Passport Guide
Many people in India apply for passports each day. But not all of them get approved.
Rejection of Passport Application in India has become common due to small yet serious mistakes. Even if your documents are ready, one mismatch or missing page can block the file.
It usually happens when the Annexure is not correct, the form has the wrong detail, or the photo does not meet size rules. Reasons for Rejection of Passport Application also include wrong address, name mismatch, and ID issues between Aadhaar and school certificate.
PSK officers and RPO staff check every line. If your file has even one red flag, the status shows on hold or rejected after biometric.
This post explains the top real reasons why this happens. It also helps you avoid the pain many face after their Tatkal or normal passport gets delayed for no clear reason.
Why Passport Applications Get Rejected in India
Passport files get rejected when documents do not match what the system expects. The most common reason is identity mismatch. If your Aadhaar, PAN card, and form show different spellings or names, your file can be blocked at the RPO status check. Even a small error in your father’s or mother’s name can freeze the file.
Some files get rejected right after biometric verification. If your fingerprint or photo does not match your earlier record, the system may hold it. Many errors also come from mistakes made during form filling at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Here are the top reasons that cause rejection of passport application in India:
- Name mismatch across Aadhaar, PAN, or birth proof
- Missing or unclear address documents
- Biometric mismatch at PSK
- Annexure F not added in Tatkal file
- Police verification shows “not found” or wrong address
- Wrong date of birth in form vs documents
- File marked as duplicate due to old passport record
Many people never find out the real reason. The file just says “rejected” or “on hold” without any detail. This delay can spoil your travel plans and cause more stress if you are on a short timeline.
To avoid this, check your documents line by line before you apply. Make sure your name, address, and date of birth are the same in all records. Use fresh, clear proof and carry extra copies in case the PSK asks. These steps sound simple, but they stop most rejections before they happen.
11 Real Reasons for Rejection of Passport Application in India
Getting a passport in India looks easy, but small problems can stop your file. Many people face rejection due to mistakes they do not even notice wrong documents or wrong spelling can block your passport application without warning.
Once you understand the real reasons, you can stop the mistake before it happens. Below are the most common reasons for rejection of passport applications in India.
1. Incomplete or Wrong Application Form
Most passport rejections in India begin with one simple thing — a wrong or incomplete form. It might look small, but it is the first thing that blocks your passport file. Many people fill the form in a hurry or skip important parts.
A common mistake is selecting the wrong RPO jurisdiction. This small error makes your whole file invalid. If the name or address in the form does not match the document, the file gets flagged. Also, if you leave any field blank — like family details or place of birth — the application rejection happens at PSK without any second chance.
Even one form mismatch with Aadhaar or PAN can create confusion during document check. The system reads your Application Reference Number (ARN) and verifies it line by line. If anything feels off, the status turns red.
Common cause of passport application rejections due to incomplete from:
- Wrong jurisdiction selected during online booking
- Name mismatch between passport form and Aadhaar
- Empty fields like marital status or previous passport info
- Incorrect address pin code or mobile number
- Typing error in date of birth or parents’ names
Every entry in the online passport form must match your ID proof. Always double-check before you submit. Once submitted, even a small data mismatch can delay or reject your application at the first step.
2. Wrong Photo Size or Background
Passport photo errors can silently block your file. If the photo size is off or the background is not white, the system will reject it without delay. Many people get stuck during the biometric stage due to one simple image mistake.
Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) follow strict photo rules. They need the photo in exact JPEG format, 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm size, and white background only. Any glare, shadow, colored backdrop, or low resolution triggers a passport photo rejection.
Common reasons for Passport application rejected due to Photo:
- Glossy finish instead of matte
- Blue or cream background instead of white
- Incorrect size or face tilt
- Blurred or scanned images
Always check the official photo specification guide India before uploading or carrying the picture. One wrong step can send your file into review hold.
3. Aadhaar and Address Proof Do Not Match With Form
Your file can get rejected even when all papers look correct. The reason is often a mismatch between Aadhaar address and passport form. The Regional Passport Office (RPO) checks every line. If your form says one place and Aadhaar or electricity bill says another, the system stops your application.
Even a flat number or PIN code mistake counts as a supporting document mismatch. Many people forget to update Aadhaar after shifting house or changing rental. Some use a friend’s address in the form. These small gaps raise a residential proof verification issue.
Every document must show the same address as the form. No short forms, no missing landmarks, and no mix of cities. If details do not match, the RPO marks the case as address variation in documents and your file goes into review or rejection.
Update Aadhaar first. Then check your identity proof and passport form data match word for word.
4. Name Change Without Gazette Proof
Many passport applications are rejected in India when the name in the form does not match any legal proof. Even if Aadhaar or PAN carry the new name, that is not enough.
For a name change after marriage, divorce, or correction, you must give a valid Gazette notification.
RPO officers check this very closely. If you do not attach the Gazette of India or your Annexure E is not signed correctly, the file gets marked on hold. In many cases, even one letter mismatch blocks the application.
The name mismatch between passport, Aadhaar, and ID proof is one of the most ignored problems. Without proper proof of the new name, the passport process stops right after biometric.
5. Annexure F or D Not Attached Right
Passport applications are often rejected due to Annexure F or Annexure D issues. For Tatkal applications, Annexure F must be signed and stamped by a Group A Gazetted Officer.
If the seal is missing or ink is unclear, the file is marked incomplete at the PSK counter. Officers instantly flag the file under document rejection.
For minor applicants, Annexure D must carry signatures from both parents. If even one line is blank or a parent signs in the wrong field, the RPO holds the application for correction.
No biometric moves forward until this gets fixed. Even if other proofs are clear, a wrong annexure alone is enough to pause your passport status.
This small paper creates major delays, especially in Tatkal verification and minor document validation.
6. School Records and Birth Proof Do Not Match
Even a small DOB mismatch or name spelling issue between your school certificate and birth certificate can stop your file at the PSK counter. The RPO checks each word closely, especially for first-time passport applications or minor passport files.
Your documents must match line by line. Officers at RPO pause files when they see gaps in spelling, initials, or date of birth error between certificates.
Common issues include:
- School certificate mismatch with birth details
- Father’s name missing or spelled differently in one record
- Date of birth mismatch across Aadhaar, marksheets, or birth paper
- Aadhaar name format not matching old school ID
- RPO document rejection during biometric stage due to unclear papers
These problems delay minor passport applications and adult files. Fix mismatches before you apply. Make sure your birth paper, Aadhaar, and school records follow the same format.
7. Police Verification Failed at Local Station
Your passport file can get stuck when the local police station fails to verify your details. This step comes after your visit to Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and is part of the final check before approval.
If the applicant is not found at the address, or if the tenant verification form is missing, the Police Verification Report (PVR) is marked adverse. This causes the RPO status to show file on hold or verification failed.
Most cases happen when no one is home during the police visit, or documents like rent proof or ID copy are not given on time. Some files get delayed due to address mismatch or incorrect local records in the Home Ministry database.
To fix it, submit a passport recheck request with full proof and ask for re-verification. Keep your mobile active and inform your area police officer in advance to avoid repeat issues.
8. Passport Fee Not Paid
Your passport application may stop moving if the payment gateway error blocks confirmation. Even if you complete the payment, the PSK portal might not update your fee status due to bank delay or server lag. This issue leads to fee receipt missing or RPO file hold without alert.
The Regional Passport Office (RPO) checks if the passport fee status is valid before forwarding the file. If your transaction failed, or the system does not match your payment reference number, your file shows payment not updated in PSK.
Before worrying, recheck the PSK login for fee status. If not updated, wait 24 hours, then verify with your bank. Sometimes, the digital payment is not verified even if the money is deducted. Re-upload proof or repay if needed to avoid passport rejection due to fee issue.
9. Passport Rejected for Security Reasons
Sometimes, a passport application is rejected for security reasons even if the person has never broken any rule. Your name may match someone with a criminal background, or your file may get flagged during a Home Ministry records check.
The RPO clearance issue happens when the system finds your name in the NCRB database by mistake.
The passport recheck team may delay your file if your document verification shows a mismatch, unclear signature, or wrongly typed parent name. These red flags often come from police verification reports or missing ID updates.
Always double-check spelling, date of birth, and Aadhaar card status before you apply. Even a simple identity mismatch can lead to a security hold on your file. If your file is clean, the RPO will clear it after re-verification.
10. Low Quality Document Upload
Even one unclear paper can lead to rejection of passport application in India. If the upload is not clean, readable, or sharp, the system may flag your file without warning. Here is what often goes wrong:
- Blurry Aadhaar card scan with cut edges or soft text
- ID proof uploaded in black and white, not in original colour
- Photo proof with glare, shadow, or wrong crop
- Address document tilted or poorly aligned during scan
- Low DPI image (under 150 DPI) that turns pixelated on zoom
- Mobile photo of paper instead of scanned copy
- Mismatch between uploaded file and actual paper brought to PSK
All documents must be sharp, full, and colour-scanned. Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Regional Passport Office (RPO) only verify files that are 100% clear. If even one file is doubtful, your file may be held without update.
11. Court Case, Loan Issues or Criminal Record
If any court case is active in your name, the RPO internal check may block your file. Even a closed case without a final discharge paper gets rejected during police verification. If your name is listed in any criminal background check, the PVR shows it as adverse, and your passport file stays on hold.
If your name is on the loan default list, like CIBIL or banking watchlists, your application may be delayed under security review. This is rare, but it happens in high-value loan defaults or legal recovery cases.
Make sure your PVR report, court papers, and financial records are clean. Any police verification issue, even from the past, can lead to rejection under Home Ministry records.
Submit your final discharge, loan NOC, or ask for a re-verification request if wrongly flagged.
What You See When Passport Application Is Rejected
When you log in to the Passport Seva portal, rejection does not always say “rejected”. It often shows unclear terms that confuse most applicants. Below is what usually appears on your PSK status screen:
- File on Hold – means your case has a mismatch, missing record, or failed check
- Application Rejected by RPO – final decision after full document and ID check
- Verification Failed – shows if your PVR status was marked adverse or not done
- RPO Status Remarks: Document Mismatch Flagged – tells you which paper created the problem
- PSK Status: Re-Apply Suggestion – shows when correction is allowed, not full denial
- ARN Number Not Progressing – means your file has stopped moving due to action pending
You can still reapply if the system shows “re-apply suggestion” or if your passport file on hold was due to fixable gaps.
How You Know Your Passport Application Is Rejected or On Hold
When you log into the Passport Seva portal, your PSK application status will show clear signs if something has gone wrong. If the screen says “file on hold”, it means the process stopped due to some verification status failed or document mismatch flagged.
In other cases, you may see “application under objection” or “awaiting police clearance”, which means your Police Verification Report (PVR) was not marked clear.
The Application Reference Number (ARN) may stop updating. If the RPO rejection is final, the remark shows “application rejected” or “adverse police remarks”.
A few users see review under process, which looks hopeful but signals delay.
To recheck, log into the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) dashboard and open full RPO status remarks. It shows if re-submission or re-apply suggestion is allowed.
What You Must Do After Passport Application Rejection
If your passport application is rejected, do not restart blindly. You need to first understand the RPO status and act step-by-step.
- Check Passport Seva login for exact status remark
- Find if it says file on hold or rejected
- If verification failed, visit local police station
- Upload proof if document mismatch flagged
- Fix photo or form if clarity issues found
- Retry payment if fee not received shows
- Track file with your ARN on Passport Seva
- Save every receipt and reapply with fresh form
- Ask help at Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- Visit your nearest PSK for file support
When your passport application is rejected, do not panic. Each PSK status screen gives a clear hint. Use your Application Reference Number (ARN) to track progress, fix issues step by step, and apply again with complete documents. Delay only makes the process harder.
