Passport Seva Kendra

• Accept Applications: PSKs act as front-end centres to accept passport applications from applicants.  

• Document Verification: They check the submitted documents for completeness and accuracy as per government guidelines.  

• Biometric & Photograph Capture: Collect applicants’ biometrics (fingerprints), signatures, and photographs.  

• Forwarding Applications: Verified applications are forwarded to the concerned Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further processing and approval.  

• Public Interface: PSKs provide assistance, resolve applicant queries, and guide applicants about required documents and procedures.  

• Compliance Check: Ensure that applications are submitted in line with the rules and documentation requirements.  

• Status Updates: Provide acknowledgement receipts (with ARN/File number) so applicants can track their status online. 

How to Apply Online at Passport Seva Kendra and schedule an appointment? 

Follow the steps given below to apply online at PSK and schedule an appointment: 

Step 1: To apply online, you will have to visit the official Passport Seva website. If you are a new user, you will have to register yourself first. 

Step 2: Once registered, log in using your newly created username and password. 

Step 3: Choose the option “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport” and fill in the form with details like your name and contact information. 

Step 4: Navigate to the option “View Saved/Submitted Applications,” select “Pay and Schedule Appointment.” 

Step 5: You will have to complete the online payment (mandatory) using one of the options given below: 

• Internet Banking (SBI and other banks) 

• Debit/Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard/Rupay) 
• UPI
• SBI Wallet

Step 6: Click on the option “Print Application Receipt” if you want a copy of your application. Do note that carrying the printout to PSK is not mandatory. If you have an SMS with your Appointment Reference Number (ARN), it will be considered valid. 

How to Apply Offline at Passport Seva Kendra and schedule an appointment? 

Follow the steps given below to apply offline at PSK and schedule an appointment: 

Step 1: You will have to download the application form from the Passport Seva portal and take a printout. 

Step 2: Fill it with the required details (application type, name, place of birth, etc.). 

Step 3: Next, upload the completed form online. 

Once submitted, visit your nearest PSK on the scheduled date with your original documents. 

How to check the appointment availability at PSK?

The step-by-step procedure to check the appointment availability at a PSK is mentioned below 

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal. 

Step 2: On the homepage, click on "Check Appointment Availability” (this option is available without login).

Step 3: From the drop-down menus, select the desired Passport Office and then the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK).

Step 4: Enter the captcha code displayed. 

Step 5: Click on “Check Appointment Availability”. 

Step 6: The system will display available dates and time slots for different application types (Fresh Passport / Reissue / PCC / Diplomatic / Official). 

How to Check Passport Seva Kendra Application Status Online?

The following are the steps to check the PSK application status online:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal. 

Step 2: On the homepage, click on "Track Passport Application”.

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select your Application Type (e.g., Passport/PCC/IC/GEP, Diplomatic/Official, RTI, etc.). 

Step 4: Enter your File Number (ARN – Application Reference Number) and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY). 

Step 5: Click on “Track Application Status”.

Step 6: The current status of your application (e.g., Submitted, Under Review, Pending Police Verification, Granted, Printed, Dispatched) will be displayed on the screen. 

How to Check Passport Seva Kendra Application Status Offline? 

You can check your passport application status offline using the following methods:  

• SMS Service: Send an SMS in the format STATUS <File Number> to 9704100100 (standard SMS charges apply).  

• National Call Centre: Call the toll-free number 1800-258-1800, available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for executive support and 24 hours through the automated IVRS for application status and general passport-related queries.

In-Person Inquiry: Visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to check the status directly. 

Points to Remember when visiting Passport Seva Kendra on Appointment Day

Make a note of the points given below to ensure your visit to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is simple and stress-free, keep these points in mind: 

• Reach Before Time: It is advisable to reach the centre at least 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time for security checks and locating your counter. 

• Carry All Required Documents: Ensure that you are carrying all the original documents like photographs, ID proof, address proof, and any other supporting documents, along with copies, to avoid delays. 

• Wear Appropriate Dress: You need not wear formal dress when visiting the passport office, but it is advisable to choose modest and comfortable clothing. Avoid attire with offensive or distracting prints. 

• Follow the Rules: It is important to respect the PSK’s guidelines, wait in designated areas, avoid using mobile phones, and maintain discipline inside the office. 

• Stay Patient: PSKs can get crowded, and waiting is common. In such a scenario, it is advisable to stay calm and remember the staff is working to serve everyone as quickly as possible. 

• Ask for Help: If you face any confusion or need guidance, don’t hesitate to approach the officials. They’re there to support you. 

Other Services Offered by Passport Seva

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):  Issued to individuals for purposes like employment, long-term visa, migration, or residential status abroad. 

• Background Verification for Global Entry Program (GEP):  Available for Indian citizens applying for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Program. The Passport Office carries out necessary background verification. 

• Surrender Certificate:  Issued to Indian citizens who have renounced their Indian citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality. This is mandatory before obtaining an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. 

• Line of Control (LoC) Permits:  Issued by Regional Passport Offices in Jammu and Srinagar to residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for visiting relatives across the LoC for valid reasons. 

• Certificate of Identity:  Issued to stateless persons and certain categories of foreign nationals residing in India, including Tibetan refugees, when they are unable to obtain travel documents from any other authority. 

Contact Details of Passport Seva 

Phone number : 1800-258-1800

Email: passport.pg@mea.gov.in 

You can contact Passport Seva on this contact number between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. for executive support, while the automated IVRS is available 24 hours.

Summary

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is where you visit in person, after booking an online appointment, to submit your documents, biometrics and photographs for a passport. You can reschedule or cancel a Passport Seva Kendra appointment twice within one year of the first appointment date. You can then track your application status online, by SMS or through the national call centre.