Passport Reference Number (PRN) : When & How to Get-ExplainedWhen & How to Get Passport Reference Number

A passport reference number is issued to individuals when they apply for a passport. The number is issued when the applicant submits their passport application. A passport reference number is a unique 12-digit alphanumeric code.

The 12-digit application reference number for passports has been divided into three categories: letter and numbers, year of application and application identifier. The letters and numbers in the passport reference number are generated randomly based on the application.

The year of application is the year in which the applicant is applying for a passport, and the unique application identifier consists of digits or letters specific to the applicant.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Passport? Online and Offline

The unique application reference number for passports has different components. Knowing about these passports and reference number components helps in understanding the application process clearly.

City or State Code

The first two letters in the reference number in the passport application represent the state or city where the passport application has been submitted. It is basically the code of the state or city.

Application Number

The next few numbers are the applicant file numbers based on the state and city. These numbers are generated randomly based on the application.

Year of Application

It is the number that represents the year in which a passport application was submitted. This number is used to keep track of the issued passports in that year.

Serial Number

This is a distinct passport number based on the applicant’s file. It is included to keep the passport number tracking precise.

Rahul has applied for a passport. He has this BL18C7654019 as a passport reference number. The "BL" stands for Bangalore. The "18C76540" represents the unique application number assigned to the application within Bangalore. The last digit, “19”, indicates that the passport application was submitted in 2019.

To get the application reference number for a passport, applicants need to submit the passport application. Not everyone in India can submit a passport application if they do not meet the eligibility criteria. Below is the general eligibility criteria for getting a passport in India:

• The first requirement applicants need to meet is to be eligible Indian citizens.

• Adult applicants who want to apply for a passport must be 18 years of age. To prove that, they need to provide a birth certificate, school mark sheet or other documents.

• Minor applicants who want to apply for a passport need to provide their parents' passports or birth certificates.

• Applicants need to provide proof of residential address to get a passport in India.

• In addition to this, they need to provide identity documents such as an Aadhar card, a driving
  licence, etc.

• Applicants also need to declare their criminal record, as a police clearance certificate is a
  mandatory part of the passport process.

• Applicants do not need to hold dual citizenship.

Whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an old one, a passport reference number is often required. With the government reference number for passport renewal, you can know the whereabouts of submitted passport applications. Here are some of the important purposes served by the passport reference number:

Proof of Passport Application Submission

One of the important uses of the reference number of passports is to verify the application has been submitted to the authorities successfully. The number is only issued when the applicant is done applying. So, in case of any delays or disputes, applicants can use the reference number as proof of submission.

Track Passport Application Process

Another use of the passport reference number check is to track the progress of the passport application. Passport applications take time to process, so using the passport application number, applicants can track the status of their application. This will help them know the exact time to get the passport.

Communication with Passport Authorities

Many times, even after applying, you do not receive your passport on time, or you make mistakes in the application. In such cases, the passport reference number will help in communicating with the passport authorities. The authorities will ask for a reference number to verify the issues.

Police Clearance Certificate

The passport reference number has also been used for police clearance certificates. When applying for a PCC, especially for visa, immigration, or employment purposes, the passport reference number is often requested as part of the application process.

To get the reference number for a passport, applicants need to carry out the passport application process. Below is how you can get a passport application number.

Online Application

The first step is to get a passport and submit an online application by visiting the official Passport Seva website. If you do not already have an account, create one by entering basic details such as name, email address, etc.

Fill Out the Form

Log in to the account using your username and password, and then fill out the passport application form. Enter all the details accurately.

Book An Appointment

After submitting an application form, applicants must book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra for photo submission and document verification. Applicants must book appointments based on their availability.

Also Read: Passport Online Appointment

Go to Passport Sewa Kendra

On an appointment date, applicants need to visit the passport office with relevant documents. The passport official will verify the applicants' documents and then collect their biometrics.

Generation of Passport Reference Numbers

After verifying the documents, they will process the application submission. Once the application is submitted, a passport reference number will be issued in the applicant’s name.

Also Read: Passport Renewal

To track the passport application using a file or reference number, individuals need to follow the steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.

• Step 2: Next, scroll to the “Track Application Status” on the homepage.

• Step 3: Now, choose the suitable options for the application type, then enter the file number and date of birth.

• Step 4: Enter the correct details. After entering the details, click on the “Track Status” option.

• Step 5: The portal will display the exact passport information.

Generally, the system that generates passport application reference numbers for new passport applications is reliable. There are times when technical errors or human mistakes lead to complications. Some of the most common issues are:

Incorrect Passport Reference Number

Sometimes, applicants are provided with incorrect passport reference numbers due to mistakes while entering details or may be due to any malfunction in the system. This can lead to confusion when checking the status of the application or during verification processes.

A close double-check on every detail is crucial while applying, and the candidate should write down the reference number properly.

Forgotten or Lost Passport Application Reference Number

After submitting their application, applicants tend to forget or misplace their passport application reference number. This reference number is important to track your passport in case you want to follow up with the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

To prevent this problem, it is important to save the reference number or note it down after completing the online application process.

Lost Acknowledgement Receipt

The reference number for the passport application is given in the acknowledgement receipt, which is the main document required for tracking the application. Taking this receipt with you is essential because if you lose it, getting back this reference number will not be easy.

In case you have problems such as wrong passport reference numbers, you can easily prevent these problems by applying some of the tips listed below:

Check the Passport Application Document

An important tip to avoid the passport reference number issue is to save the acknowledgement document provided by the passport officer.

This is required until you get your passport. If you enter the incorrect or wrong passport reference number, check the original document.

Check Your Email

Many times, when you register your email address while filling out the passport application form, the authority sends a confirmation email with the passport reference number.

So, if you have lost the acknowledgement receipt, then you can also check your email to do the passport reference number check.

Contact Passport Seva Kendra

If you are unable to find the acknowledgement receipt or you think the passport reference number issued is wrong or incorrect, you can reach out to the Passport Seva Kendras.

The official will assist in resolving the issue and generating the correct passport reference number.

Call the Passport Helpline

If you are unable to visit the Passport Seva Kendra in person, you can always contact the passport helpline number. The helpline is a convenient way to get assistance with your passport reference number or other application concerns.

When contacting them, take the time to prepare your information, such as your name, date of birth or application number.

Email Support

You can also contact them via email if you prefer written communication or to get help whenever you need it. They can assist you regarding passport reference number issues and address any queries or discrepancies in your application.

The passport reference number holds a significant importance in tracking a passport. Generally the passport application in India takes 2 to 3 weeks in the normal scheme. However, if you have applied for a passport under a Tatkal scheme, it will only take 3 days.

However, sometimes, the passport procedure can be delayed due to reasons such as bad weather, strikes, etc. In that case, applicants can use their passport reference number to track the application.

By entering the passport reference number on the portal, applicants will know the exact status of their application and how long it will take to get the passport delivered.

A unique passport identification number is also useful at the time of police verification. Getting a police clearance certificate is crucial in obtaining a passport.

However, the process takes time, and in such situations, applicants can use the reference number to determine the police verification status.

The passport application process is governed or centralised by the Ministry of External Affairs. Applicants need to be eligible before applying for the passport. After knowing the eligibility, applicants need to submit the passport application form online and submit all the required documents.

Once the applicant has applied, they need to pay the required passport fee. Applicants can pay their fee online using a credit or debit card or through a bank challan. Once the passport fee has been paid, applicants need to book a slot for the passport appointment.

On the appointment date, applicants need to submit the required document and biometrics to the authorities. After obtaining biometrics, a system will generate a unique passport file number for a particular application.

This 12-digit code is the passport reference number, which can be used to track the passport application. The number is mentioned on the acknowledgment receipt, or applicants can get it on their email and phone number.

However, for any reason, if the reference number has not been issued, then the applicant can contact the Passport Seva Kendra in their area. Such situations generally occur due to technical errors.

To track the passport application using a file or reference number, individuals need to follow below-mentioned Steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.

Step 2: Next, scroll to the “Track Application Status” on the homepage.

Step 3: Now, choose the suitable options for the application type, then enter the file number and date of birth.

Step 4: Enter the correct details. After entering the details, click on the “Track Status” option.

Step 5: The portal will display the exact passport information.

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Can I get the same passport reference number for two different applications?

No, every applicant has a unique file no in passport application receipt. The passport reference or file number is a combination of 12-digit alphanumeric numbers.

Can a minor have a passport file number?

Yes, all the applicants, adults or minors who apply for a passport will get a unique passport file number.

How much time does it take to get the passport reference number?

A passport reference number is only issued after the successful submission of the passport application. The whole procedure may take some days to weeks.

Can I change the address on my issued passport?

Yes, it is possible to change the address in your valid passport. To do so, you have to fill out a fresh application, submit the required documents and make an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.

What is the minimum time to get a passport in India?

Without complications or document verification issues, a passport issued at normal speed would be issued in 7 to 15 days. A Tatkal passport (an expedited passport) is normally processed within 1 to 3 days, although the fees under the Tatkal scheme are additional.

Is it possible to recover the cancelled passport reference number?

It is generally not possible to recover a cancelled passport reference number, as it indicates that the passport application has been either withdrawn or invalidated for some reason. If your reference number has been cancelled, you will need to reapply for a new passport.