Checking Passport Application Status and Delay Reasons

Key Takeaway: Passport applications often get stuck at "Police Verification Pending." Track exact status on passportindia.gov.in - whether file is at local thana, SP office, or RPO. If report is "Adverse," you won't get passport until you clear objection at RPO - don't wait, schedule appointment immediately.

Passport Seva digitizes most of the application process, but police verification remains a bottleneck. The tracking system reveals whether delay is at police station level, SP office, or Regional Passport Office - enabling targeted follow-up. Discovering "Adverse report" early allows timely clarification instead of prolonged wait.

Accessing Passport Tracking

Visit passportindia.gov.in

Navigate to "Track Application Status"

Select: "Passport/PCC/Identity Certificate"

Enter:

File Number: From acknowledgment receipt (begins with state code)
Date of Birth: As per application

Click "Track Status"

Decoding Status Messages

"Granted - Dispatched"

Success: Passport printed and mailed

Next: Receive within 7-10 days

"Pending for Physical Police Verification at..."

Stuck at: Your local police station

Action:

Visit police station with file number
Meet Sub-Inspector handling verification
Provide address proof if requested
Politely inquire about timeline

Typical delay: 15-30 days from visit

"Pending at SP Office"

Progress: Police station verified, report sent to Superintendent of Police for approval

Delay: SP signature/scrutiny

Action:

Cannot directly approach SP
Wait 10-15 days
If exceeds 30 days from police visit, complaint via Passport Seva portal

"Under Review at Regional Passport Office (RPO)"

Advanced stage: Police report received by passport office

Processing: Final scrutiny before printing

Timeline: 5-10 days typically

"Police Report has been submitted as 'Adverse'"

Critical issue: Police gave negative feedback

Common reasons:

Address proof doesn't match current residence
Neighbors said you don't live there
Criminal case pending against you
Document discrepancy

Your status: Passport will NOT be issued until you clear objection

Immediate action required

Handling Adverse Report

Understand the Objection

Check detailed status (if available online) or visit RPO

Common adverse reasons:

Address verification failed:

Verification officer visited, house locked
Neighbors said you recently moved/don't know you

Criminal record:

Pending case (even if FIR not charge-sheeted)
Previous conviction

Document mismatch:

Name spelling difference between documents
Father's name variation
DOB discrepancy

Suspicion of fraud:

Documents appear forged
Address is fake

Schedule RPO Appointment

Don't wait for notice - portal status showing "Adverse" is your notice

Book slot:

passportindia.gov.in → Appointments → "For Submitting Documents"
Select RPO office
Choose earliest date

Prepare Clarification Documents

For address issues:

Recent utility bill (electricity/water) in your name
Rent agreement
Affidavit from landlord
Neighbor's ID proof with statement knowing you

For criminal record:

If case is false/mistaken identity: Court records showing you're not the accused
If genuine case: Copy of FIR, charge sheet (for disclosure)
Legal advice on whether passport can be issued (depends on case severity)

For document mismatch:

Original documents
Affidavit explaining variation
Gazette notification of name change (if applicable)

RPO Visit

Present before Officer:

Explain circumstances
Submit clarification documents
Request reconsideration

Officer may:

Accept explanation → forward for re-verification or direct issue
Reject → refuse passport
Seek additional information

If Rejection Persists

Appeal within RPO hierarchy:

Regional Passport Officer (senior officer)

External Complaint:

MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) grievance portal
Local MP intervention

Legal remedy:

Writ petition in High Court (if rejection is arbitrary/illegal)

Expediting Verification

Tatkal Scheme

If urgent travel:

Apply under Tatkal (higher fee)
Faster police verification (7 days target)

But: Tatkal doesn't bypass adverse report issues

Prior Intimation to Police

Pro tip: After applying, visit police station proactively

"Sir, I've applied for passport. File number is [X]. My address is [Y]. I'm available for verification anytime. Here's my contact: [Number]."

Reduces delay - officer knows you're cooperative, not avoiding verification.

Ensure Availability

Police visit during work hours (typically 10 AM - 5 PM)

If you work: Inform a family member to be home

Leave contact number: With neighbors (in case you're out during verification visit)

Common Delays & Solutions

"Landlord Refused to Sign"

Issue: Verification requires landlord confirmation, landlord uncooperative

Solution:

Request landlord to provide notarized affidavit
If still refuses, change address to parent's/relative's house where cooperation assured
Re-apply with new address (if time permits)

"Previous Address Verification Pending"

If you recently moved:

Both current and previous address verified
Delay if previous address police station slow

Solution:

Visit previous address police station also
Provide forwarding address in writing

"Stuck at SP Office for Months"

Escalation:

Complaint on Passport Seva:

File grievance citing file number
Mention "Verification pending at SP office for [X] days"

RTI to SP office:

"For passport verification file [Number]:

Date police station sent report to SP

Current status of file in SP office

Reason for delay if exceeding 30 days

Expected timeline for clearance"

Using Status for Planning

Travel Booking

Don't book tickets until status shows "Granted - Dispatched"

Buffer: Even after dispatch, allow 10 days for postal delivery

Visa Applications

Some visas require passport number

If status is still "Police Verification Pending":

Delay visa application
Or apply for visa with existing passport (if not expired)

Systemic Issues & Advocacy

Police Verification Delays

National average: 30-45 days

Problem areas: Rural police stations (limited staff), metro cities (volume overload)

Demand:

Dedicated passport verification cells
Technology integration (digital verification)
Accountability for >60 day delays

Adverse Report Arbitrariness

Police sometimes give adverse reports for personal bias, caste discrimination

Need:

Specific grounds mandatory (not vague "character doubtful")
Applicant opportunity to respond before finalizing report
Review mechanism for challenged adverse reports

By tracking passport status, understanding bottlenecks, addressing adverse reports proactively, and escalating undue delays, citizens navigate the verification maze instead of being stuck indefinitely.

Resources: passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status