Passport Office in Gandhinagar

The Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in Gandhinagar is an essential facility designed to bring passport services closer to the residents of the city. Operated in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and India Post, the POPSK ensures that citizens do not have to travel far to apply for or renew their passports.

At the Gandhinagar POPSK, applicants can access a range of passport-related services. These include fresh passport applications, renewals and updates or corrections to existing passports. The facility is equipped to handle various categories of passport services, catering to both regular and tatkal (urgent) applications.

The efficient and streamlined process at the POPSK is designed to reduce the waiting time and ensure a hassle-free experience for the applicants.

One of the primary functions of the POPSK is to verify the documents submitted by the applicants. Trained personnel at the centre assist with the submission process, ensuring that all necessary documents are correctly filled out and submitted.

Once the verification is complete, the applications are forwarded to the Regional Passport Office for further processing and issuance.
The POPSK in Gandhinagar represents a significant step towards decentralising passport services, making them more accessible and user-friendly for the city's residents. This initiative not only saves time but also simplifies the process of obtaining a passport, encouraging more citizens to take advantage of international travel opportunities.

These centres aim to streamline the application process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for applicants. The trained staff at POPSK assists with document verification and submission, ensuring that applications are correctly processed before being forwarded to the Regional Passport Office for final issuance.

A passport is an essential travel document, serving as the primary identification for Indian citizens travelling internationally. With the rise in global connectivity, the demand for passports has significantly increased. India provides various types of passports, each tailored to specific categories of citizens:

Types of Passports

Ordinary Passport (Type P): This is the most common passport issued to Indian citizens for general travel purposes, such as vacations, business trips and visiting family. It is renewable and typically valid for ten years for adults and five years for minors.

Diplomatic Passport (Type D): This passport is reserved for high-ranking government officials, diplomats and individuals on official government assignments. It offers special privileges and diplomatic immunity in foreign countries.

Official Passport (Type O): Issued to government employees travelling on official duty, this passport facilitates smooth travel and official engagements abroad. Its validity is linked to the duration of the official assignment.

The colour of the passport cover signifies its type: navy blue for Ordinary, maroon for Diplomatic and white for Official passports.

The ECR passport, formerly issued to those with limited educational backgrounds, has been discontinued.

Applying for a passport in Gandhinagar is a straightforward process that can be completed through the Passport Seva online portal. To begin, you will need to schedule an appointment at the nearby Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

This centre is strategically located in the city to provide convenient access to passport-related services.

Booking an Appointment

Unlike the option of walking in, which is generally reserved for urgent cases, pre-booking an appointment is mandatory for passport applications. This online system ensures a smooth and efficient application process.

Passport Fees

Please note:** The fees for minor applicants differ from those listed above. For a comprehensive fee schedule, visit the official Passport Seva website.

Online Passport Application in Gandhinagar

Visit the official Passport Seva website.

Register as a new user by providing your personal details, including a valid email address and mobile number.

Verify your account by clicking the activation link sent to your registered email.

Fill out the passport application and log in to your Passport Seva account. Initiate a new passport application.

Complete the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Alternatively, download the e-form, fill it out offline and upload the completed XML file.

Submit the application form. Pay the fee and schedule an appointment.

Pay the requisite passport fee online using net banking, UPI, credit/debit card or SBI challan and schedule an appointment.

Visit the Passport Office and before that, print your application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN).

Visit the passport office on the scheduled date and time with the application receipt and all necessary original documents.

Undergo document verification and police clearance. Finally, await the passport, which will be dispatched to your address via speed post.

Offline Passport Application in Gandhinagar

Applying for a passport offline in Gandhinagar involves visiting the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in person.

Obtain the Application Form: Procure the passport application form either from the passport office or download it from the Passport Seva website.

Complete the Application: Fill out the form accurately with all required details.

Submit Application and Documents: Visit the nearest passport office to submit the completed form along with the necessary supporting documents and the application fee.

Receive Application Reference Number (ARN): Upon successful submission and fee payment, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN), which is essential for tracking your application and attending the verification process.

Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment for the in-person interview at the passport office.

Attend Verification and Document Submission: Visit the passport office on the scheduled date with all original documents for verification.

To successfully apply for a passport in Gandhinagar, you must present specific documents as proof of identity, address, educational qualifications and date of birth. These documents should be submitted at the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) during your passport interview.

Identity Proof

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID Card

• 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 (12th standard) mark sheet

• SSLC (10th standard) mark sheet

• Graduation certificate from a recognised educational board

• Bachelor's degree certificate (if applicable) from a recognised university

Birth Certificate

• Issued by a municipal authority

Note: You must bring both original copies and photocopies of these documents to your passport appointment.

Once your passport application has undergone police verification, you will receive updates on its progress through various channels.

Monitor Your Application Online

Use your Application Reference Number (ARN): This unique identifier, found on your application receipt, is crucial for tracking your passport's status on the Passport Seva website.

Check Application Progress: Log in to the Passport Seva portal and use your ARN to monitor the different stages of your application.

Stay Informed with Notifications

SMS Updates: You will receive SMS notifications directly to your registered mobile number about key milestones in the passport issuance process, including passport dispatch.

Email Alerts:** In addition to SMS, you may also receive email updates regarding your passport application.

Track Passport Delivery

Consignment Number: Upon passport dispatch, you will receive an SMS with a consignment number.

Postal Service Tracking: Use the provided consignment number to track your passport's delivery status on the official Indian Postal Service website.

Currently, the entire passport issuance process in Gandhinagar takes an average of 30 to 45 days. This timeframe covers all steps, including submitting the application, attending the in-person interview at the POPSK, completing police verification and receiving the passport by post.

Although the online police verification system is still being rolled out, it is expected to be available in all metropolitan areas soon, and there are plans for nationwide expansion.
For those in urgent need, the Tatkal passport processing service ensures delivery within 1-3 business days. A significant improvement in the process is the reduced time for police verification, which has been cut down from up to 30 days to approximately one week.

The Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in Gandhinagar represents a significant step forward in making passport services more accessible and efficient for residents. By offering a streamlined process, the POPSK ensures that obtaining a passport is no longer a cumbersome task.

Whether applying for the first time, renewing an existing passport or making corrections, the POPSK provides comprehensive support to meet the needs of all applicants. As the government continues to enhance these services and expand digital verification systems, the convenience and speed of passport issuance will only improve.

For Gandhinagar's residents, the POPSK is a vital resource, simplifying international travel preparations and contributing to a more connected global community.

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