Police Verification for Passport

A Police Verification for Passport (PVP) is a security measure employed to confirm the applicant's identity, address and criminal background before issuing a passport. It helps ensure the passport goes to the right person and reduces the risk of fraud or misuse. The verification procedure is an important step in determining the applicant’s credibility and eligibility for undertaking international trips.

The police passport verification process consists of three stages:

-No Police Verification:

In this stage, there is no direct involvement of the police department in verifying the applicant's credentials. The issuance of passports may rely solely on the documentation provided by the applicant and other administrative procedures. This process is mainly associated with the process of passport reissue when the application has been made before the passport expiry date.

-Pre-Police Verification:

This involves preliminary checks conducted by the passport authorities before law enforcement involvement after a passport application is submitted. This stage may include scrutinising the application details, verifying identity documents, and confirming the authenticity of the applicant's information, including the name, address, etc.

-Post-Police Verification:

This occurs after the initial issuance of the passport. In this stage, the police department conducts further checks and verification processes, which may include physical visits to the applicant's residence, confirming the details provided in the application, and cross-referencing information with criminal databases to ensure the applicant's credibility and security clearance. Such verification is conducted in cases where an urgent application for a passport has been submitted by an individual.

-Identity verification: A police officer cross-references the applicant's appearance and documentation with the provided application details.

-Address confirmation: The officer physically visits the applicant's residence to validate its authenticity.

-Criminal record check: Authorities utilise police databases to identify any prior criminal activity of the applicant.

-Reinforcing national security: Prevents the issuance of passports to individuals who may pose potential threats.

-Mitigating identity theft: Reduces instances of individuals obtaining passports through deceptive means.

-Enhancing passport integrity: Elevates the credibility and trustworthiness of passports issued by the country.

Usually, the police verification process is initiated when the passport authority notifies the respective police station. Here is a detailed process that takes place for passport police verification.

Step 1: Once you apply for the passport or the passport renewal, the passport office will assign the task to your local police station.

Step 2: Your local police station assigns personnel for the physical police verification of passports. They will confirm if you reside at the address mentioned on the passport.

Step 3: The confirmation is passed to the Superintendent of Police Office.

Step 4: The confirmation is sent to the Special Branch headquarters, which keeps all the criminal records.

Step 5: The Special Branch further confirms the data and approves its authenticity.

Step 6: If the Special Branch finds some issue with your application, they send the report to the passport application office. The report reveals 'adverse' to specify the same. If there are no such dubious reports, the Special Branch sends a clear report to the passport application office.

Step 7: Only after this process will the passport office take further **Steps for your application.

After the verification is successfully completed, your passport will be printed and dispatched to your registered address. You will also receive an SMS notifying you of the stage at which your passport is.

Don't wish to wait for the passport authority to raise a police verification request for you? You can request a passport police clearance certificate.

The steps are as follows:

• Go to the Passport Seva official website.

• Click on the 'Register Now' button on the screen.

• After the registration process, login with your ID

• Click on the "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate", and a form will open.

• Fill out the form with the details to the best of your knowledge.

• To make the payment, click on "Pay and Schedule Appointment."

• You will reach the payment page. Pay your passport police verification fees to continue.

• Click on the "Print Application Receipt" option, and an application reference number will be allocated to you.

• You will receive an SMS with the same message on your registered mobile number as well.

• Visit the RPO or PSK on the appointment date with your original and photocopies of the documents.

The exact list of documents required for Indian Passport Police Verification vary depending on whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing/re-issuing an existing one. However, regardless of the type of passport application, certain documents are necessary to complete the process, even for diplomatic and official passport applications. These include:

-For New Passport Applications

• Address proof documents such as a water bill, electricity bill, or rental agreement.

• Identity proof documents, including a birth certificate, Aadhar card, PAN card, ration card or affidavit.

-When applying for Passport Re-issue/Renewal

• Your old passport.

• Self-attested photocopies of various pages from your passport, including the first and last pages (identification page and address page), ECR/Non-ECR page, a page with information about validity extension, and an observation page if applicable.

Additionally, depending on your circumstances, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) might be among the required documents for passport verification.

After you have submitted all the necessary passport verification documents and information for your passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra, the Pre-Police Verification process begins.

• The Kendra forwards your address and identity proof to the nearest police station within your jurisdiction.

• A designated police officer from your local SP office will conduct a passport police verification for residential status at the address provided in your application.

• During this verification, it's crucial to be physically present at the mentioned address. The officer will visit your residence, verify your identity, and sign the required documents.

• Upon successful verification of your address and identity by the police station, they will send a verified report back to the Passport Seva Kendra. You can expect to receive your passport within 3 to 5 working days.

• In cases of Post-Police Verification, if there are pending criminal cases or if your application is incomplete, it will be referred to the police station headquarters for further verification. Your passport application may receive an incomplete or adverse status until these issues are resolved.

• Additional visits or document submissions may be required if initial verification raises concerns.

• For individuals applying for a tatkal passport or holding an official or diplomatic passport, post-police verification may occur after the passport has been issued.

In some cases, you might be called to the police station instead of a home visit.

After police verification, the passport police verification status tracking can be checked through four convenient ways:

• Visit the Passport Seva website.

• Dial the toll-free number 1800 258 1800.

• Send an SMS with 'STATUS FILE NUMBER' to 9704 100 100.

• Use the mPassport Seva mobile app.

-Clear: When all your information gets verified and approved. It includes the Police personnel, the Superintendent of Police, and the Special Branch. It indicates that the applicant's criminal record is clear.

-Adverse: If the police or the Special Branch finds some dubious reports, they tag the application as 'Adverse'. It might lead to withholding or cancellation of the application. You must ensure that all the information you provide is accurate.

-Incomplete: If the police do not fill out the report, your application status might show 'Incomplete'. It could be a result of the police not being sure of your residential information or other details.

There are certain instances wherein police verification is not needed. However, this decision relies on the passport office. These instances are as follows:

• Police verification is not needed if a passport is being renewed before expiry. The applicant only needs to submit the NOC along with the proof of police verification.

• Government employees who apply for the passport by sharing their identification certificate through Annexure B needn’t undergo police verification.

• Individuals with a diplomatic passport need not undergo verification for an ordinary passport. They will only be expected to share their identity certificate through Annexure B.

• Senior citizens and minor applicants may also be exempted from police verification if they submit all the necessary documents.

Ready to Fly International with that fresh passport in hand? Don’t forget overseas travel insurance!

So, you have got your brand new passport, itinerary locked, and adventure calling. But hold on, is travel insurance on your "don't forget" list? Because, let's face it, unexpected events can throw your dream trip into chaos. Hence, the need to protect your trip with a robust travel insurance policy from TATA AIG is crucial, if not mandatory.

From sudden illnesses to accidents, overseas medical bills can skyrocket. TATA AIG plans cover hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and even pre-existing conditions, ensuring you get the care you need, not the bill you dread. Also, we offer flight cancellation insurance and lost luggage coverage not to let you feel stranded on a distant land!

We will reimburse trip delays and lost baggage and even help arrange alternative travel, getting you back on track for your adventure. Also, our multilingual assistance team is available 24/7 to help with everything from finding lost documents to translating medical needs.

Choose from various travel insurance plans designed for different travel styles and budgets. Whether you are a backpacker or a luxury seeker, TATA AIG offers flexibility and optional add-ons to personalise your international travel medical insurance online coverage.

Obtaining a passport can be thrilling, but police verification often adds confusion. This guide aims to demystify the passport verification for police, equipping you with knowledge about no, pre-, and post-verification scenarios and what to expect during the visit.

Remember, preparation is key. Ensure you have the necessary documents, maintain open communication, and honestly address any concerns.

-How long does it take for my passport to arrive after police verification?

Once your police verification process is completed and approved, you can anticipate receiving your passport within 3 to 5 working days.

-If parents have an adverse police verification status, can their child get a passport?

Yes, in such a situation, the minor’s passport can be issued after receiving the approval of the competent authority.

-What documents can a senior citizen submit to escape police verification for a passport?

All passport applications mandatorily require police verification, except in a few special cases. Though police verification cannot be escaped, you can apply for a passport under the Tatkal scheme by submitting all the documents. Under the tatkal issue, a post police verification will be conducted.