In India, obtaining a passport is a crucial step for citizens who wish to travel abroad. One of the essential processes involved in issuing a passport is police verification. This process ensures that the applicant’s details are accurate and that there are no criminal records associated with them. Police verification for passport applications is a mandatory step that helps maintain national security and integrity. This article delves into the intricacies of police verification for passports in India, covering various aspects such as the need for verification, types of verification, processes involved, and frequently asked questions.
What is Police Verification for Passport?
Police verification for passport renewal or new passports is a process where the local police authorities verify the applicant’s identity, address, and background. This step is crucial to ensure that the passport is not issued to individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who may pose a threat to national security. The verification process involves a police officer visiting the applicant’s residence to confirm the details provided in the passport application.
Why Do We Need Police Verification for Passport?
The primary reason for police verification for passport renewal or new passports is to ensure the authenticity of the applicant’s details and to prevent the misuse of passports. It helps in:
Verifying the applicant’s identity and address.
Ensuring that the applicant does not have any criminal records.
Maintaining national security by preventing the issuance of passports to individuals with malicious intent.
Types of Police Verification for Indian Passport
There are three types of police verification for Indian passports:
No Police Verification Required: In certain cases, such as government employees with a valid identity certificate, police verification may not be required.
Pre-Police Verification: This is conducted before the passport is issued. The police verify the applicant’s details and submit a report to the passport office.
Post-Police Verification: This is conducted after the passport is issued. The police verify the details and submit a report to the passport office. If any discrepancies are found, the passport may be revoked.
Online Passport Police Verification Process
The online process for police verification for a passport involves the following steps:
Application Submission: The applicant submits the passport application online through the Passport Seva website.
Police Verification Request: The passport office sends a request to the local police station for verification.
Verification Visit: A police officer visits the applicant’s residence to verify the details provided in the application.
Report Submission: The police officer submits the verification report to the passport office.
The offline process for police verification of a passport involves the following steps:
Application Submission: The applicant submits the passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Police Verification Request: The passport office sends a request to the local police station for verification.
Verification Visit: A police officer visits the applicant’s residence to verify the details provided in the application.
Report Submission: The police officer submits the verification report to the passport office.
The documents required for police verification for a passport vary based on the type of application:
New Passport Application Documents:
Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
Proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement, etc.)
Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
Passport Re-issue/Renewal Documents:
Existing passport
Proof of address (if changed)
Proof of identity (if changed)
Related Blog: How to Apply for Reissue of Passport?
Checking Police Verification Status for Passport
The status of police verification for passports can be checked online through the Passport Seva website. The status can be one of the following:
Clear Status: Indicates that the verification is complete and the details are accurate.
Adverse Status: Indicates discrepancies or issues found during verification.
Incomplete Status: This indicates that the verification process is still ongoing.
Multiple Ways to Track Passport Police Verification Status
Applicants can track the status of their police verification for their passport through various methods:
Online through the Passport Seva website.
By contacting the local police station.
By calling the Passport Seva Kendra helpline.
Also Read about ECR in passport
Conditions for No Police Passport Verification Needed
In certain cases, police verification for a passport may not be required, such as:
Government employees with a valid identity certificate.
Applicants reissue their passport before it expires.
Conclusion
Police verification for passports is a critical step in ensuring the authenticity and security of passport issuance in India. It involves verifying the applicant’s identity, address, and background to prevent misuse of passports. The process can be conducted online or offline, and the status can be tracked through various methods. Understanding the importance and process of police verification for passports helps applicants prepare better and ensures a smooth application process. Understanding the importance of police verification, along with the benefits of travel insurance, helps applicants prepare better and ensures a smooth and secure travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, police officers are not supposed to take money for passport verification. Any such demand should be reported to higher authorities.
Yes, police verification is a mandatory step for issuing a passport in India.
Yes, if discrepancies or criminal records are found, the police can submit an adverse report, leading to the rejection of the passport application.
Yes, the police usually send a passport police verification message to the applicant before visiting for verification.
Yes, if the address has changed, police verification is required to confirm the new address.
If police verification fails, the passport application may be rejected, and the applicant will be notified of the reasons.
If the applicant is not available during the police visit, they can reschedule the verification by contacting the local police station.
The passport is usually dispatched within a few days after the police verification report is submitted.
No, the police will visit your residence for verification. You do not need to go to the police station.
If you are not available during the police visit, you can reschedule the verification by contacting the local police station.
Yes, you can reschedule the verification by contacting the local police station.
Generally, passport police verification for minors is not required up to the age of 18, provided their parents hold valid passports.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Is your flight delayed or cancelled?
Here are some tips to plan ahead and stay composed in such situations.
It is that time of the year when you look forward to celebrating the winter holidays with your loved ones. If you are a meticulous planner, you are likely to have spent days or even weeks to plan every step of your vacation. However, despite your exhaustive checklist, all that might be required to derail your travel plans, would be one unexpected delay or cancellation of a flight. This is no reason though for you to go into panic mode. Just a few precautions, knowledge of your air travel rights and being prepared with a few insider tricks, can help you stay composed in such anxiety-inducing situations.
Know your air travel rights
If your flight is delayed by more than two hours and less than 12 hours, then you are entitled to meals and refreshment at the airport according to regulations laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). If your flight is delayed by over 12 hours, you are entitled to hotel accommodation along with transfers. In case your flight is cancelled, your carrier is bound to provide you a seat on the next available flight on that airline or give you a refund. You must know that the airline is under no obligation to compensate, if the delay is due to extraordinary circumstances such as natural disaster, civil war, political instability etc.
Stay proactive
In times of crisis, the gate agents and the airport staff are inundated with hundreds of requests while pacifying irate passengers, so it may be easier to call the airline’s customer service to get yourself rebooked on the next flight.
Download the right apps
You never know when you are likely to be faced with a situation when your flight is delayed or worse, cancelled. To keep yourself updated at all times, you can download apps such as FlightAware, Flight Board, GateGuru etc which will give you real time information on the status of your flights.
Overseas travel
Different rules apply for different airlines. If you are planning to travel to Europe you should familiarise yourself with the regulations applicable there. Usually if your flight is delayed for more than three hours in Europe, you may be entitled to compensation (anywhere from 50 to 600 euros) based on a few factors, including your flight distance and length of delay.
Invest in travel insurance
The best way to prepare for travel-related emergencies is to invest in a travel insurance policy. A typical travel insurance plan may cover losses stemming from medical bills, curtailment or cancellation of a flight, loss of personal belongings or baggage, and emergency evacuation. If travellers need coverage for other type of emergencies, additional coverage options are available and can be added to the standard travel insurance plan.
Hold on your documents
When you arrive at your final destination, make sure that you keep your boarding pass and other travel documents. Many airlines or insurance companies may reject a legitimate claim, if you do not have the relevant documents. You may be able to recover your expenses caused by flight delays, including missed reservation, for your hotel or car rentals, if you keep your original receipts and documents in place.
Trying to Pack too much?
Trying to pack too much? Ten genius space saving tips to pack your suitcase
A business trip or a family holiday, travel by train or air, domestic or international, if there are two elements that are common, they are the excitement of a journey, and the stress of packing your bags.With airlines being stricter with their baggage policy, you may get to check in one bag or maximum two depending upon the destination and airline. Similarly, if you are travelling by train, the prospect of lugging or pulling your bags from one platform to another, over long and high bridges, to your compartment and berth is daunting even for the strongest, hardened passenger. Therefore, a primary requirement ahead of every trip is to ensure that you travel light and smart and try and fit everything you need for your trip into one bag, so that it does not exceed weight limitations, and is easy for you to carry yourself. A piece of cake? Yes, absolutely, especially if you follow these simple but effective tips below:
1)Organise your Jewellery
We usually pack all our jewellery in a pouch and stuff it in our bag, and then when you open the bag you realise that it is all tangled. To avoid such a situation, place your jewellery sets between sheets of plastic wrap, this will restrict their movement. For dainty chains, string the ends through straw to prevent them from tangling. To pack your earrings, organise them in a pill case compartment or in an old lip balm container. If you are packing really small studs, then fasten them through buttonholes.
2)Crease proof clothes
When you are packing clothes that wrinkle easily, lay them flat inside a plastic dry-cleaning bag, and then fold as normal. The plastic will prevent creases from setting in.
3)Roll your clothes
For saving space, roll your clothes instead of folding them. You will be surprised by how much more you can fit this way.
4)Cover Shoes
Keep the dirty soles of your shoe away from your clothes by sticking them inside a shower cap.
5)Utilise empty spaces
Stuff socks inside one shoe, so that it is easy for you to find them and it also saves space. The other shoe could be used to stuff bath products that won’t burst inside, such as shampoo bottle or shower gel.
6)Packing breakables
To protect your favourite perfume bottle from breaking, slip it into thick socks.
7)Hairpins in a box
Sometimes searching for hairpins in a big purse is like searching for a needle in a hay stack. Store the hairpins and clips in an old tic tac container for easy access.
8)Avoid Bulky bottles
Instead of packing big bulky bottles of lotion, for a quick weekend trip, just pour a little bit of the product into a clean contact case or small air tight container.
9)Packing liquids
To prevent liquid products from bursting and ruining everything else inside your bag, cut a small square of plastic wrap, unscrew the product’s lid, set the plastic wrap on top and secure it with a rubber band, then screw the lid back on. This way even if the lid pops open, no product can spill out.
10)Cap for your razor
If your razor doesn’t have a protective cap or the cap has broken, use a large binder clip to cover the sharp blades.
9 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to bid farewell to the past and welcome the future with joy, hope, and adventure. From fireworks to electrifying parties, the world offers an array of destinations where you can make your year-end celebrations unforgettable.
A Comprehensive Guide to Monsoon Travel
The monsoon season, with its lush greenery and refreshing rains, offers an enchanting and challenging travel experience. With the proper preparation and mindset, travelling in the monsoon can be a delightful adventure. This guide provides essential tips and insights to ensure your monsoon trip is safe, enjoyable, and memorable. From packing the right gear to choosing the best destinations, we cover everything you need to know about monsoon travel.
Tips for Travelling During MonsoonPacking the right items can significantly impact your monsoon travel experience. Here are some essentials to include in your luggage:
Also Read: Benefits of Travel Insurance
Health and Safety Tips for Monsoon TravelMaintaining health and safety during your monsoon trip is paramount. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Monsoon travel can be a magical experience if approached with the proper preparation and mindset. Following these tips and packing the necessary items can ensure a safe and enjoyable monsoon trip. Remember to check the weather, avoid risky activities, and prioritise your health and safety. With the best travel insurance in India, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are covered for any unexpected situations. Embrace the beauty of the rainy season and explore the best destinations for a memorable monsoon adventure.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.