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How Police Verification for Passport is Done in India?

Team AckoSept 25, 2025

Have you applied for a passport? If so, then you may have travel plans, new prospects, or perhaps you are settling outside of the country. But before you can hold that little blue book in your hand, there's an important step the government requires you to undergo: police verification.

Although this process may seem challenging, it is just a background check to ensure your identity and address and that you have no criminal record.

This article has all that you should know regarding the police verification process.

police-verification-for-passport

Contents

What is Police Verification for Passport?
Key Reasons for Police Verification for Passport
Types of Police Verification for Indian Passport
Step-by-step Process for Online Passport Police Verification in India
Step-by-step Process for Offline Passport Police Verification in India
Documents Required for Indian Passport Police Verification
- For New Passports:
- For Passport Renewal:
What Happens in Police Verification for Passport?
What Happens if Police Verification Fails for Passport?
How Many Days to Get Passport After Police Verification?
How to Check Police Verification Status for Passport?
Conditions Where Police Verification is Not Required
Passport Police Verification Fees
Tips to Clear Police Verification Smoothly
Planning to Travel Soon?
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Police Verification

What is Police Verification for Passport?

Police verification is part of the passport process in India. The local police station linked to your residential address checks the details you’ve given in your application. They verify:

• Your permanent or current address is genuine.

• You are who you say you are.

• You don’t have any criminal cases pending.

Usually, a police officer visits your home, asks for documents, and may even speak to your neighbours for confirmation.

Key Reasons for Police Verification for Passport

Police verification is a mandatory and crucial step in the passport application process in India. This ensures that only genuine and suitable individuals are issued passports. A negative police report can lead to the rejection of the passport application. The passport police verification step ensures that:

The identity and address of the applicant are genuine.
The applicant is not involved in any criminal activities.
Passports are not misused for unlawful travel or migration.

For example, pre-verification refers to the background check conducted before issuing the passport. In contrast, post-verification happens after issuing the passport, but still impacts the validity of the document if issues are discovered.

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Types of Police Verification for Indian Passport

The following are the types of police verification:

1. No Police Verification

Certain individuals, such as government staff possessing valid identity certificates, do not require police verification. Renewal cases where there has been no change in residence usually fall into this category as well.

2. Pre-Police Verification

It is the usual type for new applications. The passport is only issued after the police have verified your details.

3. Post-Police Verification

In other instances, the passport is provided first, and verification is later. In case the police report detects any problems, the passport may be revoked.

Step-by-step Process for Online Passport Police Verification in India

The online passport verification process is straightforward:

Submit your passport application through the Passport Seva website.
A request is sent to the local police station.
A police officer visits your home for a physical police verification for your passport.
A report is submitted back to the passport office.

You can also learn how to check police verification status for passports online through the same portal.

Step-by-step Process for Offline Passport Police Verification in India

The offline process for police verification of passport includes the following steps:

Apply at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
The passport office forwards a request to the police station.
The officer visits your home for verification.
A report is sent to the passport office.

In some cases, the request is processed by the SP office's passport police verification unit for quicker clearance.

Documents Required for Indian Passport Police Verification

The documents required for police verification for a passport include:

For New Passports:

Documents required for police verification of a new passport include:

Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN (as ID proof)
Electricity bill, rent agreement (as address proof)
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate (as DOB proof)

For Passport Renewal:

Documents required for police verification of passport renewal include:

Existing passport
Address proof (if changed)
Identity proof (if changed)

What Happens in Police Verification for Passport?

Wondering what happens in police verification for a passport?

You will receive a message from the police department.
A police officer will visit your home.
They may ask you to sign the police verification form for a passport and provide photocopies of your documents.
Neighbours may be asked to confirm your residence.
The report is submitted online.

In case you're wondering, do I need to be physically present for passport police verification? — Yes, your presence is typically required unless a family member is authorised and available.

What Happens if Police Verification Fails for Passport?

Sometimes, the report may come back as adverse or incomplete. This usually happens because of:

• Address mismatch

• Missing documents

• Criminal records

If that happens, you’ll need to provide additional documents or clarify the issue. Your application may be put on hold until things are sorted.

How Many Days to Get Passport After Police Verification?

The most common question is: How many days does it take to get a passport after police verification, or how long does it take after police verification?

Usually, 3 to 7 working days after a clear report is submitted.
In metro cities, this may happen faster.
In rural areas, it may take slightly longer.

So, after police verification, how much time for a passport in India? — On average, within a week of police clearance, you should receive your passport by post.

How to Check Police Verification Status for Passport?

You don’t have to sit and wonder what’s happening. There are multiple ways to track passport police verification status:

Track online: Visit the Passport Seva website and use your file number.
Helpline: Call 1800-258-1800.
Police station: Visit or call your local police station if things seem delayed.

Status includes:

Clear: Verification completed successfully.
Adverse: Issues found in your background or documents.
Pending: Verification is still in process.
Incomplete: Visit attempt failed (e.g., you weren’t home).

This is especially useful if your application is pending for physical police verification or is delayed.

Conditions Where Police Verification is Not Required

The passport police verification process may be skipped in these cases:

Government employees with a valid ID certificate.
Renewal applications where no address change is made.
Minors under 18 whose parents hold valid passports.

Still, many ask: Is police verification required for passport renewal? — In most standard cases, yes, especially if any details have changed.

Passport Police Verification Fees

There are no separate passport police verification fees. The verification is included in your passport application fee. Any demand for extra money should be reported to higher authorities.

What if the police officer asks for money for my passport verification?

If a police officer asks for a bribe to complete your passport verification process, you can contact the numbers below:

Tel No. 23070408
Tel. No. + 91 11 23011357

Read More: Passport Fees in India: Complete Guide to Passport Application Fees & How to Pay (2025)

Tips to Clear Police Verification Smoothly

Make sure your documents match your current address
Keep originals ready for the visit
Be at home on the expected day
If unavailable, leave documents with a trusted family member or neighbour

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Final Words

Police validation might appear to be a problem, but it is actually just an essential formality. If everything's fine with your papers and you've provided the correct information, there's nothing to worry about. It's just a brief halt before you receive your passport and begin making travel plans.

While you’re preparing for your trip abroad, don’t forget another important step: having travel insurance. Understanding police verification and the benefits of travel insurance can help travellers prepare for a smoother and safer journey. ACKO offers simple, digital-first options that cover everything from lost passports to medical emergencies, making your journeys stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Police Verification

Do police take money for passport verification?

No, and any such request should be reported to higher authorities.

Do children require police verification for passports?

No, if their parents already possess valid passports.

Can I reschedule the police verification?

Yes, contact your local police station.

How long after police verification is the passport dispatched?

Typically, within 3–7 working days after a clear report.

How long does police verification take for a passport?

The duration varies across regions. For instance, in Delhi, it typically takes around 10 days, whereas in Noida and Ghaziabad, it averages about 42 days due to higher workloads and logistical challenges. However, some areas like Bengaluru have expedited the process, completing verifications within 7 days.

Will the police notify me before the verification?

Generally, you will receive a notification via SMS or email that the police will be visiting your residence to verify your address and proof of identity.

Is police verification needed to get a new passport with a new address?

Yes, any changes in the applicant's name, address or other personal details in the passport require police verification.

Is police verification required for passport renewal?

Yes, police verification is generally mandatory for passport renewals, especially if there are changes in personal details or address. However, government employees with valid identity certificates may be exempt.

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Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from secondary sources on the internet and is meant for informational purposes only. It is subject to changes. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.