My passport validity was about to expire in a couple of months and I was thinking of renewing it sometime soon. Very recently got to know about ‘Passport Seva Kendra’ (PSK) through a friend and decided to use this newly launched facility to renew my passport. All the information was available on their website about the documents, process, fee structure etc., It was indeed a very smooth option to fill out all the form detail online as well as submitting the same through their website. Also, there was an option to schedule the appointment with passport issuing authority online!
To be doubly sure, I called up their toll free helpline 1800-258-1800 to ensure I have the right set of documents and the process followed is correct. Since there was no change in address, I just had to drop in personally at PSK at a pre-scheduled time with current passport which is about to expire. Well, the other documents included the appointment acknowledgement print out and 2 self attested photo copies from the current passport.
I was told explicitly that there is no need to carry photographs as they have set up a digital imaging system to capture photo there itself while processing the form. Also, I was told that the fee for reissue of passport can be paid at the processing counter. All is well until this point.
Rest of the story as it unfolded made me realize the famous saying – “if everything goes smooth without any hurdles, surely you are in wrong lane”. Well, I had the appointment between 1:30pm – 2:15pm at Passport Seva Kendra, Lalbagh road, Bangalore. Reached the premises and got inside the building at 1:00pm upon showing the acknowledgment print out of the appointment. Had to stand in the queue here too to get a token for visiting processing, verification and issual counters. The queue wasn’t moving at all. After an hour one of the official came out and said the servers are down and it may take a while. Later on got to know that the servers were down since 11:30am! Thanks to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) who have partnered with ministry of external affairs, India to empower the IT systems/infrastructure and to maintain these PSK kiosks.
Again at 2:30pm, one elderly official came to announce that they will switch over to manual mode of passport processing since the servers haven’t been restored and they are not in a position to retrieve the forms that applicants had submitted online. They decided to process those who had filled in forms in hand which weren’t submitted online. Online applicants were told to BUY form (which costs Rs. 10/-) and fill it up, ensure to have passport size photos, then head over to processing counters to get the work done. A fool in me, relying too much on computers had gone there without photos. I had 2 options : Either get the photos and fill up the form all over again manually or visit again some other day hoping to be lucky by then. Since there was a huge crowd and had to attend to work decided for the latter option.
So, this is what I learnt from todays experience:
1. Don’t rely on computer systems at government offices YET!
2. Always carry photographs no matter what whenever you need to fill a form related to govt offices.
3. Carry a pen in the pocket whenever you are out (my parents still shout at me for not complying to this since my college days, there is a bigger story on why don’t like to keep one… may be sometime later!)
4. Expect not to get the work done through govt offices as per the schedule.
Thanks for reading, hope you will not repeat what I did and may you have all the luck to get the “God’s work” done on time, as mentioned in the book! Remember, there is an engraved quote on the Vidhana Soudha – “Government Work is God’s Work”… YES! I understand that now in a better way.
Sireesha says
Things have changed a lot, thanks for the heads up on what to expect from passport seva kendras for renewal applications.
Mohan says
Glad this was useful for you Sireesha!
Aparna bhowmik says
worst experience..pls plsss dnt go lalbagh psk staff are worst and behavior is not all good, they behave like we are slave.
first day when i went for reissues of passport they said bank statement is not enough as i am out of Karnataka , so they want 2 address proof and in bank statement , bank manger sign and it was attested but they want self attested photo also.
2nd day when i went with all proof they are telling self attested in photo for bank statement is not valid we want bank attested in ur photo..
pathetic, horrible etc etc experience
Had all the required documents but still ignored twice, Very Very worst attitude from the people there.
Usain says
Dear sir, my passport status is Status Police report has been submitted by respective Thana and is under review at SP Office, District Kurukshetra.
What is de means this heb any problem in my inquary
Jagadeesan says
I have lost all my documents relating to my age and qualification. I am a senior citizen. What is the procedure to get a passport?
mehtab alam says
Sir I apply normal passport on feb for the first time after the successful appointment stuts show your passport on hold then I book second time appointment on 5/06/15 now one monthe later no pv come and passport status show your passport application under review at psk sir what I do now wait or book third time appointment. ..
Nikkey says
Regarding the Renewal of Passport :
Hi All ,
My passport was about to get expired next month(i.e. June).So i asked one of friend what is procedure to get the pp renewed.He answered its an online registration and book a slot/appointment.On particular day of Slot just take your original documents ,with two sets of Xerox copies of,documents, PP with first two pages nd last page self attested .
I asked him to book a slot for me .He went to the site and gave all the details and the slot was booked.After two days i just loggined to see the personal details was correctly filled or not.Than i find IN Mothers Name there was a alphabet missing (For eg:Akshada — it was reflecting as Akshad —-were a is missing).Then i called my friend and told him there are mistakes done ,he was nothing will happen.Then i called the customer care,the agent told no an issue at the token counter you have an option if there are any changes need to be done or else u can ask at the token counter.
On the slot day the time was given at (10.15 am) ,i reached there around (9.40 am) ,their was queue ,i went in the queue ,At around (10am) the security left us
by seeing the ARN(application Register Number) with the time.
Step 1 :Go to Token Counter
Give your Original Passport, ARN printout ,online payment Recipt,Address proof printout .
The Passport Agent Will Check and ask you do you have any changes in the application.If yes , we need to list out the changes,the agent will circle out at the changes and sign.
Then he will pass the the file to next counter,where the token will be provided .The Another Agent will call us with our Name ,we need to go and take the Token and file will be given .
Step 2:Security will see the Token and ask you to go A counter
At “A” counter we have around 20 cabins where the TCS employes are ready to help us.As i entered i could see there are LCD’s Screen with Token Nos and Counter Name displayed or else the agent will be calling ur name.I could see the token number and went to particular cabin .I just gave the File and the token number receipt ,passport.I
He was just verifying the online form which we submitted and i told him the changes he just did ,took a snap,scanned my thumbs and fingers,collected rs35/- it was sms charges.within 5mins the process got completed.
Step 3:At B counter.
I was waiting atleast an hour for the token number to get displayed .At last i had the number on the screen .I went gave passport and she has just verified .within 40-50 secs i was out.
Step 4: At C Counter :
Her i was waiting for 15-20 mins.At last i had the number on the screen .I went gave passport and she has just verified within 40-50 secs and asked me to get the acknowledgement letter at exit counter.
Step 5:At Exit Counter :Gave the passport;
He Just Scanned it and gave an Acknowledgement letter with the File no.He stated within 7 days passport will be received.
Lastly the security gave the FeedBack form to fill.
Documents :
If Online Register :
ARN Copy
Online payment Recipt
First two pages and last page of passport Xeroed with self attestation
Original passport
Address proof :like bank passbook,bank stmt of 1 year with stamp ,Aadhar
card,etc…
The process went smoothly and was out within 1.5 hrs
This was the experience i had psk ,begumpet,hyd.
Swaminathan says
My guess is still these type of lapses persists there. Companies like TCS/TATAs should learn what is ‘World Class Service’. I am sorry to say that these types of companies have spoiled India for the past 65 yrs and still able to survive without learning/following the global standards in their service and products.
Alex says
Yesterday minor’s passport was given for renewal
at exit, the acknowledgement letter showed ECR required- yes.
How to rectify this as parents passport status is ECR not required( and even minor’s old passport is also ECR not required).
what is the process of seeking appointment to meet passport officer in PSK belandur to resolve this.
is it by walk in only? if so what are timings or any other online means before passport is printed?
Rani says
Hi Mohan,
First of all let me thank you for taking the initiative of creating this platform to share and raise questions related to passport renewal and application.Kudos..!
Today i applied online for my passport renewal as its expiring in 3 days time. I had checked the SMS option to get updates about the application progress. Since there were couple of errors in the application, i had to resubmit and later realized that the SMS option was not checked at the time of submission.
My question is whether we will get the updates via the email address(shared in the form) or is it mandatory to avail the SMS service to get a real time updates about my application status,
Shruti says
Read some news about faster processing and dispatch of fresh and renewal passport applications across india. What is the current expected time for both of these? will it happen in less than 10 days?
Bhanu M says
Is this new process only for passport renewal cases? Are the new passports being issued too under this plan without police verification?
Mohan says
This is only for passport renewal. Police verification is not a must if only for renewal and there in no change in address as that of the existing/lapsed passport.
Chetan says
From when will this address verification for passport renewal be waived off?
Mohan says
Hi Chetan, this is currently being proposed by ministry of external affairs which is responsible for issuance of passports. If all goes well, it will be reality in a month as per the news reports.
Mohan says
There is some good news for all those who are applying for passport renewal. Ministry of external affairs has come up with a proposal to do away with police verification for renewal cases where address is the same as that of the previous passport.
Priya Rao says
That sounds great Mohan! waiting for details. Acche din aagaye!
Shami says
What does this has to do with Acche din? Some good mind behind the scenes would have been working on it for a long time and now the new govt is getting the credits.
Mohan says
As long as the good happens to those who are looking for some respite from the existing bureaucracy, it is a welcome change. No matter who gets it rolling 🙂
Reema says
Wow.. sounds good for all the passport renewal cases. Awaiting for complete launch of this programme across all passport seva kendras.
vicki says
I am about to apply for my sons passport re issue (due to date expiry) but we have recently moved house and don’t have any of the listed address proofs yet. Its a new place so we got the builder to write an official letter stating we are residing at the new address.
Will I have problems when I finally get an appointment at PSK ?
Mohan says
Vicki – it is better to get the address proof from your employer. Do share your feedback once you are done, this will help a lot of people later on.
Nova says
Vicki – get an address proof letter from your employer. Based on that, have your address updated at your bank (should not be a problem if the account is more than 1 year old). Then get the bank to issue you a letter stating your updated address and also carry a copy of the passbook page that mentions the new address (if it’s a public sector bank). Make sure the address page in your passbook has your photo as well. If it’s a private sector bank, carry a copy of stamped bank statement for the last 1 year. Also ask the bank to give you a letter in an official letterhead and signed by an authorized signatory with a signature number and stamp.
Ajay says
“if everything goes smooth without any hurdles, surely you are in wrong lane”.
More like Murphy’s law: If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong!
Ram says
Hi,
I have applied for a passport re-issue from Bangalore , PSK office. I have added spouse name and Address change in this re-issue application.
I submitted my application on 21-May-2014, and currently the status is showing,
“Police Report has been submitted by Commissioner Office, District Bangalore and action for passport printing is initiated, to be followed by lamination, signing, quality check and dispatch.”
Can you please tell me how much more time it will take to get the passport in hand? Please share your experiences.
Thanks
Ram
Noor says
Even my status is showing the same. Kindly let me know if any progress.
Mohan says
Usually for the mentioned changes in your case and the re-issual of new passport doesn’t take too long beyond 15 days as per the govt directive. how long did it take? did you get the new passport with changes? please share the details, it will help fellow readers.
subhasis roy chowdhury says
sir. myself subhasis. working in pune as a civil draughtsman. pasport is there. but it was expired before 5 years. so I want to renued. plz help me
narayan says
hello..
i am facing a problem when i log in.
after login when i click on “shedule Appoinment” from there a reply coming and the msg is “maximum number of shedule exceed for the day” what should i do now to take a date….
SRIRAM JOSHI says
Easiest Way followed by Passport Agents for applying Passport without taking Online Appointment
Myself Sriram joshi from Chitradurga, came to know that the Passport Agents give Passport assistance without the Online Appointments and there is no need to visit Passport Seva Kendra for submission of Passport Applications. The Passport Agents from Chitradurga, Challakere, Hiriyur, Davangere, Hospet, Bellary, Tumkur etc., collects the documents from the customers and he will fill the Old Passport Application in hand, photograph with white background duly affixed and signed by the customer and enclose a DD for Rs.1,500/- with the xerox copies of Age and Residential Proof and make a separate packet for an application with a bribe of Rs.500/- per application. Then after collecting 20 to 30 Passport Applications with all relevant documents he will go to Gulbarga in person and submit the Applications to the Official of Passport Collection Centre working at Gulbarga who are coming from Bangalore to work at Gulbarga. The Agent collects Rs.5,000/- per Passport from customers, in which Rs.1,500/- for Passport fee, Rs.500/- bribe for Official working at Passport Collection Centre, Gulbarga and remaining Rs.3,000/- is to the Agent for the service rendered. The Agents say that there is no hurdle of verification/rejection as it will be done at PSK and there is no need to visit PSK in person for submission of Passport Application. This is the way the Agents are doing their service and collecting huge amounts from the customers.
Ramesh says
Truly TCS is really pathetic bulshit company which has spoilt the govt passport office in India without ensuring system downtime & no BCP:DRP in place pathetic company..Manual process few years was much more efficient & effective..
All chaos has to be faced & bear the pain we as Indian citizens..
Mukesh says
Photograph Not needed there. 😛
Dass Vijayakumar says
hi I am vijayakumar dass i got my passport ten years ago and it has been expired on the 10th feb 2013.I seek you valied advice in getting my passport renewed as early as possible.I lookforward to get your reply. thaks and regards,
vijayakumar.
Umesh Gowda.T.V says
Hi
My wife and me applied for the passport in the month of Feb 2013, police verification was through at the same time for both, she received the passport but mine is yet to be received. The status says passport is under review at the RPO. Kindly let me know what to be done in this matter?
Neeraj says
Hi
My passport application is at “Police Report has been submitted by SP Office, District East Delhi and passport printing is in progress.”from last 2 weeks. Could you please let me know how much time would it take to reach me?
Called call center lot of times but they are saying they have no fixed timing as this gets printed we will dispatch.
Your comments are highly appreciated.
Sreedevi says
i have one invalid passport 1991 to 2001 .i have renewed the same by 2001 valid upto 2011 . due to reason of my education my parents switch over to their native along with me 2002(another state).that time all the travel documents are missed . we didnt report and publish.so they applied a new passport without mention the previous passport details.new passport of native state is issued valid upto 2012 which is also expired .regading job i came my childhood state(1991 to 2001 passport area).now we want to apply new one now. i m now living in childhood state, all my adress proof is belong to the childhood state now. whether i m eligible to apply new passport to childhood state or not if possible what i want to submit . please help me. is any penalty
Nikhil says
Dear Sreedevi,
You should have reported the loss of documents. What is the address in your current passport and what do you want to know because your query is very confusing as it does not state anything apart from the loss of your original documents.
-Nikhil
Deepu R says
My Passport was expired before 3 years(i.e on 9th September, 2009). Should I go for renewal or apply for fresh passport? Also, there are some changes Which I would like to have in my new passport (Like my Signature, My moms name etc). Is that allowed? Kindly reply…..
Manikandan says
You have to go for re-issue.
You can change any of your personal details with appropriate supporting documents.
Abdul Rahman says
My passprt photo got damaged. Please give your suggestion.
Mohan says
That is interesting.. how can the photo on passport get damaged? Whatever it may be, you need to report it to both police and passport office to get another one.
Shobha says
Dear Mr.Mohan,
Excellent write up about the ‘usual’ hassels faced by the common man. My query is regarding scheduling an online appointment, which I am not getting through in the past three days & neither is any operator answering the toll free number! Is is a must? If not, please let me know the procedure to go straight to the seva kendra to get my passport re-issued. Thanks in advance
Mohan says
Hi Shobha, there exists two other alternatives than seeking an online appointment.
1. You can stand in the queue early in the morning on any working day and they have few slots for people who come in person on a daily basis.
2. There were few ‘Passport Mela’ programmes in the recent past where in even during weekends the passport office was open to serve the sheer high volume of passport applicants.
Try out these options and all the very best.
Shobha says
Thank you for the reply. Will try out the first option.
Mohan says
All the best Shoba. Update us when you get through any other alternatives
Shobha says
Though I never got through with an online appointment, I got my daughter’s passport renewed through a direct walk-in appointment by queuing up at the passport seva kendra early in the morning as suggested by you. This kind of appointment is only possible for minor children, senior citizens & tatkal scheme of renewal.
I now have to again try my luck with online appointment (mandatory for all other types of renewals & reissues) for my own passport renewal. Will get back with that story after it’s through.
Ravi says
Hi Shobha,
Were you able to renew your passport ? How much time did it take..
Regards
Ravi
dinesh says
sir i need my passport renew what should i do help me
Stalin says
What is the meaning of this status message “your passport application is under review at RPO”?
rajesh y says
My status is “your passport has been printed and you would receive an sms/Email once the passport is dispatched”. Any one please let me know how long it takes to get the passport. past 1 week same status.
Thanks in advance
SK says
Dear Rajesh its regular procedure dont worry it will take maximum one week from now and you will receive your passport in three weeks max.
Vijay says
Read and complied with all requirements as per the Document Advisor on Passport Seva Kendra website which says: Is applicant’s present address different from that in the existing passport? Yes/NO …NO. Old passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages including ECR/Non-ECR page and page of observation (if any). CATCH. Note: The list of documents provided in the table above is indicative. The decision of APO/RPO shall be considered final.
In accordance to the CATCH Note had to go through the Police Verification and all related bureaucratic delay. Applied for a PPC at the Passport Seva Kendra Mumbai Malad. However, got my PCC after 2 months by visiting Passport Sava Kendra Mumbai Malad and saying that I had received their SMS to collect my PCC get into the Passport Seva Kendra though I had not received one to find my PCC was ready for collection.
The status on Passport Seva Kendra site still reads PCC application is under review at Passport Seva Kendra. And the grievance filed on Passport Seva Kendra site still stands as unresolved to date.
There is no clarity on what is the specific requirement leaving adequate scope for individual interpretation.
IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA!
priyamvada says
hi
I applied for the passport in june 2012. Today my status is “Your Passport has been printed and You would receive an sms/email once the passport is dispatched.”
How long it will take for me to get passport.
Guri says
Visit the passport office without delay – this is status when something is wrong with your passport file and police report. Visit RPO office without delay.
dimbul says
why this status says it’s some thing wrong can you pls elaborate any situation.
Sirisha says
What is the meaning of this status message “your passport application is under review at RPO”?
Status is not changed for the past 1 month….
jickson says
i too have the same problem…somebody help please……..
jickson says
I GOT MY PASSPORT ,JUST THE 5TH DAY AFTER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE 7 MONTHS DELAY FOR PROCESSING BY EMAILING TO THEIR CUSTOMER CARE (GRIEVANCE) ………. PASSPORT SEVA ISN’T PERFECT IN PROCESSING ..SOMETIMES THEY SKIP SOME APPLICATIONS … DO REMIND THEM BY SENDING YOUR COMPLAINT 🙁
shashank says
Hi i too facing the same issue its almost 7 month. I didnt get my passport yes. Status is same “Passport application is under review at Regional Passport Office.”
since last 3 months. Kindly let me know where i cnt comlaint so that i get my passport
Heena says
Hi Sir, I have applied for passport through this website. Completed the steps required to take an appointment, however unable to get one since the past 3 weeks. It always gives an error to try at 3:pm , but when i log in much before 3 and after 3 as well it gives the same error.
RKJ says
Hi Heena – Please try to book the appointment slot at 6:00 pm in the evening. 6:00 pm sharp. Also, ensure that you use a fast internet connection while trying to book the appointment.
Rajesh says
I have received my Passport Last week. When i check the status on this day it says “Police has completed verification process on 25/11/2012. Your passport will be dispatched after ‘Clear’ Police Verification Report is received at Regional Passport Office. You would receive an email/sms once the passport is dispatched”.Earlier i got a msg that my passport has been dispatched vide Speed Post no xxxxxx, But why my status is showing like this now ?
RKJ says
Hi Rajesh – Please call 1800-258-1800 (Toll Free) for the latest status as the one present on site might not be updated one. Make sure that you speak with customer care representative to get the status.
Krishna says
Sir,
My name was printed as Murty in my SSLC Certificate actually it has to be Murthy.
In all my other certificates & in all proofs it was printed as Murthy. Can i apply for passport with my name as Murthy. if not what i have to do ?
Regards,
Murthy
Chandra says
Hi,
My passport status says,” Your Passport has been printed and You would receive an sms/email once the passport is dispatched.” Still how much more time is required for it to be dispatched? My friend applied for his passport too, on the same day as mine. He got his passport last week.
Regards,
Chandra
SK says
It depends for each single person, it will take maximum three weeks.
Yeshwant says
Hi everyone
i am writing down about my passport status.Please provide your suggestion
14th may 2012: I have applied for passport first time by visiting PSK patna through normal(not tatkal).
01st Jun 2012: I got police verifivcation call from police station.
I was not in the town so police returned the application after waiting 10 days .
25th August 2012: Passport status updated that after clear police verification your passport will be dispatched .
30th oct 2012: Police verification is initiated and sent to SP office.
3rd Nov 2012: Passport application is under review at Regional Passport Office.
what is the next step and how much time it may take .
Arun says
hi, I would suggest wait for couple of weeks because you can see status is getting change frequently that means some action is being taken. after that u can check if there is any issue with ur file. just have patience for couple of weeks more
Yeshwant says
is it possible that without police verification, Passport will be issued