Frequently Asked Questions when Applying for an Indian Passport

We all know how much important is passport for everyone, it work as a basic
identity for all. But getting a passport is never hassle free. This FAQ contains
answers to the frequent queries that are asked about the Indian Passport
1. I currently live in XXX city/town, while my hometown/permanent address is YYY.
Can I apply in XXX with address of YYY. Or Can I apply in YYY with YYY. Can I have
permanent address mentioned though I do not currently stay there.

The address that needs to be filled in needs to be the current one and one cannot
use an address that one is not currently true. So you need to apply in XXX with
current XXX address.

2. I applied in XXX RPO and the application is still pending. Can I apply in another
city or RPO or apply again in the same RPO?

No, you can not apply in another RPO/PSK while an application is still pending or
unresolved. You need to either get the old application resolved and passport issued,
or closed and gets a closure report. Alternatively you can also get the application
transferred from one RPO to another.

3. I applied under Normal, but now want the passport urgently. Can I apply again
under Tatkal.

An application under Normal can be converted to Tatkal by speaking to the

RPO/PSK staff. Under no circumstances should another application be made for any
reason while another is pending at any RPO.

4. I missed my passport Appointment made at the RPO/PSK due to (any) reason.

Can I just walk in or do I need a new appointment or do I need to complete a new
application.

It is not a good idea to miss an Appointment. If you do miss one, You can not just
walk in, you need to fill the entire application again under a new ID and make a
fresh appointment. The data already entered is apparently deleted.

5. How long does a Normal passport application take from application to passport in
hand.

While no timelines can be promised (no one here works for the RPO) and a lot
depends on the specifics of each applicants case, as also RPO applied at, time of
year etc, the RPO advices that it endeavors to issue a passport in 45 days time.
Going by the timelines posted on this site, It generally takes between 2 and 3
months in practice however in most RPO's.

6. My passport was refused or is pending because of wrong info furnished by the

agent/me as I was unaware of the procedure. Or I had an adverse Police report. Or
I have been penalized for falsification. How to resolve this.

The best way is to be honest and truthful on the passport application form and with
all officialdom. And ignorance is no excuse. Deal with the issues as soon as possible
and with honesty and humbleness (if you have made a mistake). That is the only
advice that can be given in general on a general website/forum.

7. I do not have a Birth Certificate. What is the alternative. My BC does not have
my name, will it be accepted.

If you were born on or after 26/01/1989, then you do need a BC, and there is no
alternative. If you were born before, a Class X or another document that has your
birth date will be acceptable. All BC's issued should have the name of the person.

8. I do not have any Proof of Address on my name. What is the alternative?

The Proof of Address need not be on the name of the applicant. However you need
to provide a document that proves how you are linked to the name on the Proof of
Address. E.g. If proof of address is in Parent's name, a Birth certificate or Education
certificate with that parents name.

9. I am married. I do not have a Marriage certificate.

All passports issued to married persons are required to now have the name of the
spouse mentioned on the passport. Those married in the past decade or so, will
need a Marriage certificate for a passport. However there does not seem to be a
fixed cutoff date like one exists for the BC. For those whose passports were issued
before marriage, renewal/reissue will be with the spouse name.

10. I am recently married. Do I need to change my name/surname to my husband's

before applying for passport? If I already have a passport, do I need to apply for
change of name after I get married?

It is not mandatory to change either the name or the surname or both after
marriage. However the choice is entirely yours and if you decide to do so, you
should get the passport reissued under your new name, as well as the other
documents like PAN card etc that you have..

11. I want to apply for a passport for my Baby/minor child. What do I need.

In addition to the regular documents required for a minor, Annexure H is required

to be submitted. Although the Official FAQ clearly mentions that the parent(s) need
not have a passport before making an application for a Minor's passport, practical
experience shows that in most cases at least one parents passport is required to be
available. Most RPO's insist on the spouse name to be endorsed on both passports
of minor's father and mother. If either of the parents does not have a passport, it is
a better to apply for minor's and spouse's passport together. If either of the parents
is not currently in India, they should provide an Affidavit permitting the other

parent to apply for the minor's passport. The affidavit should be certified by the
nearest consulate of India.

12. I am separated from my spouse. Can I get the spouse name removed.

Spouse name can only be removed in case of death or a legal court issued divorce.

13. The passport tracker shows XXX status and has not changed for YYY days. What
does it mean.

The reasons could be many or none at all. Some steps in the process do take time
due to the nature of the activity and the multiple levels of bureaucracy involved.
For example, the Police verification involves the RPO sending the request to the
Area SP of Police office that in turn sends the request to the concerned local area
Police Station. The verification report once completed once again returns through
the step way back to the RPO.

Unless you have any reason to believe that the process is stuck or it has indeed
taken an inordinate amount of time, there may not be much to do than wait.

14. Status messages on the Passport Application tracker do not seem to make
sense or do flow in a linear order.

See Step 5 "Track your Application above.

15. Is Aadhar Card accepted for Passport Applications?

Yes, Effective Jan '2013, Aadhar Card is now accepted both as a Proof of Identity
and as a Proof of Address.

For more queries visit www.passportsuchna.com

About The Author - Passport Suchna passes on thorough details for online passport
application and all information related to passport. We additionally communicate
info about the Documents required for passport, non-ecr, concerning numerous
passport offices in India, fee structure of passport. You'll discover all the
information you require what to do in case of passport renewal/lost
passport/damage Passport