Navigating Police Verification for Indian Passports: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Updated January 2024

An Indian passport is a crucial identification document for Indian nationals wishing to travel abroad. Navigating the process of obtaining or re-issuing an Indian passport involves several steps, one of which is Police Verification. Since a passport is an important government document, ensuring its validity is paramount, which is why Police Verification is mandated by the Indian government, except in certain circumstances. 

Read on as Wego provides essential information to help applicants understand and navigate this crucial aspect of the passport application process in 2023.

Is Police Verification necessary for an Indian passport?

Police Verification is a mandatory step for individuals applying for an Indian passport. This verification for passports checks an applicant’s identity and address proof. 

There are two modes of Police Verification: one conducted post-passport issuance and the other conducted on a pre-passport issuance basis. The determination of whether Police Verification is necessary depends on whether the application is for the issuance of a fresh passport or the re-issue of a passport.

Although the Passport Office (PO) will make this decision, in most instances, Pre-Police Verification is required. 

However, there are certain exceptions, which are: 

• government servants, provided they submit an ‘Identity Certificate’ as per Annexure ‘A’ or a ‘No Objection Certificate’ as per Annexure ‘G.’ 
• Tatkaal applications undergo a different processing procedure and can be issued a passport with Post-Police Verification.
• minors below the age of 18.
• Police Verification is also not typically required for the reissue of a passport if an applicant submits the renewal application before his/her current passport expires.

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Police Verification documents required

For the purpose of Police Verification for an Indian passport, applicants are required to submit an identity proof and an address proof document. The following are some of the documents that can be submitted for either:

Identity Proof: Birth Certificate, Aadhar Card, PAM Card, Ration Card

Address Proof: Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Rental Agreement

How to apply for the Police Verification?

In most cases for passport applications, once you have submitted your documents and all information required for your passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra, they will start the Police Verification process on your behalf for the Pre-Police Verification. The Passport Seva Kendra will send your address and identity proof to your closest police station.

For other cases, you may need to apply for Police Verification on your own.

Application procedure

To apply for a Police Clearance Certificate, follow the steps given below:

• register on the online portal for Passport Seva. 
• login to the portal and click the “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate” link. 
• submit after filling in all the details in the form.
• click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment” on the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” screen to schedule an appointment and make your payment 
• once your payment is successful, click “Print Application Receipt”, or wait for an SMS of the receipt, which you can show instead of a printout 
• visit the Passport Seva Kendra where your appointment is scheduled, and take all necessary documents along

After application

Upon completion of the appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra, the address and identity proof of the applicant will be forwarded to the nearest police station by the Passport Seva Kendra.

The police station within the applicant’s jurisdiction will designate a police officer to validate the residential status at the address provided in the passport application. It is imperative that the applicant is physically present at the specified address during this Police Verification process.

The assigned police officer will conduct a visit, verify the applicant’s identity, and then proceed to sign the necessary documents.

Once the police station confirms the applicant’s address and identity, along with the requisite approval, they will dispatch a Police Verification Report (PVR) to the Passport Seva Kendra. Subsequently, the applicant can anticipate receiving their passport within 3 to 5 working days.

Police Verification report status

There are three different outcomes of a Police Verification Report. These are:

Clear: A clear status in Police Verification indicates a successful application where the police have verified the applicant’s address and identity without any concerns. There are no issues with the passport application, and the individual has a clean record with no criminal cases.

Adverse: An adverse status implies that Police Verification is still pending due to challenges in verifying the address or identity, possibly caused by mismatches or incorrect information. Passport issuance may be delayed or cancelled, prompting the applicant to update or amend their details. Adverse status could also indicate the presence of criminal cases or other legal issues requiring attention.

Incomplete: An incomplete status arises when documentation or particulars in the passport application are insufficient. If the applicant has not resided at the provided residential address for a specific period, the application may be pending. The police may either cancel or approve the passport based on the completeness of the application.

Police Verification processing time

The time taken for verification by the State Police authorities differs from State to State. State Police Authorities in India are authorized up to 30 days to complete the verification, as per the Indian government’s rules.