Passport Guide
After submitting your passport form, it is natural to wonder what happens next. From biometric to police verification and dispatch, each stage leaves a digital trail.
To see your passport file status, visit the Passport Seva track application status page. Enter your file number and date of birth. The system will show the current status based on your ARN. If biometric is complete, the portal updates it next day. If police verification is pending, that line will appear clearly.
This guide shows how to check passport application status through every method. You will learn how to track on the official website, mobile app, SMS format, and offline call support. These steps help you understand whether your file is under review, pushed for printing, or already sent by Speed Post. Every stage can be seen. You just need to follow the right process.
How Many Ways to Track My Passport Application Status
Once your passport form is submitted, you do not need to wait. There are 4 official ways to check your passport application status. These include online, mobile, SMS, and call-based options.
Each uses your file number and date of birth to fetch the current file update. These services are managed by the Ministry of External Affairs under the Passport Seva system.
You can track your passport using:
- Passport Seva website
- mPassport Seva mobile app
- Toll-free helpline 1800 258 1800
- SMS to 9704 100 100 with file number
Each option gives access to your real-time status. If the file has moved to biometric, police verification, or printing, it will show directly. These methods work for fresh applications, reissues, and Tatkaal submissions.
How to Check Passport Application Status Online
You do not need to log in. Just go to the Passport Seva site and use your file number to check the status directly. This is a live system that shows your passport progress from form submission to dispatch.
Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva site
Go to passportindia.gov.in. On the homepage, look for the Track Application Status option. You do not need an account to use this.
Step 2: Click on Track Application Status
Once clicked, the site will take you to a simple form. This is the official tracking dashboard under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Step 3: Choose your Application Type
A dropdown appears. Select the correct category based on your file. The most common option is Passport/ PCC/ IC/ GEP. The list also includes RTI, Diplomatic, Surrender Certificate, and Appeal Application (see screenshot).
Step 4: Enter File Number and Date of Birth
Your file number is a 15-digit code from your application receipt. Enter it carefully. Then type your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format. Both fields are required to pull your record.
Step 5: View your current file status
Click the “Track Status” button. The system will show where your file is. You may see messages like “Application Submitted,” “Police Verification Initiated,” “Print Under Process,” or “Dispatched.”
This method works across India and reflects the most recent update in your passport application dashboard.
How to Check Passport Application Status on mPassport Seva Mobile App
If you prefer tracking on your phone, the mPassport Seva mobile app gives real-time passport status without logging into the full website. It works for both Android and iOS and is powered directly by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Step 1: Install the app from the official app store
Search mPassport Seva on Play Store or App Store. Make sure you download the app by NIC, Ministry of External Affairs. It is light, safe, and works in both English and Hindi.
Step 2: Register your mobile and set a secure login
Once installed, open the app and register with your phone number and email. You will receive a one-time password. Set a strong login PIN or password for future access.
Step 3: Go to ‘Track Application Status’ on home screen
After logging in, you will see a direct option labeled Track Application Status. Tap it. No extra navigation or menus needed.
Step 4: Enter your file number and date of birth
Now enter your 15-digit file number and DOB in the format shown (dd/mm/yyyy). You can find the file number on your passport application receipt or SMS.
Step 5: Tap View Status and see your live update
Tap View Status and the system will fetch your live passport status. You will see whether your file is under processing, at biometric, under police verification, printing, or already dispatched.
The app syncs with the Passport Seva database, so updates are real. Refresh once per day if you are waiting for fast delivery or Tatkaal dispatch.
Track Passport Application Status Using Toll-free Numbers
Some people still prefer phone support over websites or apps, especially those who do not use internet or are older. You can check your passport application status directly by calling the official helpline numbers provided by the Ministry of External Affairs. These work across India, with special lines for Jammu and Kashmir and North-East states.
Helpline options to track your passport status:
- 1800 258 1800 — National toll-free line (8 AM to 10 PM)
- 040 66720567 — For Jammu and Kashmir (call charges apply)
- 040 66720581 — For North-East states (call charges apply)
If you call during working hours, a Citizen Service Executive will answer and help you. For late hours, the system uses IVRS. Just follow the voice instructions and enter your file number and date of birth when asked. The IVRS will speak your current file status clearly.
This offline method is useful if your internet is not working or if you prefer simple phone support. Keep your file details ready before calling to avoid delay.
Check Passport Status Via SMS
If you cannot check online, SMS tracking is a quick option. From your registered mobile number, just send this:
STATUS <FILE NUMBER> to 9704100100
Make sure there is one space between the word STATUS and your file number. This SMS tracking is a paid service and works only if your mobile number is already linked to your passport file during submission.
Do not use a other number. The system matches the mobile number to the one used in your application. If there is a mismatch, you will not get any update back.
You can use this method at any time. But if delivery fails or returns empty, wait and retry after some time.
This is one of the easiest ways to track status when internet is slow or unavailable. Just check your balance first, since standard SMS rates apply.
What Each Passport Application Status Means
Every time you check your passport file on the Passport Seva portal, the system shows a real-time update. These messages reflect what step your file has reached from first form check to dispatch. Knowing what each update means helps avoid confusion.
Application Submitted: Your passport form is now logged in the Passport Seva system. It shows the file has been received and will move to the next review queue soon. No action is needed yet.
Application Verified: The system checked your uploaded documents and personal details. Everything looks correct so far. The backend process will now prepare the file for internal clearance.
Passport Status Created: The application is now active inside the Passport Seva workflow. This status shows your ARN is valid, visible to officials, and queued for further verification steps like PVR or printing.
Police Verification Initiated: The file is now passed to the local police station. A home visit may happen soon. Keep your ID and address proof ready for the officer. You can also track this stage from the dashboard.
Police Verification Completed: The police station confirmed your identity and address. The verification report is now submitted to the system. This moves the application closer to approval and printing.
PCC Status: A Police Clearance Certificate has been issued. This means no criminal record or pending case was found. Your file is now tagged as safe to proceed and will be updated shortly.
Passport Printing Initiated: The backend has approved your file. It has now entered the print queue. No change can be made at this stage. Status will change automatically after print.
Passport Printed: Your passport is now fully printed and ready for dispatch. Physical copy is packaged and tagged for India Post pickup. This stage typically lasts less than 24 hours.
Passport Dispatched: The passport is handed over to Speed Post. A 13-digit tracking number is assigned. You can check live delivery updates on the India Post website using that number.
Passport Delivered: The application cycle is complete. Your passport has reached your address. Keep a scanned copy saved and store the original safely. Use it for visa or travel as needed.
Track Passport Dispatch Status via Speed Post
Once your passport is dispatched, tracking shifts to India Post. The speed post tracking number is 13 digits long and linked to your Passport Seva login. This number helps you check where your consignment is and when it will reach.
Use these steps to follow your passport delivery:
- Log in to your Passport Seva account and copy your 13-digit tracking number
- Open the India Post website (indiapost.gov.in)
- Click on the ‘Track Consignment’ section on the homepage
- Enter your tracking number in the ‘Consignment Number’ box
- Press ‘Search’ to see current status of passport delivery
If the system says no data, it means the passport is not yet dispatched. Sometimes the website shows delay even if the passport is close to delivery. For real-time clarity, visit your nearest Speed Post center directly.
If delivery fails due to wrong address or absence, the passport is sent back to your Regional Passport Office. In that case, call the RPO or write to them for fresh dispatch or in-person collection.
When you see “Ready for dispatch,” it means your passport is printed and packed for delivery. You will get it soon unless redirected. If urgent, you can also submit a request to collect it directly from RPO with valid reason.
How to Check Passport Police Verification Status
Once your passport file is submitted, the police verification stage decides how fast things move next. You can track this easily inside the Passport Seva portal using your ARN. Look under your application status — if the police section is visible, it means that stage has started.
If it says “Initiated,” your file has reached the local police station. If it shows “Clear” or “Completed,” you are good to go — this means police verification status is updated. But if nothing changes for days, it means the file is stuck at police stage or not yet picked.
You can directly visit your local police station with a copy of your ARN file and Aadhaar. Ask for the officer handling passport checks. If that fails, go back to Passport Seva and use the grievance option. Choose pending verification ARN and submit the delay complaint.
Final Checklist to Track Passport Application Without Issues
Make sure these simple things are ready before you try tracking. It saves time and helps avoid errors on the portal or app. Below is your fast-check list — each point helps smooth out the process and avoids confusion:
- Keep your ARN and DOB handy
- Use official site only (passportindia.gov.in)
- Check status early morning or late evening
- Bookmark the mPassport Seva app
- Track Speed Post only after dispatch shows
- Use SMS only with correct format
- Follow up if police check stays pending
- Save screenshots of status if needed
This checklist covers all methods online and offline to help you check your passport file at every stage without delay.
Common Questions on Passport Application Status
Can I track passport without file number
No. The Passport Seva system needs the 15-digit file number to pull your application data. There is no alternative like Aadhaar or mobile number for this purpose. File number is mandatory for any real-time passport status check.
Why does status show no record found
It usually means the entered file number is incorrect or the system has not updated yet. If your ARN was just generated, give it a few hours. If still blank after 24 hours, recheck your Passport Seva receipt for typos.
How long does police verification take
On average, police verification under normal mode takes 5 to 12 working days after the status shows “Initiated.” For tatkaal, PVR may still happen post-issue. Track your biometric and verification stage on the Passport Seva dashboard daily.
What if Speed Post shows failed delivery
If Speed Post says “Attempted” or “Undelivered,” contact your local delivery center immediately using the tracking number. If it is returned, your passport goes back to PSK. You will need to collect it from there or raise a re-dispatch request.
Can I call PSK directly for update
No. PSKs do not have direct numbers for applicant queries. Always use the national passport toll-free number 1800 258 1800 or track via portal. For urgent issues, log a complaint on the grievance redressal tab with your ARN and details.
Why is status stuck after printing
After printing, the dispatch stage can take up to 2 working days before it moves forward. If it stays stuck longer, check Speed Post tracking. Sometimes the dispatch updates late even though the passport is already in transit.
Is tatkaal file tracked faster
Yes. Tatkaal applications move quickly through all stages, but tracking still uses the same file number and dashboard as normal mode. You will usually see printing and dispatch within 1 to 3 days after biometric is done.
How many days from printing to delivery
Once printed, most passports reach the user within 3 to 5 working days via Speed Post. Track using the 13-digit consignment number from your Passport Seva account once dispatch status becomes live.
Can I check status via Aadhaar
No. The system does not support status check using Aadhaar. You must use your file number and date of birth on the Passport Seva portal or the mPassport Seva mobile app. Aadhaar only helps during form filling and document proof.
When should I contact the Regional Passport Office
If your application is stuck for more than 15 working days at any stage (police, printing, dispatch) without any progress, and no response comes from helpline or email, then reach out to the RPO. Carry your ARN and ID when visiting.
Final thoughts
Tracking your passport status is not as hard as it seems. You just need the right number, a few clicks, and a little patience. Whether it is through the Passport Seva portal, the mobile app, SMS, or the toll-free number your file updates are always within reach.
Just make sure your ARN and date of birth are entered right. Keep checking at quiet times, and avoid reloading again and again updates come when the backend clears it.
Once your passport is out for dispatch, check the Speed Post tracker and stay alert for the delivery. If anything stalls, your Regional Passport Office is there to help.
