Why Do Passport Renewal Applications Get Rejected?

Most passport renewals in India get rejected for small mistakes. PSK systems are strict, and even a tiny error can block your file.

The most common issues? Wrong photo, mismatch in address, or missing document. These are not rare. They happen every day across India.

If your passport is expired, or your name or address changed, your file may also be flagged for police verification or extra review.

Many people apply in a hurry, without checking the correct steps or RPO rules. Once rejected, rescheduling takes weeks and delays your travel plan.

This guide explains every reason why do passport renewal applications Get Rejected—and how to solve it fast. If your file is on hold or showing errors, this is where to begin.

Most Common Reasons Your Renewal File Gets Rejected

Your passport renewal can get rejected for common but avoidable reasons. PSK systems are strict and flag even small issues.

• Torn or damaged passport: If the booklet is water-soaked or torn, it is not valid for renewal. It must be reissued as a fresh file.
• Wrong photo format: A blurry, gloss-finished or wrong-sized photo often gets your file rejected during biometric verification.
• Name or address mismatch: If the Aadhaar or utility bill does not match your form, the RPO may hold the file for police check.
• Wrong form option selected: Choosing “Reissue” instead of “Renewal” leads to confusion in backend classification and delays.
• Expired file submitted late: If your passport expired long ago, and there is a gap in updates, the system triggers a background recheck.

Always double-check document accuracy, file type, and form details before booking a PSK slot.

Photo and Document Issues That Can Reject Your File

Even a clear form can get rejected if your passport photo or document proof does not follow exact PSK rules. These errors are common in renewal files.

• Wrong photo format: If the photo is glossy, not matte, or the background is not pure white, the biometric system may not accept it. The size must be 4.5 x 3.5 cm and taken recently.
• Outdated Aadhaar details: If your Aadhaar card shows an old address or a spelling mismatch, the RPO might flag it for proof mismatch rejection. This usually sends your file for police re-verification.
• Missing Annexures: If your file needs Annexure E (for name change) or Annexure F (for Tatkal verification), and it is not uploaded or signed properly, the system will not clear your ARN for scheduling.

Many applicants think the documents are fine but forget to check the PSK photo checklist or updated proof formats. Even a small deviation pauses the process at the Application Reference Number (ARN) stage.

Online Form Mistakes That Most People Overlook

At first glance, the online passport renewal form seems easy. But one wrong click can silently block your file later.

Many parents mistakenly submit a minor passport form as an adult once the child turns 18. This auto-rejects the file and the ARN never gets processed at PSK.

Others choose reissue instead of renewal or confuse damaged passport reissue with expired passport update. This changes the document requirement, and if not corrected before your appointment, the officer will halt the process.

The most silent blockers? Typing errors in date of birth, gender, or even an invalid mobile number. If your registered contact details do not match the Aadhaar-linked database, you may miss your SMS alerts, OTPs, or verification prompts.

How Address Proof Mistakes Can Trigger Police Verification

Your passport renewal file is first reviewed digitally by the Regional Passport Office (RPO). One common flag that leads to police verification is an address mismatch—even a small one.

If the address on your Aadhaar, rental agreement, or electricity bill is slightly different from what you filled in the passport form, the system may mark your file as NPV (Not Police Verified). That triggers a manual check.

For example, if your Aadhaar says Flat 12, Tower C but your passport form says Tower C, Flat No. 12, the PSK software will not auto-clear your file. Instead, it may assign a local police visit to confirm your stay.

This also happens when people use an old employer letter or outdated utility bill. The RPO does not rely only on names—it checks for live address proof, current occupancy, and crossmatch with past police data.

Even if your old passport had no police check, these address issues can now push your file into verification delay without warning.

What Happens If You Upload the Wrong Address Proof

If your address proof is invalid, your renewal file may get stuck during the first review stage at the PSK. Many applicants unknowingly upload documents that do not meet the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) standards.

For example, if you submit a rent agreement without a notary, it is not accepted—even if the address is correct. A bank statement older than 3 months is also treated as outdated. Similarly, a Voter ID with your previous address will trigger a passport address update error.

When this happens, your ARN status will show “review pending” or “document discrepancy.” In some cases, the RPO may ask for fresh proof. In others, the file is put on temporary hold, and you may need to reschedule your PSK appointment.

The system does not check just document type—it checks if the address is clear, current, and valid for residence verification. To avoid delay, always use a recent Aadhaar, updated rent agreement (notarized), or a fresh utility bill with your name and full address.

What Happens If You Submit After Expiry?

If your passport has expired, and you apply after the expiry date, the system treats it as a delayed renewal. This does not mean automatic rejection, but it can lead to extra steps and longer review times.

In most cases, the RPO flags expired files for closer inspection. This includes a fresh police verification check if your last file was older than 3 years or if your details have changed since your last passport. If the address is new, or if the photo and ID proofs do not match the old data, the file may be placed in the revalidation queue.

The ARN status on the portal may say “under review” or “awaiting police clearance.” Sometimes, the file is held until you submit Annexure F or an updated verification certificate. This process may take 15 to 25 days, depending on the PSK load and SHO visit timeline.

To avoid delay, do not wait till your passport expires. The ideal time to apply for renewal is 9 months before expiry. If your passport has already expired, check your previous PSK file history and make sure all details still match.

How to Avoid Getting Your Passport Renewal Rejected

You do not need to fear passport rejection if you follow a few clear steps. These small checks can prevent your file from being flagged or delayed by the PSK officer.

Avoiding rejection is not about luck. It is about knowing the MEA rules and checking your details before submission.

Follow these simple checks to make sure your passport renewal file is not rejected:

• Aadhaar card must show your current address clearly
• Double-check your name, DOB, and email before submitting form
• Upload photo with white background and matte finish only
• Choose renewal option if passport expired recently
• Use updated phone and email from your last file
• Do not leave any form field blank or mismatched
• Check PSK holiday dates before selecting appointment

These steps prevent most passport renewal rejections seen at PSK counters. Always review your ARN file before slot booking.

How to Check Rejection Reason from PSK or RPO

If your passport renewal is delayed, the system will not always tell you why. The hold can happen right at the PSK counter, or later during file checking at the RPO. Many people stay confused for days because the alerts are short, or nothing shows up at all. But there is a way to trace what went wrong, if you know where to look.

When the Problem Starts at PSK

Your file goes through document scanning and fingerprint check at the Passport Seva Kendra. If something is missing or does not match your online form, they tag your file as incomplete. This can happen for very small reasons.

Common examples include:

• The photo you bought is not matte or has a blue background
• You selected reissue instead of renewal on the form
• Your Aadhaar and Voter ID have different addresses

You can track this by entering your ARN number on passportindia.gov.in. It will show a message like “Hold for Review” or “Verification Pending.” If you go back to the same PSK with your ARN slip, the help desk person can also read out the exact note left on your file.

When the File Reaches RPO and Gets Held

After the PSK clears your file, it moves to the Regional Passport Office. This is where deeper review happens. RPO teams check if the police report came on time, if your address change needs extra documents, or if your old passport had a record mismatch.

If they find a problem, the RPO usually sends you an update by SMS or email. The message may say:

• Police verification not done yet
• Address proof not accepted
• Document mismatch found

Sometimes, no message comes even after a week. In that case, you should log in to pgportal.gov.in and raise a ticket with your ARN number. You can also visit or call the nearest RPO and ask them to check your file manually.

Knowing whether your file is stuck at PSK or RPO will help you act fast, instead of waiting and guessing. This one step can save you weeks of delay.

Final Checklist Before You Submit Renewal Form

Before you hit the submit button on your passport renewal, stop and check a few things. One mistake in form or document can send your file on hold or trigger police verification. Many applicants forget small details that cause delay. This checklist helps you avoid rejection at both PSK and RPO.

Check these documents step by step:

• Aadhaar card or Voter ID with your current full address
• Passport-size photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with white background and matte finish
• Same full name as printed in your old passport—no spelling change
• Correct form type selected: Renewal if passport is active, Reissue if expired
• No police case, FIR, or past verification hold under your name
• Old passport in good condition (not torn, wet, or damaged)
• Valid email and mobile number linked to Passport Seva portal
• Updated address proof if you changed home after last passport
• Annexure E (for name change, marriage/divorce) if required
• Annexure F and Verification Certificate if you are applying under Tatkal

This small check takes five minutes but can save you weeks of waiting. Make sure your passport renewal checklist is clean before booking your PSK slot. The form must match your ID, your photo must follow MEA image rules, and your address must not raise red flags. Every detail counts.

Conclusion

Passport renewal files get rejected when details are wrong or documents do not match. Many delays happen due to ignored form errors, wrong ID, or missed police checks.

This guide shows what causes rejection and how to fix it early. Follow rules, use updated proof, and track your file online. If your file is on hold, act fast. Fix the issue before your next slot gets wasted.