Passport Office in Bihar

The RPO in Bihar, located in Patna, plays a pivotal role in providing passport-related services to the state’s residents. Its primary functions include passport issuance, renewal and handling various passport-related queries.

The RPO ensures adherence to guidelines set by the Ministry of External Affairs and maintains a streamlined application process. It collaborates with PSKs to provide efficient services to citizens.

PSKs, functioning as service centres under the RPO's supervision, are strategically located in various cities to make passport services accessible to people across the state. These centres provide applicants with a range of services, including application submission, biometrics collection and initial document verification.

The PSKs operate on an online appointment system, allowing applicants to schedule visits at their convenience. This system reduces wait times and enhances the overall efficiency of the application process.

The workings of the RPO and PSKs are guided by stringent security measures and thorough checks to ensure the authenticity of documents and the eligibility of applicants. The integration of technology has played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of these processes, from online applications to real-time status tracking.

Bihar offers three main types of passport offices to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. Each type plays a unique role in the passport issuance process, ensuring accessibility and efficiency. These include:

Regional Passport Office (RPO): The RPO is the central authority in Bihar for all passport-related activities. It processes applications, conducts thorough verifications and issues passports.

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): PSKs are service centres under the RPO's jurisdiction. They provide a convenient and accessible platform for residents to apply for passports. They are located in key cities across Bihar.

Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK): POPSKs are an extension of the passport service network, established in collaboration with India Post. They function similarly to PSKs but are set up in select post offices to reach residents in remote or underserved areas.

As stated above, in Bihar, there are three types of passport offices: the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). Whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, you can visit the passport office Bihar that is most convenient for you.

Below are the contact details for the RPO and the addresses of all POPSKs and PSKs in Bihar:

Contact Details of the Regional Passport Office in Bihar

A passport is not just a document; it is a vital gateway to the world, enabling international travel and serving as definitive proof of a person's identity and nationality. Whether you are planning a business trip, a solo trip, a family vacation or wish to pursue higher education abroad, having a valid passport is essential.

To meet the varied needs of its citizens, the Indian government issues three main types of passports:

It is important to note that the ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport, which was previously issued to citizens with limited educational qualifications, is no longer in use.

To apply for a passport in Bihar, you can visit any Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). These centres are conveniently located across the state and offer various passport-related services.

Unlike walk-in services, which are typically reserved for emergencies, you must book an appointment in advance through the Passport Seva online portal. This ensures a smooth and efficient application process.

Passport Fees

[Note: The fees mentioned above are applicable to adult applicants. Different fee structures apply to minors. For a complete fee list, please visit the official website.]

Online Passport Application in Bihar

• The online passport application process is convenient and accessible. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Go to the official website.

• Click on "New User Registration" on the homepage, fill in the required details, including a valid email ID and phone number, and click "Register."

• You will receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to verify your account.

• Use your registered login ID to access your account.

• Click on "Apply for New Passport/Re-Issue of Passport."

• You can either fill out the form online or download it, complete it offline and then upload it. However, online submission is recommended for speed and ease.

• For offline completion, download the E-form, fill it out, validate and save it to generate an XML file. Upload this file via the "Upload E-form" link.

• Once the form is completed, click "Submit" to proceed to the payment page.

• Pay the Application Fee online via Net banking, SBI challan, UPI, or debit/credit cards.

• Schedule an appointment at your nearest PSK, POPSK or RPO. Remember to download and print your application receipt, which includes your Application Reference Number (ARN).

• Bring your application receipt and all necessary documents to the PSK, POPSK or RPO on the scheduled date and time. After document verification and police clearance, your passport will be dispatched to your address via speed post.

Offline Passport Application in Bihar

• You can also apply for a passport offline by visiting a PSK, RPO or POPSK in Bihar. Here is how:

• You can purchase the form from a PSK or RPO or download it from the Passport Seva website.

• Fill out the form with all the required details. Then, submit the completed form, necessary documents and the application fee to the PSK, POPSK or RPO.

• After your payment is processed, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN), which is crucial for tracking your application and attending the verification process.

• Book your appointment for the in-person interview at the PSK, POPSK or RPO. The remaining steps, including document verification, police verification and the receipt of your passport, are similar to the online application process.

To apply for a passport in Bihar, you will need to provide documents in three main categories: identity proof, address proof and proof of educational qualifications. Additionally, you must bring your birth certificate to the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) during the application process.

Identity Proof:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID

• PAN Card

• Driver's Licence

Address Proof:

• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.)

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank passbook

• Income Tax Returns (ITR)

Educational Qualifications (For Non-ECR Passport):

• HSC and SSLC mark sheets

• Graduation certificates from a recognised educational board.

• Bachelor's degree (if available) from a recognised university.

**Birth Certificate:**Issued by a municipal authority

[Note: You must bring both copies and the originals of these documents to the PSK or RPO during your passport interview.]

After completing the police verification process, you will receive an SMS or email notification with details about when your passport will be dispatched from the passport office. You can also monitor the progress of your application on the Passport Seva website.

Use the ARN Number:

Keep the application reference number (ARN) you received on your application receipt, as it is necessary to track your application on the Passport Seva website.

Receive Dispatch Notification:

Once your passport is dispatched, you will receive an SMS notification with a consignment number.

Track Your Passport:

Use the consignment number to track the status of your passport. You can do this via the SMS service or through the official postal service's website, which is used by the PSK in Bihar.

The passport application and issuance process has been significantly streamlined, making it faster and more efficient. This improvement is largely due to the government's efforts to digitise the process and make it accessible online. Now, applicants can easily apply for a passport from the comfort of their homes.

With Tatkal passport processing, you can receive it within 1-3 business days.

One notable enhancement is the reduction in the time required for police verification, which used to take up to 30 days. This process has now been shortened to about a week. However, the online police verification system is still being rolled out and may soon be available in all metropolitan areas. The government plans to expand this initiative nation-wide soon.

On average, it now takes 30 to 45 days to receive a passport in Bihar. This timeframe includes the entire process:

• Submitting the application.

• Attending the in-person interview at the PSK.

• Completing the police verification and receiving the passport by post.

Thanks to digital advancements, the passport application process in Bihar has become more efficient and accessible. The streamlined procedures, including quicker police verification and online application options, have significantly reduced waiting times.

The government's ongoing efforts to enhance the system ensure a smoother experience for citizens seeking international travel. However, for the latest updates and detailed instructions, applicants should visit the official Passport Seva website.

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