What is Police Verification For Passport & Why is it Done?

• Police verification for passport is done when you submit a new passport application in India.

• After you submit your passport application, a police officer will visit your residence to verify the information and documents provided by you.
• You can submit your passport application and also track the status of police verification for passport via online portals.

The Ministry of External Affairs issues passports to eligible citizens in India. When you apply for a passport, you have to clear your passports police verification as part of the application procedure.Police verification is a process mandated by law to examine the information provided by a passport applicant. It includes verification of your name, address, and other personal details by the police, in order to ensure authenticity.Police verification for passport is a critical security element and is done while submitting a new passport application or renewing an existing one. You must make sure that you file your passport application correctly and adhere to all the rules and regulations.

Once you have submitted your information and documents for your passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra, the police verification for passport process will begin.The concerned police station will start the police verification process. Mentioned below is the step-by-step procedure to submit the form online:

• Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal .
• Step 2: Click on ‘Register Now.
• Step 3: Complete the registration process and login to the portal using the login ID.
• Step 4: Click on ‘Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.
• Step 5: Fill in the relevant details in the form and submit.
• Step 6: Select the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment option under the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications option.
• Step 7: Make the payment online. Next, click on ‘Print Application Receipt. The receipt will have the 'Application Reference Number' (ARN) printed on it. An SMS with the ARN will also be sent to your mobile number.
• Step 8: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra where your appointment has been scheduled.Remember to carry the original documentswhen you visit.

Police verification for passport is done in two ways:

Pre-Passport Issuance Verification

After you submit your passport application and before your passport is issued, the police station which falls under your residence's jurisdiction will carry out the police verification. In this process, a police officer will visit your residence to verify the information and documents provided by you.If all the information is authentic, your registered police station will clear the police verification for passport process and approve your passport.

Post-Passport Issuance Verification:

It is conducted after the passport has been issued to you. Post-passport issuance verification usually happens in instances of tatkal (urgent) passport applications, passports issued to government officials and diplomatic passport holders.

You will need the following documents during police verification for passport:

• Address proof (electricity bill or an Aadhaar card)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card or PAN card)
• An affidavit

When you apply for police verification for passport, the police issues different statuses after the verification is conducted. They are: Clear Clear status indicates that your application is successful and the police found no concerns regarding your application. It indicates that you have a clean record and no pending criminal cases against you. Adverse This status indicates that your passport has been withheld or revoked because the police found identify mismatches or incorrect information during the verification process. An adverse status could also mean that you have criminal charge pending against you. Incomplete This status indicates that the police stopped the verification process in the middle after finding out that the submitted documents were incomplete. The police may deem the verification incomplete also if you have not stayed at your residential address for a particular period of time.

Police verification for passport is a crucial step taken to ensure that potential fraud is prevented and national security is guaranteed. You must always provide correct information related to your identity and address, and refrain from practicing fraud when it comes to passport application.After the police verification process concludes, a report is generated and based on that, your passport is either granted or withheld. Remember to follow the complete process carefully and submit the correct documents as well as details to ensure a smooth experience. Also Read: Lost your Passport while Overseas? Heres what to do