Passport Guide
You need your Indian passport file number for online status checks. This passport reference file Number tags your passport application inside government systems. The Ministry of External Affairs and Passport Seva portal store this code.
Many Indian passport applicants lose this code after the online steps. They search email, SMS, and receipts yet still miss the exact number. You access Passport Seva portal again and recover this file number safely. You sign into your account with ARN and date of birth.
This article covers how to get your Passport Reference File Number online. These details help you track your Indian passport application online. They support each portal step through accurate linked information.
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What is a File Number in a Passport?
A passport file number is your application code. It comes from the Ministry of External Affairs. Passport Seva portal creates it when you finish online form. You see this code on your receipt and account. Your Passport Reference File Number is a special code generate during passport application process. It has 15 characters with letters, digits, and the year linked with your form.
Each file number stays unique for your passport request. You use this number for every online status check. It links your name, ARN, and passport records together. Passport staff use it to pull your record quickly. You also need it later for updates and support steps.
What Is Inside the Passport File Number?
A passport file number has 15 characters made with letters and digits. Each part of this code shows basic info about your Indian passport application. The file number starts with a place code. The next part shows the year of your form. The last digits make your application different from others.
This code stays unique for your passport request. It also helps Passport Seva portal match your details with the right record.
Example: MU23B4003725525
MU: City code for Mumbai
23: Year of application
B4003725525: Unique digits for your form
Why Do You Need the Passport File Number?
Your passport file number helps you view your Indian passport status online. You use this number on Passport Seva portal to check each update linked with your form. It keeps your application tied to the right record in the system. Each time you open the portal, this number guides you to your ongoing passport details.
You also need this number when you speak with passport staff or visit a Passport Seva Kendra. It helps staff pull your file fast and match your data without mistake. This keeps your passport process smooth and easy to follow.
Where Can You Find Your Passport File Number?
Your passport file number stays available in a few fixed places. Each place helps you find your code fast, based on your stage in the passport process. Here are all the methods you can use.
1. On Your Passport
If your passport is already issued, you can view the file number inside your booklet.
Open the last page of your passport.
Look at the bottom section named File No.
The code printed there is your passport file number.
2. On Your Passport Application Receipt
If you recently applied, your file number appears on your receipt.
Open your Passport Application Receipt from email or print.
Check the top section with your name and ARN.
You will see a line with your File Number there.
3. Inside Your Passport Seva Account
If you cannot find your receipt, you still get your file number from your account.
Visit Passport Seva portal and sign in.
Open the View Submitted Applications page.
Your file number shows next to your ARN for that form.
4. At Passport Seva Kendra (If Needed)
If none of the above methods work, staff can help.
Visit your Passport Seva Kendra with your ID.
Give your ARN and date of birth at the counter.
Staff view your form and read out your file number.
Step-by-Step: Retrieve Your Passport Reference File Number Online
You can get your passport file number on the Passport Seva portal even if you cannot find it on your receipt or email. These steps help you move through the portal without stress. Each step is short, easy, and friendly for new users. Follow these points and you will reach your file number in a few minutes.
Visit the Passport Seva Portal: Open the Passport Seva website on your computer or phone. This is the government’s official site for passport services in India.
Log In to Your Account: Click “Existing User Login” and sign in with the user ID and password you used when applying for the passport.
Go to Application View: After login, look at the menu (usually on the left side of the dashboard). Click on “View Saved/Submitted Applications” under the Services section. This will display a list of passport application records that you have saved or submitted.
Find Your Application Details: In the list of applications, find the row that matches your recent passport application. You will see details like the ARN (Application Reference Number), applicant name, the date you submitted the form, and the Passport Reference File Number for that application.
Note Your File Number: Read the full 15-character code beside your ARN. Save the number in your phone or write it down. You will use this number for all status checks.
Other Ways to Get Your File Number if You Lost It
If you cannot log in or forgot your Passport Seva password, you can still find your passport file number using these methods.
Check Your Email: Search your email inbox for messages from the passport authorities. Often, when you submit your application or schedule an appointment, the Passport Seva system sends a confirmation email. This email may contain your application details, including the file number.
Check SMS Messages: If you provided your mobile number and opted for updates, you might have received SMS notifications. The Passport Seva Kendra sometimes sends an SMS with your file reference or updates on your application.
Contact Passport Helpline or Kendra: If you still cannot retrieve the number online, you can visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra with your ID proof and application details. The staff can look up your file number in their system. Alternatively, call the Passport Seva toll-free helpline at 1800-258-1800 for assistance. They can guide you on retrieving the file number or provide status updates using other details.
Most applicants will be able to get their passport file number via the online portal or email. Using the official website is the fastest method, but the other options above are good backups.
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
Once you have your file number, you can track the status of your passport application online at any time. Here is how you can do it:
- Go to the Passport Seva portal homepage and click on “Track Application Status.”
- Select your application type from the dropdown (for a normal passport application, choose “Passport/PCC/IC”).
- Enter your file number and your Date of Birth in the given fields.
- Click the “Track Status” button to view the current status of your application.
Within seconds, you should see the latest update. It might show messages like “Application submitted,” “Police verification pending,” “Passport printed,” or “Dispatched,” depending on what stage it’s in.
You can also track via the mPassport Seva mobile app or by calling the helpline for status, but the website tracking is the most direct.
Note: If the status does not show up or says “No record found,” double-check that you entered the passport file number and date of birth correctly. The number can be long, so ensure every character is correct. If the portal still doesn’t show anything, it could be a temporary delay in the system updating the status. Wait a day and try again.
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Final Tips for Using Your Passport File Number
Your passport file number helps you track your passport progress without stress. You use this number in many steps during your passport journey, so keeping it safe and using it correctly makes your online checks smooth and fast. These simple tips help you avoid mistakes and keep your passport work on track.
Keep the file number safe
Store your Passport Reference File Number in a place you trust. You can write it in your notebook, save it in your phone notes, or take a photo of your receipt. Keeping it saved helps you use it fast when you check your passport status online.
Double-check for typing errors
Enter your file number with care each time you use it on the portal. A small mistake in a letter or digit can stop the system from showing your passport status, so reading the code slowly helps you avoid errors.
Stay calm if updates take time
Passport status updates do not appear right away. If you do not see your update, wait for a short time and check again. The system may take a few hours to refresh your latest information.
Ask for help when required
If you face trouble with your file number or need support, visit a Passport Seva Kendra with your ID or call the Passport Seva helpline at 1800 258 1800. The staff can guide you and help you move ahead with your passport request.
