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Police Verification Process for Passport: A Complete Guide

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Published on November 06, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

The passport application can be challenging if you are unaware of all the aspects regarding the processes involved. Like your travel insurance that follows innumerable steps, you need to deal with several procedures to obtain your passport.

To avoid all states of conflict, you must plan by familiarising yourself with every process. Among the many functions, police verification for passport is one of the most crucial procedures this blog will discuss.

What is police verification for a passport?

The police verification process for a passport aims to verify the applicant's identity and address proof. Generally, a local officer will lead the procedure by visiting you. However, the process may vary based on your residence and situation.

Applying for a new passport involves a visit from an official to your address to verify the submitted details. You may also need to show the necessary documents. Applicants will get a clearance report after the police verification.

Types of police verification

You will come across two types of police verification for passport:

1. Pre-Police Verification for Passport:

The police station that falls within the competence of the applicant's address conducts this verification process. In such cases, the respective official will verify the applicant's details, including age, name, address, etc.

2. Post-Police Verification for Passport:

This verification procedure occurs after issuing the passport. The process is mainly for a Tatkal passport.

Occasions when police verification is not needed

Police verification is not necessary for the following instances:

1. If you apply for the passport renewal before the expiration of your current passport, you will not have to undergo police verification. Provide an NOC with the police verification proof.

2. Individuals working for the government can submit an identification certificate via Annexure B and do not need to get verified.

3. Diplomatic passport holders do not need to go through verification for a regular passport. They can submit an identity certificate via Annexure B.

Steps for police verification for passport

Like any other international travel insurance , the police verification process follows the given steps.

1. The passport authority notifies the police station after your passport application or renewal.

2. Assigned personnel will perform the physical verification process to confirm the submitted address.

3. The official will hand over the verification to the SP (superintendent of police).

4. The confirmation details go to the special branch comprising every criminal record to check the data and authenticity.

5. In case of any issue, the special branch will deliver the details to the passport office. If the report is not doubtful, they will submit a clearance report.

6. After registration, visit the nearby PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) on the scheduled date.

While waiting for your passport, applying for individual travel insurance and a comprehensive plan is ideal.

What is the online police verification process for passports?

Quit waiting for the passport authority to take the initiative by requesting police verification.

1. Visit the official website of the passport office.

2. Select the "Register Now" option on the device screen.

3. Login using your ID after registering.

4. Add the necessary details to the form you will get after selecting the "Apply for Police Clearance Certificate" option.

5. "Pay and Schedule Appointment" will take you to the payment page and enable you to pay the verification fees.

6. Choose the "Print Application Receipt" option to obtain a reference number. Your RMN will also receive an SMS with this number.

7. On the scheduled date, visit the PSK or RPO with the relevant documents and their photocopies.

It will ensure you acquire your passport accurately with complete travel insurance.

Documents required for police verification

The essentials for police verification of your passport must include:

1. DOB Proof:

A birth certificate or leaving certificate from elementary or high school can be your proof. Those born before January 26, 1989, can use their institution's certificate's copy.

2. ID Proof:

DL, Adhaar Card, LIC bonds, PAN Card, or Voter ID Card can work as ID proof.

3. Address Proof:

You can use water, electricity, or telephone bills. You may also use a ration card for proof.

Besides these documents, do not forget your international travel insurance, which will look after any issues like a lost passport or luggage.

Checking the status of your application

The verification status can fall under three groups. These include:

1. Incomplete:

When the official cannot finish the report or is unsure of the residential details, your application will have an "Incomplete" status.

2. Adverse:

In the event of a dubious report, the application may get the "adverse" tag, which can withhold or cancel your application.

3. Clear:

When everything gets approval and confirmation from the police official, SP, and special branch, the criminal records of the applicant are clear.

Time to receive the passport after verification

Based on your verification needs, the dispatching time may differ.

1. Pre-verification takes three days after the report reaches the application centre.

2. Post-verification takes three days without the submission date for the application. However, it takes less time without waiting time for the verification and report.

3. No Verification takes three days besides the application date. The Tatkal Quota may take an extra day and excludes the date of password application.

FAQs

1. Why is police verification required for a passport?

Police verification is necessary for passports to ensure they're not misused. It confirms the accuracy of details provided by applicants to prevent identity fraud. In India, it's a vital step for national security, helping authorities identify potential threats. By cross-checking applicant information with law enforcement databases, authorities prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from getting passports. Essentially, police verification safeguards national security, confirms applicant identities, and makes sure they're issued to genuine citizens.

2. When does police verification take place in the passport application process?

Police verification occurs either before or after the passport is issued. Before issuance, the police verify the applicant's details. After issuance, they may conduct verification, especially for urgent applications (tatkal), government officials, and diplomatic passport holders. This verification ensures the applicant's background aligns with passport issuance criteria. The process aims to authenticate applicants' identities and maintain security standards.

3. How will I know if police verification is required for my passport application?

To know if police verification is needed for your passport, check the default setting. Usually, for most people, it's set to "Pre" verification by default. But if you're in certain groups like government employees or if you provide specific documents like Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN card, and a certain affidavit, you might skip pre-verification. Instead, your application might go through post-verification, which is faster and doesn't cost extra as long as your details check out online. The regular passport rules apply, so it's good to double-check if you're unsure.

4. Do all passport applications undergo police verification?

No, not all passport applications undergo police verification. In normal circumstances, police verification is required before you get your passport. However, if you apply through the Tatkaal scheme with all the necessary documents, you can get your passport first and undergo police verification later.

• Renewing your passport before it expires skips this process, but you need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with police verification proof.

• Government, PSU, or statutory employees can use an "identity certificate" (annexure B) to avoid police verification.

• Diplomatic or official passport holders also bypass this step by submitting Annexure B documents.

5. How long does police verification take?

Police verification usually takes around 7 to 21 days after submitting documents at the PSK. It's usually finished within a week. If it takes longer, you can check with the SP office. After police clearance, your passport is dispatched within three days. This happens once the Police Verification Report (PVR) is received. So, overall, the process involves transferring your file to the police station after PSK verification. Then, they do their checks, and once everything's clear, your passport is sent out.

6. Can I check the status of my police verification online?

The following options are available for you to check the status:

• Check on the Passport Seva website.

• Call the toll-free number 1800 258 1800.

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

• Use the mPassport Seva mobile app.

These methods allow you to track your passport application status conveniently. Remember, your passport may receive one of three status types: clear, adverse, or incomplete.

7. What should I do during the police verification process?

During police verification for your passport, make sure you're at your address when they come. They'll check your identity and address. Remember to have your documents ready, like your birth certificate or ID card. Also, consider having neighbours with their IDs handy to act as witnesses. The officer will need you to sign some papers, too. Just stay cooperative and provide the information they ask for. This helps make sure everything goes smoothly with your passport application. So, be present and helpful during the police verification process.

8. Can I reschedule or change the time of my police verification appointment?

Visit your local Police Station to reschedule or change your police verification appointment. Speak to the official in charge, explaining that you have prior commitments, and ask for the verification to be conducted after a specific date. Remember, the Police Station must submit the verification report within a certain time frame, so asking for too much time might not be approved. If possible, give valid reasons for immediate verification instead of requesting more time, as this could raise suspicion. It's important to communicate clearly and respectfully during the process.

9. What happens if the police verification report is adverse?

If the police verification report is adverse, it means there might be an issue with your address, or the police couldn't find you during verification. It could also indicate a criminal record. Unfortunately, until the court clears your criminal history, the problem won't go away. You should contact the Passport Office to understand why the report is adverse. They might ask for re-verification. Once the police give a clear report, your passport application will move forward. So, it's important to sort out any issues and make sure your record is clear for a smooth passport process.

10. How will I be informed of the outcome of police verification?

To know the outcome of your police verification for the passport, you have a few options.

• Firstly, check the official website where you applied. There, you can track your passport application and see the status of the police verification. 

• If you've subscribed to it, you'll get SMS updates at the Seva Kendra. Otherwise, updates will be sent to the email you provided. 

• You can also download the app for tracking. 

• If you prefer a more direct approach, inquire at your local police station or the Passport Seva Kendra inquiry counter.

11. Can someone else represent me during the police verification process?

No, someone else cannot represent you during the police verification process. You must be there in person when the police officer visits your address. If you miss the verification, contact your local police station or Passport Seva Kendra immediately for a follow-up visit. If you can't reach them, your passport application might be incomplete or cancelled, requiring a new application. You can explain your absence to the police officer, and if they find your reasons valid, they might ask you to come to the police station with two references and identification. It's crucial to be present during this process to avoid complications with your passport application.

Conclusion

Whether you're applying for a new or the renewal of an old passport, you must be familiar with the police verification process for the passport. This procedure is compulsory for everyone except for a few cases. Further, including accurate details is essential to get clearance. After procuring a passport, obtain individual travel insurance for a well-planned and safe trip.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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