Passport Guide
If you are looking for a passport book number on your Indian passport, stop right there. Indian passports do not have a book number at all. This term shows up often in visa forms, especially for the US or Canada, but it does not apply to Indian passports.
Instead, your passport has two main ID codes:
- The passport number, an 8-character code printed on the front bio page
- The file number, a 12-character alphanumeric code printed on the last page
There is no separate booklet ID or inventory number anywhere in the Indian passport format. So if any form asks for a passport book number, Indian applicants should select Not Applicable or leave it blank.
In this guide, you will understand what the book number means globally, why it is missing in Indian passports, and which fields are correct when filling foreign visa forms. We will also show you exactly where to find the real passport number and file number inside your booklet.
What Is a Passport Book Number?
A passport book number is a code printed in some countries to track the physical passport booklet. It works like a serial number and is different from the main passport number. Some nations, like the United States, include this extra identifier for inventory control or form processing.
Indian passports do not have a passport book number. Only two codes are used: the passport number on page one and the file number on the last page. If any visa form asks for a passport book number, Indian citizens should leave it blank or select not applicable.
This number is not linked to travel or identification. It is just a tracking code printed on the passport in certain formats abroad.
Does an Indian Passport Have a Passport Book Number?
Indian passports do not have a passport book number. You will only find two main identifiers: the passport number on the first page and the file number on the last. There is no extra code or booklet number printed anywhere in the Indian passport format.
If a visa form or online travel portal asks for a passport book number, Indian citizens should choose not applicable or leave that field blank. This is common in forms like DS-160 or visa applications that follow other country templates.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issues passports with one primary number used for identity. The file number is an internal tracking reference, but not a passport book number. Unlike some international formats that include a separate booklet control code, Indian passports stick to a single passport number.
For all global travel, booking, or ID verification, just use the 8-digit passport number shown at the top of page one. That is the only official identifier required in the Indian system.
Difference Between Passport Number and Book Number
Both terms may sound similar, but they serve different purposes. The passport number is your main identity code used for all travel, while a passport book number is just a booklet tracking ID used in a few countries. Only the passport number is used in Indian passports.
| Passport Number | Passport Book Number |
| Printed on page one of Indian passport | Used in some foreign passport formats only |
| 8-character code like A1234567 | Inventory or booklet tracking number |
| Used for travel, visa, and identification | Not used for visa or immigration in India |
| Part of MRZ and scanned at airports | Not machine-readable or essential |
| Mandatory in all Indian passport services | Not printed anywhere in Indian passport |
Indian passports do not have a passport book number. Just use the passport number for all ID, visa, and immigration needs.
What to Fill if Form Asks for Passport Book Number
If any online or paper form asks for a passport book number, and you hold an Indian passport, the correct answer is Not Applicable or simply N/A. There is no passport book number in Indian passports.
Forms like the DS-160 (used for US visa applications) often include this optional field because some countries assign a separate booklet tracking code. Indian passports do not use this system. You should never try to fill this field with your file number or any other code.
If the form has a drop-down option, select Does Not Apply. If it is a blank text box, write N/A. Do not enter the 12-digit file number from the last page of your passport unless a form or embassy website clearly instructs you to do so (which is extremely rare).
Always double-check the field instruction, but for Indian citizens, the passport number on the first page is the only travel ID needed.
Where Is Passport Number in Indian Passport
The passport number in an Indian passport is printed on the first page, also called the bio page. It is located in the top-right corner, next to the word “Passport No.”
This number is an 8-character code, starting with one letter followed by seven digits (like K1234567). It is your official travel ID and is used for flight bookings, visa applications, immigration checks, and online tracking.
It is also machine-readable. The same passport number appears again in the MRZ scan lines at the bottom of the page. These lines are read by scanners at airports.
Quick Tips:
- Flip to page 1 of your passport booklet
- Look at the top-right side of the bio page
- You will see your passport number printed clearly in bold
- Always use this number for all travel or ID forms
- Do not confuse it with the file number printed on the last page
Where You Can See File Number in Indian Passport
The file number is printed on the last page of your Indian passport. It is not the same as the passport number on the bio page. The file number is a 12-character alphanumeric code used by the MEA to track your application or service request.
You will find it under the heading File No on the final page. It usually looks like this: DL106843772001.
This number helps:
- Check passport status online
- Follow up on reissue or update cases
- Contact PSK or RPO using a reference ID
It is not used for travel bookings, visa forms, or immigration checks. Do not enter this in place of your passport number.
Quick Spot Guide
- Flip to the last page of your passport
- Look for File No in the bottom section
- Find a 12-character mix of letters and numbers
- Use this only for application tracking
- Do not use this for visas or flights
Why India Does Not Use Passport Book Number
Indian passports do not carry a separate book number because the MEA uses a two-code system that already covers all identity and tracking needs.
Each Indian passport comes with:
- A passport number (top of page one)
- A file number (last page)
These two are enough for travel ID, backend records, and verification. There is no third serial or inventory field printed on the passport booklet.
India does not follow the same system as countries that add a passport booklet number for inventory control. The Indian passport design avoids unnecessary duplication.
Key Reasons Why Not Used:
- MEA system already includes unique file tracking
- One printed number plus one backend number is enough
- Inventory logic is embedded in file number, not on booklet
- No extra code needed on physical passport
If any foreign form asks for a passport book number, Indian citizens should mark that field as Not Applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a passport book number?
A passport book number is a second number printed in some countries’ passports. It is not the main passport number. Instead, it tracks the booklet for inventory. You might see it in U.S. passports, but India does not use this system.
Q2. Does an Indian passport have a book number?
No. Indian passports do not have a book number. There is only the passport number printed on the front page and a file number on the last page. Neither is treated as a booklet ID. You can ignore the book number field when filling out forms.
Q3. Is the file number in Indian passports a book number?
No. The file number is not a book number. It is just a 12-character code printed on the last page for passport application tracking. It is not meant for travel or used in place of a book number. Book number and file number are not the same.
Q4. Where is the passport number located?
Your passport number is printed on the top-right of the first page inside the booklet. It is a code with one letter and seven numbers like L2345678. This is the number used for booking flights, visa forms, and ID checks.
Q5. What should I enter in forms like DS-160?
If a form asks for a passport book number and you have an Indian passport, write N/A or select “Does Not Apply.” That field does not apply to Indian passports, so you can leave it blank or choose the option that skips it.
Q6. Do I need images to show the number?
You do not need images, but they help. A clear photo of page 1 can show where the passport number is. Another can highlight the file number on the last page. Since Indian passports have no book number, visuals just help spot the other codes.
Q7. Why does India skip the passport book number?
India uses only two numbers — the passport number and the file number. This system works well for tracking and travel. The passport number is the global ID. The file number helps with backend verification. No extra inventory code is needed.
Q8. Where can I learn more about Indian passport pages?
Visit the official Passport Seva website or check the back pages of your passport. These sources explain the security features and layout. For help, you can also visit a Passport Seva Kendra or call the helpline for clear support.
Conclusion
Indian passports do not have a passport book number. If any form asks for it, just select Not Applicable. Use the passport number from page one for travel and the file number from the last page for tracking. Knowing both helps you fill forms correctly and avoid mistakes during travel or visa steps.
