected if you enter your old address by mistake.

Fix: Cancel the application and submit again with the right address. If you didn't finish the earlier submission, start the process fresh.

• Problem: Police Verification Takes Time – This stands out as one of the main reasons for slow passport processing.

Fix: Get in touch with your local RPO or police station and request them for early verification. Have your ARN and appointment receipt handy.

• Can I get my passport from the RPO rather than getting it by post?

Speed Post delivers passports to the address you've registered. Picking it up yourself is rare and needs approval beforehand.

• Can I change RPO without re-issuing the passport?

No, you need to apply for a new passport to switch RPOs. When you do this, update your address in the application. Once you submit your new address, the system assigns you an RPO in Passport.

• Can I choose any RPO I prefer?

No, where you live determines your RPO. You can't choose an RPO as per your preference.

• How do I check the status of my passport reissue application?

Check your application status on the Passport Seva portal using "Track Application Status" with your ARN or file number; you will also get SMS updates.

If you infer that you selected the wrong RPO after submitting your application:

• In Case You Have Not Paid Yet: Discontinue the unpaid application and send another with the right data.

• If You've Already Paid and Your Application Is Active: Connect with the Passport Seva helpline or your local RPO. Have your ARN handy and ask them to correct the problem. You may have to file a fresh application in such a case.

Now, you have a detailed understanding of how to change the RPO in your passport through an online system. Updating your RPO happens when you move to a new place. Additionally, if you plan to take a trip abroad once you receive a passport, you can buy travel insurance online.

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