ONLINE PASSPORT SERVICES OVERVIEWS

Passport Services Overview Q1: What are the various passport services and which form has to be filled in? A: The various passport services are: Issue of Fresh Passport: You can apply for fresh passport if applying for the first time. Re-issue of Passport: You can apply for re-issue of passport if you want another passport in lieu of an existing passport for any of the following reasons: Change in existing personal particulars. Validity expired within 3 years/ Due to expire. Validity expired more than 3 years ago. Exhaustion of pages. Damaged passport. Lost passport. If you ever held a passport in the past, no matter how much long back or at what age, you should choose the Re-Issue category only. Miscellaneous Service: Issue of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Q2: What types of passports are issued in India? A: Following three types of passports are issued in India: Ordinary Passport: An ordinary passport has blue cover, and consists of 36 or 60 pages. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be renewed for another 10 years. An Indian citizen can use this passport for ordinary vacation or business travel. Diplomatic Passport: Has maroon cover ; Issued to designated members of the national government, judiciary , statutory authorities, diplomats, official public couriers and any other person specifically authorised by the Govt Official Passport: Has grey cover ; Issued to designated Non-gazetted govt servants or any other person specifically authorised by the Govt deputed abroad on government business. Q3: How do I apply for a passport in the new system? A: For issue of fresh passport and re-issue of passport, you need to fill the application form online via e-Form Submission (preferred) or via Online Form Submission. For Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) also you need to fill the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form online via e-Form Submission (preferred) or via Online Form Submission. Under the new system it is mandatory for all applicants, including infants, to be physically present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) to give their biometrics(fingerprints) and photographs. Minor Q4: What is the definition of minor for issue of passport? A: Applicants less than 18 years of age are considered as minor for issuance of passport. Q5: I have a one-month old baby? Does the baby require a separate passport or his/her name can be endorsed in one of the parents passport? A: Endorsement of child's name in parent's passports is not allowed anymore. As per the amended instructions , a minor should have a separate passport. Q6: In case of minor's passport, whose father is abroad, is it mandatory to obtain father's consent to apply for the child's passport? If so, what is the procedure? A: If parent(s) of the minor holds a valid passport, then attested photocopy of passport needs to be submitted along with the application form. Spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport. If parent(s) hold a valid passport, but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Q7: We are planning to apply for passports for our kids (minors). Is it necessary that my name should be included in my wife's passport? A: If either parent of a minor holds a valid passport with spouse name endorsed, passport will be issued to the minor without any police verification. Original passport of parent(s) should be presented for the verification of particulars. If parent(s) hold a valid passport, but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Thus, it is necessary that spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport. Q8: Is it necessary that both parents should have passport before applying for their child's passport? A: It is not necessary that both parents should have a passport before applying for their child's passport. The advantage of either parent holding a valid passport with spouse name endorsed is that it exempts their child from the Police Verification process. Q9: I am a minor who is 16 years old. Is it possible for me to obtain a full validity passport of 10 years? A: Minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or they can apply for a passport, which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Fee for a 10-year validity passport is higher than fee for a passport, which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. A 10-year validity passport cannot be issued to applicants without police verification on submission of parent's passport. If passport is required on an urgent basis, they can apply under Tatkaal scheme. Q10: What would be the validity of a minor's passport? A: The validity of a minor's passport is restricted to five years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors aged between 15 to 18 years can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable depending upon which category they are applying for. Q11: Who can apply for my minor daughter's passport in India as I am on ship at Singapore as second engineer? A: Either parent/guardian can apply for minor's passport. You would however need to get Annexure H duly attested by the Consular section of the nearest Indian Mission. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q12: Is it true that passport applications for minors under 18 require consent of either both parents or legal guardian? A: It is necessary that either parent/legal guardian should give his / her consent while applying for minor's passport. Following documents have to be submitted in the given cases: S.No. Case Documents to be submitted 1. Passport application of a minor with consent of both parents Annexure "H" 2. Applied by Legal Guardian Annexure "H" 3. Minors with single parent (One parent deceased) Annexure "H" 4. Applied by one parent/guardian when consent of one or both parents is not possible Annexure "G" 5. Parents are separated but not divorced Annexure "C" 6. Single parent of the child born out of wedlock Annexure "C" Q13: My spouse is living in another country. How do I get his/her signature for consent while applying for my child's passport? A: Consent of the spouse, who is abroad, is required for submitting the application of their child. It should be in the form of a Sworn Affidavit duly attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate abroad (as per Annexure "H"). To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q14: I want to apply for my child's passport. Are signatures of both parents mandatory on Annexure H to be submitted along with the application? What if my spouse is refusing to sign the form? A: Yes, the signature of both the parents is mandatory on Annexure H to be submitted along with the application as it signifies that both parents are giving consent for the issuance of passport to the child. Annexure H is the declaration of applicant's parents or guardian for the issuance of passport to the minor. If either of the parents is not giving consent, then the parent applying for the minor's passport needs to submit Annexure G. To see the format of Annexure H and G, please click on "Annexures/Affidavits" link on Home page. Q15: I wish to apply for a passport for my child who is 12 months old. Can I apply for a 60 pages booklet? A: No. Only 36 pages passport booklet are issued to minors. Q16: If parents have passport with adverse Police Verification Report or they have a criminal background, can passport be issued to minor on an urgent basis? A: In such cases, minors can be issued passport under Tatkaal scheme subject to the approval of the RPO / Competent Authority Q17: I want to apply for my minor child's passport. I hold a valid passport but spouse name is not endorsed. Can I apply for my child's passport without submitting my passport copy? A: If parent(s) of the minor holds a valid passport, then attested photocopy of passport needs to be submitted along with the application form. Spouse name should be endorsed on the parent's passport. If parent(s) hold a valid passport, but spouse name is not endorsed, then they must get the spouse name added in their passport. For this, they have to apply for re-issue of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Q18: Do I need to carry photographs of my 3 months old child while visiting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Passport Office (PO)? A: Minor applicants below the age of 4 years need to carry a passport size photograph for the processing of application at the PSK/PO. For applicants above the age of 4 years, photographs will be captured at the PSK/PO itself. S.No. DOs DON'Ts 1. Paste ONLY ONE COLOUR photograph as per the specifications given below Do not paste black and white photographs 2. Paste your recent passport size photograph (4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) in colour in the box meant for affixing the photograph Dimensions of photograph should not be smaller than the box (i.e. 4.5 cm length x 3.5 cm width) provided in the application form 3. Background of the photograph should be plain white and the dress should be in dark colour Photograph with dark background or in uniform, or with eyes hidden under coloured or dark glasses will not be accepted 4. Photograph should fit within the given box Photograph in computer print will not be accepted 5. Frontal view of the full face should be visible in the photograph Photograph is NOT to be signed 6. Photograph should be printed on good quality photo paper Distracting shadows on the face or on the background should not be there 7. Print of the photograph should be clear and with a continuous-tone quality Eyes must not be covered by hair. Glares on eyeglasses should be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the head 8. Expression of the face should be natural (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) Photograph should not be damaged, for example: torn, creased, or marked 9. Eyes must be open and both edges of face must be clearly visible Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible 10. Head should be in the centre of the frame and both ears should be visible Photographs cut from group photographs are not acceptable Senior Citizen Q19: I am a pensioner or have a senior's card; can I have a senior's passport? A: Separate senior's passport is not issued to a senior citizen. They can apply for an ordinary passport with a validity of 10 years. Senior Citizens can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit copy of child's (Age greater than 18) passport, who is staying abroad (with page having parent's name) as an additional document along with their application form. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q20: What benefits do senior citizens get for issuance of passport? A: Senior Citizens can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit copy of child's (Age greater than 18) passport, who is staying abroad (with page having parent's name) as an additional document along with their application form. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Students Q21(a): I am a student staying away from my parents. Where do I apply for a passport and what proof of residence do I have to furnish? A: You can apply at any PSK under a Passport Office (PO) in the state of your current or permanent address. For instance, if you are a student staying in Rohtak (which falls under the jurisdiction of Passport Office (PO), Chandigarh) and your parents are staying in Hissar, which also falls under the jurisdiction of Passport Office (PO), Chandigarh, you may apply at any PSK under Passport Office (PO) Chandigarh. Please indicate your hostel address/the place where you are staying in Rohtak as present address and your parent's address as permanent address. And in case you are studying and staying in Bangalore you may either apply at any of the PSK under Passport Office (PO) Bangalore or under Passport Office (PO) Chandigarh. For proof of residence of your hostel/place of stay, you should provide a Bonafide Letter from authorized signatory of college (On official letter head of UGC recognized College). Q21(b): My passport is getting expired shortly. When can I apply for reissue of the passport? A: If you are a student, you can get your passport reissued within two years of Expiry of your existing passport (as per the 'Date of Expiry' printed on the passport) by specifying the reason for reissue as 'Validity Expired within 3 Years/Due to Expire'. Other applicants can apply for reissue of passport within one year of expiry of existing passport by specifying the reason for reissue stated above. Employees of Government/PSU/Statutory Body Q22: Is Identity Certificate mandatory for Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees? OR Can a government employee apply as an ordinary citizen without submitting the additional documents? A: For issuance of a fresh passport, Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees need to submit either Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure "B" or No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure "M" or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along with the application form. If he/she submits Annexure "B", passport will be issued without police verification and if he/she submits Annexure "M", passport will be issued on post police verification basis and if he/she submits Annexure "N", passport will be issued on pre police verification basis. For re-issue of passport, Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees need to submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure "M" or Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along with the application form. Q23: What benefits do government employees and retired government employees get for issuance of passport? A: Government Employees: Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees can be issued passport without police verification, if they submit Identity Certificate in original as per Annexure "B" as an additional document along with the application form. They can be issued a passport on post police verification basis, if they submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) (as per Annexure "M") and on pre police verification basis if they submit Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure "N" as an additional document along with the application form. Retired Government Employees: Retired Government employees can be issued a passport on post police verification basis if they submit Pension Payment Order as an additional document along with the application form. Q24: If a Government employee wants to apply for major change in name in passport, is he/she required to publish declaration/advertisement regarding change of name in a leading newspaper ? A: If a Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employee wants to make a major change in name, then he/she has to submit the following additional documents: Gazette Notification changing name in applicant's department Fresh ID Certificate in changed name Deed poll/sworn affidavit as per Annexure "E" Hence, advertisement / declaration in a reading newspaper is not required. Owner, Partners and Directors of Companies which are members of CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM Q25: I am a Director of a company which is a member of CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM? What additional documents do I have to submit? A: To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Citizenship of India (Other than by Birth) Q26: Explain citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization. A: Citizen of India by birth: You are Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India. Citizen of India by descent: You are Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth. Citizen of India by registration/naturalization: You are Citizen of India by Registration/Naturalization if you have been granted Indian Citizenship by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Govt of India. Q27: Can an Indian passport be issued to applicants born outside India? A: Indian passport can be issued to the "Citizen of India by Descent" i.e. person born to Indian parent(s) outside India. Dependent Family Members of Government/PSU/Statutory body employees Q28: Can dependents of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees apply for a passport in the normal process without submitting any affidavits? A: Dependent family members of Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employees can be issued passport without police verification, if they submit the following additional documents along with their application form: "Identity Certificate" in original as per Annexure "B" (of dependent) Standard Affidavit as per Annexure "I" Otherwise, passport would be issued to them on pre police verification basis, or post police verification basis - if they apply under Tatkaal scheme. Applicants who have changed their names in past Q29: I recently got married/divorced. How do I change my name on my passport? A: To change the name in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q30: I am a married lady and want to apply for a fresh passport. I am unable to provide the prescribed marriage certificate or joint affidavit due to marital discord or separation. What should I do? A: Such applicants have to submit an Affidavit sworn before First Class Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate on Non-Judicial stamp paper as per specimen provided in Annexure 'K': Section G of the passport instruction booklet. Applicants who are convicted or if a court case is pending against them Q31: What do I do if I have a Court Case against me? A: If a criminal case is pending against you in any court, you can be issued a passport subject to the condition that you enclose a written permission by the court allowing you to travel abroad. Normally a short validity passport valid for one year is issued, subject to conditions if any, mentioned in the Court order as per GSR 570 (E) dated 25 August, 1993. Applicants who have been repatriated/deported Q32: The applicant has repatriated from abroad at Government cost and wants to apply for a fresh passport. However he/she does not have a proof of refund of repatriation cost to Ministry of External Affairs. What should he/she do? A: He/she should meet the Assistant Passport Officer (APO) at your nearest PSK/RPO Validity Expired Q33: My passport expired 4 years ago. Can it be reissued? What is the procedure to re-issue it? A: You have to fill up the Passport Application Form and apply for "Re-issue of Passport". You can submit the filled in application form at a PSK with in the jurisdiction of your Passport Office . You must carry original and self attested photocopy of your expired passport and proof of your address. Fresh police verification is initiated if the passport has expired more than three years ago. Hence, fresh police verification will be required in your case. Q34: What are the additional requirements if passport has expired more than three years ago? A: Fresh police verification would take place if you apply for re-issue of passport after expiry of old passport more than three years ago. Q35: I'm 25 now, but my last passport was issued when I was 15. What should I do? A: You need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport Damaged Passport Q36: What is the definition of damaged passport? A: Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.: Damaged Passport - Passport number is readable, name is legible and Photo is intact Damaged beyond recognition/ mutilated/smudged entries/washed out Q37: What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport? A: To apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport, you have to fill the Passport Application form and apply for "Re-issue" of passport. Lost/Stolen Passport Q38: What do I do if I lose my passport? A: Loss of passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office or Indian Mission, if abroad. You can apply for "Re-issue" of passport at your nearest PSK and submit the required documents along with your passport application form. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q39: I lost my passport recently. I've applied for a duplicate passport. I want to know if the new passport will have the same number as my old passport, or a new number? A: The new passport will have a new passport number, with a fresh validity of 10 years. Q40: I recently lost my valid passport, but do not have the details. Will it be possible for the Passport Office to trace the details from your system and give them to me for filling my application form for a duplicate/new passport? A: You need to visit Assistant Passport Officer (APO) at your nearest PSK. Q41: What can I do if I have lost my passport and have to travel to India urgently due to an emergency like serious illness or death in the family? A: You need to contact the respective Indian Mission/Post to apply for issuance of another Passport. An Emergency Certificate (EC) may also be issued for returning to India after verification of Indian nationality/origin/particulars. Q42: I am an Indian living abroad. I lost my Indian passport but I don't have photocopy of the same. What should I do? A: Photocopy of the old passport is not a mandatory document to be submitted in case of lost/damaged/stolen passport. It should be produced, if it is available. But you will be required to produce, the previous passport details like Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and place of issue, while filling the passport application form. If you do not have that information, then contact the respective Indian mission/post in that country. Exhaustion of Pages Q43: The pages in my passport booklet have exhausted, but it has a validity of 5 years. What is the procedure to apply for new booklet? A: You need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. A new passport booklet would be issued to you with a fresh validity of 10 years. Q44: When an additional booklet/additional pages issued? OR My passport is nearly full but is valid for another 4 years, is it possible to add extra pages? A: Additional pages are not added to a passport booklet. If the pages in the passport booklet have exhausted, you need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport and submit the filled in application form at your nearest PSK. A new passport booklet would be issued to you. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Validity Due to Expire Q45: My passport will expire in 2 years. What should I do? A: You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry or within three years after the expiry of the existing passport without fresh police verification, provided there is no change in personal particulars and there is clear police report with respect to your previous passport and there is no adverse entry in the system. You can also apply for re-issue of passport if your previous passport expired more than three years ago, but fresh police verification would take place. Q46: How long is a passport valid? A: In case of adults, 10-year validity passport would be issued. In case of minors, the validity of passport is restricted to 5 years or till they attain the age of 18, whichever is earlier. But the minors between 15 to 18 years of age can apply either for a 10-year validity passport or for a passport which is valid till they attain the age of 18 years. Different fees are applicable depending upon the category they are applying for . Further, most of the foreign missions/embassies insist on the passport validity of at least of six months to one year before they consider issuing visas. Accordingly, it is advisable to apply for re-issue well before time to avoid last minute rush. Q47: My passport is about to expire, but I have lost my birth certificate. What are my options? A: If your passport is due to expire, you need to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. In case of "Re-issue" of passport, you need to submit a proof of date of birth, if either your old passport has been lost/damaged or you want to change date of birth in the passport. Q48: What will be the validity of passport if I apply for renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP)? A: If you apply for renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP), then the validity of passport would be decided by Assistant Passport Officer /RPO. Change of Appearance Q49: My appearance has changed. What should I do? OR What is the procedure to change photograph of a child in the passport? A: To change the photograph in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. Change of Name Q50: My name has changed. Can I travel in my previous name? Otherwise how do I change the name on my passport? A: It is not advisable to travel in your previous name. To change your name in the passport, you have to apply for "Re-issue" of passport. . To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q51: What documents are required when there is a change in name on account of divorce? A: Following additional documents have to be submitted:- Court certified copy of Divorce Decree or self attested copy of Divorce certificate. Deed Poll or Sworn Affidavit as per Annexure "E" given in the Passport Instruction booklet. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q52: There is a mistake in the spelling of my name in the passport. What can I do? A: If you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form submitted, please return the passport for necessary rectification. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Assistant Passport Officer /Passport Issuing Authority. . If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data. Q53: The Surname field is blank on my passport. And my full name is written in the Given Name field. What is the process to add the surname to my passport? A: If you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form submitted, please return the passport for necessary rectification. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Assistant Passport Officer )/ Passport Officer ) . If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data. If you have done a mistake while filling your passport application form i.e. you have filled your full name in the "Given Name" field, then you will need to apply for re-issue of passport for change in personal particulars. Q54: Explain major and minor change in name? A: Minor change in name - change in name because of spelling discrepancy between passport and documents which phonetically do not result in total change in name. Major change in name - Cases other than minor change in name. Q55: If the applicant changes his/her name from: Sandeep Sharma to Sandeep Kumar Sharma Sandeep Kumar to Sandeep Sharma Ritu to Ritu Thakur The above change would be considered a major change or a minor change in name? A: Minor change in name - change in name because of spelling discrepancy between passport and documents which phonetically do not result in total change in name. Major change in name - Cases other than minor change in name. In Case 1 and Case 2, it is a major change in name. In Case 3, if change in name is due to marriage then it falls in the category "Change in name due to marriage". If change in name is not due to marriage, it is a major change in name. Q56: Is No Police Verification (PV) possible in case of change in name of Govt./PSU/Statutory Body employees? If yes, what documents are required? A: The documents required are: Issue of fresh passport: In case of change in name of Govt./PSU/statutory body employees, pre Police Verification will be done. Post Police Verification will be done on submission of Tatkaal documents. Re-issue of passport: In case of change in name of Govt./PSU/statutory body employees, if the old passport has clear or exempted PV Report and required documents are submitted No Police Verification will be done. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page Change of Date of Birth / Place of Birth Q57: What is the process to change the date/place of birth in the passport? A: To change the date/place of birth in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q58: I want to get the DOB changed in the passport since there is a typing error. What should I do? A: If you find any mistake/error in the particulars printed in the passport booklet as per the application form you submitted, please return the passport for necessary rectification. Any additional fees required to be paid would depend solely on merit of the case as decided by the Assistant Passport Officer )/ Passport Officer . If there is a misrepresentation of facts, then penalty could also be imposed. However, applicants are requested to apply online with the view to ensure that the passports are delivered without any typographical errors since applicants have themselves fed the data. Change of Spouse's Name Q59(a): What is the process to endorse spouse's name on my passport? A: To endorse the spouse's name on your passport, you have to apply for a 'Re-issue' of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on 'Documents Required' link on Home page. Q59(b): My spouse is a foreign citizen. What document(s) do I need to submit along with my passport application to include his/her name in my passport? A: For the applicants whose spouse is a foreign citizen and the name needs to be included in the passport, one of the following documents need to be submitted along with the passport application: i. Marriage Certificate issued by the Indian Mission/Post abroad. OR ii. Marriage Certificate issued by Foreign Government, duly attested/apostille either by: The Indian Mission/Post in the jurisdiction from where the Marriage Certificate was issued The foreign Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of that country in India OR iii. Marriage Certificate issued in India by Indian authorities (Marriage Officer/Registrar of Marriage) OR Marriage Certificate issued by Foreign Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of that country in India (to which the foreign spouse is a citizen) Q59(c): My spouse is a foreign citizen. So while applying for a passport, do I need to add prefix/suffix with his/her name that denotes nationality of the belonging country? A: While mentioning name of foreign spouse in the passport application form, no prefix/suffix denoting nationality of the spouse should be added. Only the actual name of the spouse needs to be mentioned. Q60: What documents are required for deletion of spouse's name on account of divorce? A: Following additional documents have to be submitted:- Court certified copy of Divorce decree or self attested copy of Divorce certificate. Deed Poll or Sworn Affidavit as per Annexure "E" given in the Passport Instruction booklet. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Change of Address Q61: How do I change the address on my passport? A: To change the address in the passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Deletion of ECR Q62: My passport was issued at Passport Office, Hyderabad. Presently, I am working at Chandigarh for the last one year. Can I apply for Non-ECR status at Chandigarh and what are the documents required? A: You can apply for deletion of ECR at your nearest PSK within the jurisdiction of Passport Office , Chandigarh. For this purpose, you need to submit Passport Application form along with the following documents: Original and self attested photocopy of your passport. Documentary proof for any one of the Non-ECR (previously ECNR) categories - if you are eligible for Non-ECR. Proof of present address. To know the list of documents which can be submitted as Address Proof, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q63: My child has ECR status printed on his passport? What should I do? A: To change the ECR status printed on your child's passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Q64: I'm eligible for Non-ECR (previously ECNR - Emigration Check Not Required), the same was stamped in my previous expired passport. But there is no Non-ECR stamp in my reissued passport. Am I covered under Non-ECR category? A: The practice of placing the Non-ECR (ECNR) stamp has been discontinued. If there is no stamp on your passport, it means you are covered under the Non-ECR category. Change of Gender /parents name Q65: Can I apply for change in my gender or change in father's/mother's name in the passport? What additional documents do I have to submit? A: To change your gender or your father's/mother's name, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Issue of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Q66: How do I apply for a Police clearance Certificate (PCC)? A: You can submit the filled in Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form at PSK /, within the jurisdiction of your Passport Office . You need to attach the self-attested photocopies of following documents along with the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form: Passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page (previously ECNR) and the page of observation , if any , made by Passport Issuing Authority and validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport. Proof of Present Address (if address is different from the one mentioned on passport). Q67: In how much time will Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) be issued? A: Please refer the table below to determine the time required for issuing Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in various cases: S.No. Police Verification Report (PVR)/ Observation in System Service Levels 1. Police Verification Report in respect of the existing passport is clear and there is no subsequent adverse entry in the system Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) will be issued on the same day at PSK 2. a) Police Verification was not required when the passport was issued as the applicant was then a minor and has now become an adult b) Police Verification was not required when the passport was issued as the applicant was a dependent of a Government employee c) Police Verification process could not be completed at the time of issuance of passport due to various reasons d) Applicant's present address is different from that mentioned in the passport e) Any other such cases where passport was issued without police verification Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) will be issued only after completion of police verification process. After PVR is received, Passport Office (PO) will inform the applicant through e-mail/ letter. Applicant needs to come to the Passport Office (PO) with his/her passport to collect Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). Country for which Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is being issued will be stamped on the passport. Q68: What is the procedure to apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if passport was issued from another Passport office/Indian Mission? A: If you are in India, you can submit the filled in Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form at PSK/, within the jurisdiction of your Passport Office. If you are abroad, you need to contact the respective Indian mission/post of that country. You need to attach the self-attested photocopies of the following documents along with the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Application Form: Passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page (previously ECNR), the page of observation (if any) made by Passport Issuing Authority, and validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport Proof of Present Address (if address is different from the one mentioned on passport). Q69: What is the validity of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)? A: There is no validity specified for PCC. PCC is not exactly a Passport Service. PCC is a requirement of foreign govts for grant of immigration/ work/residence/family visa/permit.. Generally it is considered valid for six months. Q70: Can Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) be issued for more than one country through one application form? A: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can only be issued for one country through one application form. Q71: What is the age limit for getting the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)? A: There is no age limit specified for getting the Police Clearance Certificate. Q72: Are minor citizens required to apply for Police Clearance Certificate? A: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can be issued to minors, if a foreign govt asks for the same. Issue/ Re-issue of Diplomatic/Official Passport Q73: I am preparing for official travel. How do I obtain my diplomatic, official or regular no-fee passport? A: You need to fill/upload the Diplomatic/Official Passport online form/e-form. Normally applications for diplomatic and official passports are entertained only at the Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division, Patiala House, New Delhi. However , you may also apply at the Passport Office attached to your present residential address. Please submit the following documents along with the application form: -- For existing Ordinary Passport (if any) : Proof / Certificate of Safe Custody done at your office For existing Diplomatic/ Official Passport (i.e. in Re-Issue applications) : the original Diplomatic/Official Passport for cancellation. If the same is kept in the safe custody of the Ministry of External Affairs, the original surrender/safe custody certificate. If the same has been cancelled by Ministry of External Affairs, the original cancellation certificate. A copy of your Official Identity (ID) Card (or that of the Head of Office) A copy of Certificate issued by the Head of Office in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website The Official Request from Forwarding Officer in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website The Political/PMO Clearance Certificate, if applicable If you are retiring in less than six months from the date of application, please give an undertaking from your office that you will surrender the Diplomatic/Official passport to your office immediately after return from official assignment. Tatkaal Related Q74: I am travelling very soon. How can I get a passport urgently? OR have to travel to the UK next week on a company assignment. I don't have a passport. Can I get a new passport under the Tatkaal Scheme? A: You can apply under the Tatkaal scheme, if you are eligible and have to pay the additional Tatkaal fee of Rs.1, 500. You must submit a Verification Certificate (as per Annexure "F") or 3 out of 16 documents along with Standard Affidavit (as per Annexure "I"). To check the eligibility under the Tatkaal scheme, please refer Section D: Table 2 "List of Applicant Categories and Documents to be submitted" of the instruction booklet. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q75: Can I apply for a passport under the Tatkaal scheme? A: The final authority of the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the Passport Office. But, there are list of applicants who cannot apply for passport under the Tatkaal scheme. To check the list of applicants who cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme, please refer instruction booklet. Click Here to download Instruction Booklet. Q76: I have submitted my passport under the normal procedure, but now I need my passport urgently. Can I convert my application to a Tatkaal application? A: You need to visit Assistant Passport Officer at your nearest PSK Q77: Is Tatkaal Passport Process is same as Normal Passport Process? A: Under the Tatkaal scheme, an applicant needs to submit additional documents and additional fees along with his/her application form. Also, police verification will be done after the issuance of passport. To check the list of additional documents, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page and to check the fee structure, please click on "Fee Calculator" link on Home page. Emigration Check Required (ECR) Related Q78: I have a passport with ECR status printed on it. What does this mean? A: Emigration clearance is required for employment in the following countries (18 in total): United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Brunei, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon, Thailand, and Iraq. ECR passport holders taking up employment in the above mentioned list of 18 countries require emigration clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India; otherwise, they will be stopped from traveling at the port of exit. Please Click Here to download the instruction booklet. ECR passport holders traveling abroad for a purpose other than employment, to any of the list of 18 countries, will be allowed to leave the country on production of valid passport, valid visa and return ticket at the immigration counters of an international airport in India. Q79: What are the categories eligible for Non-ECR status and what documents do they have to submit? A: To view the complete list of Non-ECR categories and the documents to be submitted, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q80: My passport was issued at Passport Office, Hyderabad. Presently I am working in Chandigarh for the last one year. Can I apply for Non-ECR status at Chandigarh and what are the documents required? A: You can apply for deletion of ECR at your nearest PSK within the jurisdiction of Passport Office, Chandigarh. For this purpose, you need to submit Passport Application form along with the following documents: Original and self attested photocopy of your passport. Documentary proof of any one of the Non-ECR (previously ECNR) categories - if you are eligible for Non-ECR. Proof of present address. To view the list of documents that can be submitted as address proof, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q81: I don't have Non-ECR status in my passport. Can I get it on the basis of my provisional matriculation or above certificate issued by the University/Board concerned? A: You need to apply for Re-issue of passport for deletion of ECR. A new passport booklet (without having the "ECR" status printed on its last page) will be dispatched to you. You are entitled to Non-ECR status if you possess qualification of Matriculation or above. You can get Non-ECR status on the basis of provisional matriculation certificate if the mark sheets of all semesters of your course are available with you. To check the complete list of Non-ECR categories, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q82: I am a salaried person and income tax is deducted from salary. What are the documents I need to submit for Non-ECR status? A: Following documents have to be submitted for Non-ECR (previously ECNR) status: Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for last one year; or Income Tax returns statement (with income tax being paid by the applicant) for last one year that is stamped by income tax authorities and a copy of the PAN card. For complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q83: I have a passport with ECR status. Is emigration clearance required if I want to visit a country other than the list of 18 countries mentioned in the instruction booklet? A: No, emigration clearance is not required, if you want to visit a country other than the list of 18 countries mentioned in the instruction booklet. ECR passport holders travelling abroad for purpose other than employment, to any of the list of 18 countries, will be allowed to leave the country on production of valid passport, valid visa and return ticket at the immigration counters of an international airport in India. ECR passport holders taking up employment in the list of 18 countries require emigration clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India; otherwise, they will be stopped from traveling at the port of exit. Q84: I have a passport with ECR status and have an employment visa on it. Do I require emigration clearance? A: ECR passport holders taking up employment in the list of 18 countries mentioned in the instructions of passport application form require emigration clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India; otherwise, they will be stopped from travelling at the port of exit. A passport holder having employment visa in passport does not require clearance from POE when they go back after a short visit to India, else emigration clearance is required. Q85: My child has ECR status printed on his passport? What should I do? A: To change the ECR status printed on your child's passport, you have to apply for a "Re-issue" of passport and get the specified change done in personal particulars. Q86: I have ECR status printed on my passport. I want to go to Malaysia urgently. What is the procedure I need to follow? A: At present Emigration control is exercised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, through Protector of Emigrants (POE) under the Emigration Act, 1982. Emigration clearance is required for employment in the following countries (18 in total): United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Brunei, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon, Thailand, and Iraq. If you are going to Malaysia for purpose other than employment, you will be allowed to leave the country on production of valid passport, valid visa and return ticket at the immigration counters of an international airport in India. If you are taking up employment in Malaysia, you require emigration clearance from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before leaving India; otherwise, they will be stopped from travelling at the port of exit. For further clarification refer website www.moia.gov.in. Other Service Related Queries Q87: Can I apply for services at a Passport Office other than the Passport Office where my previous passport was issued? A: You can apply at any PSK /, within the jurisdiction of your Passport Office. If you are a student studying elsewhere, you can also apply at a PSK of the state of your permanent address. Q88: I shifted to Delhi 7 months back from Bangalore. I want to apply for a passport. Can I apply for a passport at Passport Office, Delhi? If so, please let me know the procedure. A: Yes, you can apply at any PSK within the jurisdiction of Passport Office Delhi. For this purpose, you have to fill Passport Application form and submit the required documents. Since, you have stayed at your present address for less than one year, please mention your previous address in Column 3 of the Supplementary form. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q89: Can I obtain a new passport if I am in USA on a visitor's visa? A: Visitors from India on B1 /B2 visa who are not normally resident in USA are advised to hold passports which are valid for the period of their visit. In such cases, where it becomes necessary due to unavoidable reasons, passport would be reissued after clearance from the original Passport Issuing Authority. Q90: Can I get a passport on Post police verification under the Normal scheme? A: The issuance of passport on Post police verification under the Normal scheme depends on case to case basis. The applicant needs to submit additional documents for the same. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page. Q91: I had applied for a passport last year but the same was not issued. I want to again apply for a passport. Should I put a cross against "Fresh Passport" or "Re-issue of Passport" in Column 1.1 of the Passport Application form? A: You have to apply for "Fresh Passport", if you were not issued passport last time. You need to provide the previous application details like file number, month and year of applying and name of the Passport Office where applied, in Column 7.2 of the Passport Application form. Q92: Can an Indian passport be issued to applicants born outside India? A: Indian passport can be issued to the "Citizen of India by Descent" i.e. person born to Indian parent(s) outside India.