Passport Police Verification Queries

Given this fact, here we provide answers to some of the important queries people are looking for:

1. What is police verification?
    In India, the police must conduct a background check on every applicant for a passport. This is carried out to confirm that the applicant actually resides at the address specified on the application and to guarantee that the passport office only receives accurate information.
2. How is the police verification done? 
   Verifying with the police is a straightforward and transparent process. As soon as the applicant has fulfilled all requirements at the relevant passport office, the authorities send the information to the regional police station in charge. The application is handled and verified by an officer simultaneously. A police officer calls the applicant at the provided number to confirm the appointment time. During the visit, the applicant can be asked to provide identification and evidence of residency to confirm the information is true. 
   
3. What if the applicant is not present at the address mentioned at the time of police verification?
   The applicant may speak with the policeman in these situations and provide an explanation for the absence. If the applicant has good reasons, the police officer may even request that they come to the police station with two references and identification.
4. How much time does it take for police verification?
   The police verification usually takes somewhere between 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Why is police verification mandatory for a passport?
   A country's passport is one of the most important and valuable documents. To make sure that it doesn't get into the wrong hands, police verification is required.
6. Is police verification compulsory for passports of babies or minors? 
   If anyone of the parents of the baby or minor has a passport with proper validity and has the spouse's name endorsed, a police verification for the minor is not required. Both parents' consent is also required in the form of Annexure D, and the final decision on the mode of police verification rests with the passport office.
7. Is police verification done for government/public/statutory body employees?
   Police verification is not required if statutory body/public/government employees submit their authentic Identity Certificates (as per Annexure "A") with the application form. They can even acquire their passports based on post-police verification as long as they submit a NOC (No Objection Certificate) in accordance with Annexure "G". They can also be issued a passport on pre-police verification basis if they submit a Prior Intimation letter in accordance with Annexure "H" as an additional document along with the application form.
   
8. What documents are required if the applicant is an active FICCI member to avoid police verification?
   An active FICCI member cannot get a passport without police verification. However, if the applicant applies under the Tatkaal scheme with the required documents, the passport can be issued on post-police verification basis.
9. Can a retired government official get a passport without police verification? 
   No, a retired government official cannot obtain a passport without police verification. However, if the applicant applies under the Tatkaal scheme with the required documents, the passport can be issued on post-police verification basis, which means police verification is done after the passport is issued.
10. How many modes of police verification are there?
    There are three modes of police verification: pre-police verification, which is carried out before the passport is issued; post-police verification, which is carried out after the passport is issued; and no police verification, where none is carried out. By default, the mode is set to pre-police verification, and the passport office takes the final decision on the mode that applies.
11. Can a first-time applicant get a passport on post-police verification basis?
    Yes, normal passport applications of first-time applicants who furnish Aadhaar, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and an affidavit in the format of Annexure E are processed on post-police verification basis, subject to successful online validation of the Aadhaar number. This enables faster issue of the passport without any additional fee.
12. How soon is the passport dispatched under each mode of police verification?
    Under the normal scheme, a passport on pre-police verification basis is expected to be dispatched within three working days of receiving the Police Verification Report from the police department, excluding the date of receipt. On post-police verification and no police verification basis, it is expected to be dispatched on the third working day after the date of application. Under the Tatkaal scheme, it is dispatched on the third working day for post-police verification and within one working day for no police verification, excluding the date of submission of the application. 
13. Can dependent family members of government officer get passports without police verification?
     Yes, a dependent family member of a government employee may receive a passport without a police check. But in addition to the application form, other materials such an identity certificate are required. Dependent family members can also be issued a passport on post-police verification basis if they apply under the Tatkaal scheme with the required documents.
14. Can a 65 years old senior citizen wishing to travel abroad to visit his children skip police verification? 
    No, it is not possible to skip police verification. However, for early issuance of the passport, a senior citizen can apply under tatkaal scheme. Under the Tatkaal scheme, the passport is issued on post-police verification basis.
15. I submitted an application for passport six months ago and my police verification is still pending. What should I do?
    You need to visit the concerned passport office in case your police verification is still pending post six months of application.
16. Is police verification carried out prior to passport issuing under the Tatkaal scheme?
    No, in case of the Tatkaal scheme, police verification is not carried out prior to issuing the passport. Instead, police verification is carried out after the passport has been issued.
17. Can I get a passport without police verification if I am a resident of Nagaland?
    No, you will be issued a passport only after police verification is done.
18. Is police verification done at both addresses for residents of Jammu and Kashmir? 
    For a resident of Jammu and Kashmir who is living in another city, police verification is done at both the permanent address and the present address. 
19. What does an ‘adverse’ police report mean?
    It usually means address mismatch, applicant absence during verification, or a criminal record issue.
    

Summary